Jazz piano 3

About this course

The course develops jazz piano skills through standards involving minor and altered harmony, dominant substitutions and modal harmony. Participants examine the piano’s roles in a rhythm section and as a solo instrument, while practising left-hand chords, bass lines and improvisation on the study tunes. Teaching combines ensemble playing on digital pianos with demonstrations and tutorial work on aural and theoretical topics. Class activities include solo playing, duets in which one pianist accompanies the other, and short periods of individual practice using headphones.

What you'll learn

• Apply minor, altered and modal harmony when playing jazz standards
• Improvise and construct solos on the study tunes
• Read charts and navigate lead sheets and harmonic sequences
• Comp as part of a piano duo
• Develop left-hand chord voicings and bass lines
• Accompany reliably within a rhythm section

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for intermediate jazz pianists, including those who have completed Jazz Piano 2 or developed equivalent experience. It involves playing in class, solo performance, duets and individual practice, with knowledge of scales, modes, swing and Latin rhythms, common jazz progressions and efficient chord voicings expected.

• Previous jazz piano study or equivalent playing experience is required
• Participants should be comfortable working with scales, modes and common jazz chord progressions
• The course includes solo playing, piano duets and accompanying another player

Before you go

• Participants should bring manuscript paper for class notes.