Jazz Piano Intermediate Term 1

About this course

The course develops jazz piano technique through a mixture of theory, listening and practical playing. Learners work on standard tunes in styles including swing, Latin, blues, modal, funk and ballad, while studying chord voicings, bass lines, scales, arpeggios, syncopation and ear training. Class activities include playing together and in turn, performing rhythmic, technical and chordal exercises, following chord charts, accompanying other players and improvising. Listening to recordings forms part of the study of jazz repertoire and pianists.

What you'll learn

• Play melodies from several standard jazz tunes
• Improvise with the right hand over left-hand accompaniment
• Accompany other players using two-feel and walking bass lines
• Follow a chord chart
• Perform rhythmic, technical and chordal exercises

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for piano players with some previous jazz experience and an intermediate level of study. Participation involves playing regularly in class, both with others and individually, as well as preparing assignments and tunes between sessions.

• Entry information mentions knowledge of major scales in most keys
• Familiarity with basic chord symbols, including triads and sevenths, is expected
• Some music reading ability is listed
• Regular attendance and between-class practice are required

Before you go

• A digital piano is available for each student in the keyboard room; two acoustic pianos can be used for duets.
• Weekly homework is set, including assignments and preparation of tunes for class performance.
• The textbook Exploring Jazz Piano Vol. 1 by Tim Richards is recommended.