A hands-on introduction for competent pianists based on the tutor's book 'Improvising Blues Piano'. Blues piano is a good introduction to basic jazz harmony and an excellent way to develop simple improvisation skills. This is the 3rd term of a three-term course. You are strongly encouraged to attend all three terms.
Courses
Blues Piano 1C
When & Where
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22 April 2025 - 1 July 2025 ( 16.5 hours, 11 weeks )
- Evening, Tuesday
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View course timetable
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Waterloo Centre
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Course Code W24JPMB01C
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Play a 12-bar blues for several choruses, featuring a range of right-hand motifs
- Incorporate blues licks, turnarounds and endings
- Use a variety of left-hand patterns
- Be familiar with a range of blues styles
- Be more confident playing with and in front of others
Cost
Full fee
£155
Concession fee
£115
Class format and activities
• The class is help in a keyboard room - each student has their own digital piano.• Two acoustic pianos are also provided for students to play duets.• You will take turns playing in class, sometimes in duet with the tutor or others• Demonstrations and suggestions will be given by the tutor• Listening to tracks in class• Home study references will be given from 'Improvising Blues Piano'
Entry requirements
• Completion of Blues Piano 1A and 1B• Knowledge of major scales in most keys• Familiarity with major triads• Reasonable piano technique (at least grade 3 or higher)• Good coordination between the hands• Time to practise between classes• Commitment to attend every week• Some reading ability• Online enrolment on term 3 of this course, starting in April, is only available to those enrolled in the previous term. If you are a current student you will have received an email alerting you to this. If you are new to this course please select 'Ask a Question' and the curriculum department will contact you.
What you need to know before you enrol
You will be given assignments every week and will need to commit to spending regular practice time at home between classes.
What you need
Recommended text: 'Improvising Blues Piano' by Tim Richards (book, Schott Music 1997), available from all good music shops, from the tutor, or in Morley Library. You may also wish to check out the free YouTube clips linked with the course book: https://goo.gl/gpHE2s
What you can do next
Blues Piano 2A (for those who wish to increase their blues/boogie technique and explore different blues styles). Jazz Piano 2A or 3A (for those who wish to explore more jazz harmony, play jazz standards, etc)
