Blues Piano 2C

When & Where

16 April 2024 - 2 July 2024 ( 16.5 hours, 11 weeks )
Evening, Tuesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Tim Richards
Course Code W23JPMB04C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Term three of this course for pianists with previous blues piano experience who wish to expand their repertoire, explore new left-hand styles and develop fresh approaches to improvisation. A great opportunity to improve your aural skills, transcribe from recordings, develop your soloing ability and learn more about a wide variety of blues piano styles. Only suitable for those with a strong interest in blues, good L- and R-hand co-ordination and the ability to keep good time. This term the two classes are on consecutive Sundays.

Learning Outcomes

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

Perform a number of blues pieces in a range of styles and keys
Improvise convincingly in the right hand
Accompany yourself with a variety of left-hand patterns
Display a wide knowledge of different blues piano styles

Cost

Full fee

£150

Concession fee

£115

Class format and activities

Playing and improvising blues in various keys and styles in the company of other like-minded pianists. Time will also be spent listening to and copying masters of the genre, and there will be scope for individuals to pursue their own study projects, perhaps focusing on a particular pianist, left-hand style or genre, eg: boogie-woogie, New Orleans, jazz, gospel, funk, etc...

Entry requirements

Several years of blues piano study/experience are recommended – plus ideally terms 1 and 2 of this course (classes 1–4). The ability to keep time and good coordination between the hands is important. Familiarity with pieces and topics from the tutor’s book ‘Improvising Blues Piano’ (Schott Music, 1997) will be beneficial.

What you need to know before you enrol

During the gap between classes you will be expected to prepare at least one performance piece, together with other tasks set by the tutor. A commitment to regular, focused practice is essential.