Jazz Piano 4B

The class is held in a keyboard room - each student has their own digital piano. Two acoustic pianos are also in the room for students to play together in pairs. Each term you will learn a selection of jazz standards in a variety of styles (swing, latin, blues, modal, funk, ballad, etc), study jazz harmony and chord voicing, and explore a range of improvisation techniques from 'Exploring Jazz Piano' Vol.2. Main emphasis is practical – you will play tunes with other class members and perform rhythmic, technical, and chordal exercises suggested by the tutor. Frequent listening to recordings on CD will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the repertoire and of important jazz pianists. Main emphasis is practical – you will take turns playing tunes and perform rhythmic, technical, and chordal exercises suggested by the tutor. Frequent listening to recordings will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the repertoire and of important jazz pianists. Topics covered this term include:• Diminished chords and scales• Flat 9 and Sharp 9 chords• Bebop scales• I - VI - II - V turnarounds• Horizontal and vertical improvisation• Blues with rootless chords• The chord/scale lick

Homework will be given every week and students must be prepared to spend time doing the given assignments and preparing tunes for performance in class.

Recommended text: Exploring Jazz Piano Vol. 2, by Tim Richards (Schott Music 2005), available from all good music shops, from the tutor, or in Morley Library.