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Arthur Bird

Ever wanted to sit down at the piano, without sheet music, and just play? Don't fancy spending years learning to read music? Maybe you've already learned in the past but fancy a different approach?

Why not try my course in Blues Piano & Improvisation? If it's not for you, 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked.  

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Ever wanted to sit down at the piano, without sheet music, and just play? Don't fancy spending years learning to read music? Maybe you've already learned in the past but fancy a different approach?

Why not try my course in Blues Piano & Improvisation? If it's not for you, 100% money back guarantee, no questions asked.  

Specially created for those of you wanting to learn Blues piano, using a mixture of songs and exercises, the piano lessons build up in achievable stages and will encourage you to eventually be able to improvise cool blues piano on the spot. Yes that's right, by the end of the course you will be able to improvise blues piano, and it will all be coming out of your own head.

The tutorials are perfect for learning piano, with the use of MIDI keyboard on the top half of the screen so you can see the piano note names every time the instructor plays a key.

The course starts from the beginning, learning basics such as note names, fingering and chords. You'll learn the blues scale and will be given exercises to help you integrate it into your playing. You'll be taught how to count in musical terms, and how to use different rhythms.

The 12 Bar Blues is taught throughout the course, from a simple pattern at the start building throughout to an advanced and impressive sounding style by the end. The course is designed to build up in stages, giving you the skills, and teaching you how to incorporate them into your playing along the way, until ultimately you'll be able to improvise on the piano with freedom and style.

Blues Piano eBook - Play Blues Piano in Every Key

This simple guide has illustrations, notation and fingering suggestions for the minor blues scale in every key. It also includes illustrations of the the Perfect to print off and have as a handy reference at your piano or keyboard.

UPDATE - Now includes additional eBook download with music notation for all blues riffs, licks and exercises within the course.

Here's what my students say:

Joe - 5 Stars - This course is one of the best so far. I highly recommend this course to anyone just starting out. This is my second course of Arthurs and I cant what for more to come. Thanks

Tony G - 5 Stars - Super easy to follow, great visual and very lively presentation, makes it interesting and fun to learn.

Fer Estelle - 5 Stars - This courses is exactly what I was looking for. It's easy to follow hands position on the piano and keys thanks to the second keyboard. Arthur talks very clearly and explains just what has to be explain at the right moment and make the thing grow without any pain. Very quickly I realized I was playing. I really recommend this course.

Bonnie Barton - 5 Stars - Its a great course and fun to learn. Very knowledgeable, delivers high quality content and is enthusiastic and loves what he does. I never thought I could play the blues but I am definitely learning and enjoying it heaps.

Tuomas Yli-Olli - 5 Stars - I think the course was surprisingly good. There was enough content to give you basic tools for blues piano playing which you can take then further by learning from other material. There was also enough variety in content to keep me interested the whole time.

Enroll now, and be playing piano by the end of the day.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • This course will take you from the basics to being able to play blues piano with freedom and style.
  • You will learn the skills to be able to improvise, on the spot, playing by ear.
  • 12 bar blues - building up in stages to advanced levels of playing.
  • Walking bass lines & blues licks.
  • Throughout the course you will develop your ability to play using different rhythms.
  • The exercises in the course will help with to build hand strength, stamina and dexterity.
  • These piano lessons will teach you how to play blues solo's with speed and skill, and most of all have fun playing the piano!

Syllabus

A Course in Blues Piano & Improv - Sheet Music Downloads (eBook)
You will be able to position yourself correctly, identify the names of the notes on the piano, understand how to play chords, and have some musical terms under your belt.
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Learn about note names, fingering, and sharp & flat notes.

This lesson teaches you what an octave is.

Here you'll learn what an interval is and how to count them.

This lesson teaches you what a chord is.

This lecture will teach you the difference between Major and Minor chords.

After this lecture you will be able to play the Blues scale in the key of G.

In this lecture you'll learn how to play the Blues scale in 2 octaves, with the correct fingering.

This exercise set you up on your journey to being able to improvise.

You can already start to play a song with the same left hand notes from Exercise 1 you've just learnt and one chord in your right. Feelin' Good by Nina Simone

Here you'll learn the slightly more complicated left hand part.

Here is where you start the building blocks of your blues piano playing, the 1st stage of the 12 bar blues. This is the easiest version, get to grips with this properly,. Learn the counting and structure off by heart and you'll find you have a strong base which will make your progression through the rest of the course a lot easier.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Starts with the basics, such as note names, fingering, and chords, which provides a solid foundation for those new to piano
Uses MIDI keyboard visuals, which helps learners easily follow along with the instructor's finger placements and note selections
Includes an eBook with music notation for all blues riffs, licks, and exercises, which serves as a handy reference guide
Focuses on the 12 Bar Blues, building from simple patterns to advanced styles, which allows learners to progressively develop their skills
Teaches improvisation techniques, which enables learners to create their own blues piano solos and develop a unique playing style
Includes exercises to build hand strength, stamina, and dexterity, which are essential for developing piano playing skills

