When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Tim Richards
  • Course Code W24JPMB01B
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

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 2nd term of a three-term course. You are strongly encouraged to attend all three terms.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Play pieces from the standard blues and boogie repertoire
  • Play a selection of boogie patterns for the left hand
  • Use a variety of right-hand ideas and improv techniques
  • Play dominant seventh chords and their inversions
  • Have increased confidence at playing with and in front of others

Class format and activities

This is a hands-on course and you will play every week. Demonstrations and suggestions will be given by the tutor, including listening to recordings of famous blues pianists. Home study references will be given from 'Improvising Blues Piano'.

Entry requirements

Completion of Blues Piano 1A. 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 2 of this course, starting in January, 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 asked to prepare pieces for performance in class. You will need to commit to regular practice time at home in between classes. You may wish to check out the free YouTube clips linked with the course book: https://goo.gl/gpHE2s

What you need

Recommended text: 'Improvising Blues Piano', by Tim Richards (Schott Music 1997), available from all good music shops, from the tutor, or in Morley Library.

What you can do next

Blues Piano 1C