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Reviews summary

Engaging step-by-step blues piano & improvisation

According to learners, this course offers a highly engaging and clear introduction to blues piano and improvisation. Many found the instructor enthusiastic and effective, making the learning process enjoyable and easy to follow. Students particularly appreciated the step-by-step structure and the practical focus, enabling them to start improvising quickly. The visual aid of the MIDI keyboard is frequently highlighted as very helpful. While the course provides a solid foundation for beginners, some reviewers noted a desire for more advanced techniques or deeper theoretical exploration beyond the core curriculum.
Seeing notes played on screen is useful.
"great visual and very lively presentation"
"easy to follow hands position on the piano and keys thanks to the second keyboard."
"The MIDI keyboard view makes it simple to see what notes are being played."
Quickly teaches how to improvise.
"Very quickly I realized I was playing."
"...you will be able to improvise cool blues piano on the spot."
"...gives you basic tools for blues piano playing which you can take then further..."
"The improvisation part is great and easy to follow."
Builds skills gradually and effectively.
"...the piano lessons build up in achievable stages..."
"...make the thing grow without any pain."
"The course is designed to build up in stages..."
"It starts with the very basics and slowly builds up to more advanced concepts."
Provides a solid starting point.
"I highly recommend this course to anyone just starting out."
"This courses is exactly what I was looking for."
"There was enough content to give you basic tools for blues piano playing..."
"I never thought I could play the blues but I am definitely learning..."
Instructor makes learning enjoyable.
"very lively presentation, makes it interesting and fun to learn."
"Arthur talks very clearly and explains just what has to be explain..."
"...delivers high quality content and is enthusiastic and loves what he does."
"Arthur is a very engaging and knowledgeable instructor."
Some want more advanced techniques.
"There was enough content to give you basic tools for blues piano playing which you can take then further by learning from other material."
"I finished the course and felt ready for more complex ideas."
"I hope there's a follow-up course covering advanced blues styles."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blues Piano Lessons! A Course In Blues Piano & Improvisation with these activities:
Review Basic Music Theory
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music concepts like note names, intervals, and chords, which are essential for grasping the blues scale and 12-bar blues structure.
Browse courses on Music
Show steps
  • Review note names and their positions on the piano.
  • Practice identifying intervals and chord types.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic rhythmic notation.
Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course
Build a strong foundation in piano playing with a structured approach to note reading, basic chords, and simple rhythms.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Work through the first few chapters, focusing on note reading and hand positioning.
  • Practice the exercises to develop finger dexterity.
  • Apply the learned concepts to simple blues progressions.
Blues Scale Finger Exercises
Improve your finger dexterity and familiarity with the blues scale by practicing scale patterns and finger exercises in all 12 keys.
Show steps
  • Practice the blues scale in each key, ascending and descending.
  • Create variations by changing the rhythm and articulation.
  • Incorporate the blues scale into simple improvisations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Record a 12-Bar Blues Improvisation
Solidify your understanding of the 12-bar blues structure and improvisation techniques by recording yourself playing a solo over a backing track.
Show steps
  • Find a 12-bar blues backing track in a comfortable key.
  • Improvise a solo using the blues scale and learned licks.
  • Record your performance and listen back for areas of improvement.
Blues Piano: The Complete Guide with Online Audio!
Deepen your understanding of blues piano with a comprehensive guide covering chords, scales, improvisation, and transcriptions of famous solos.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Study the sections on blues chords, scales, and rhythms.
  • Transcribe and analyze solos from the book.
  • Practice the exercises to develop your blues piano skills.
Explore Advanced Blues Piano Techniques
Refine your blues piano skills by seeking out and following tutorials on advanced techniques like walking bass lines, turnarounds, and complex rhythms.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on specific blues piano techniques.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
  • Incorporate the new techniques into your improvisations.
Compose a Blues Piano Piece
Test and solidify your skills and knowledge by composing your own original blues piano piece, incorporating the techniques and concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Develop a chord progression based on the 12-bar blues or a variation.
  • Compose a melody using the blues scale and learned licks.
  • Arrange the piece for solo piano, incorporating bass lines and rhythms.
  • Practice and refine your composition.

Career center

Learners who complete Blues Piano Lessons! A Course In Blues Piano & Improvisation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blues Pianist
A blues pianist specializes in playing blues music, often performing solo or with a band in various venues. This course provides techniques to become a blues pianist, as it is designed to take you from the basics to playing with freedom and style. You build the ability to improvise on the spot and play by ear. The course's emphasis on building up to advanced levels of playing the 12 bar blues helps you master a core element of blues music. Learning walking bass lines and blues licks will also enhance your playing.
Piano Teacher
A career as a piano teacher allows you to share your passion for music with others. This course helps build a foundation for teaching blues piano specifically. You can use the lessons and exercises from this course to inform your teaching methods. The course's focus on improvisation is especially valuable, as you can guide your students to develop their own unique playing styles. By learning note names, fingering, chords, the blues scale, and different rhythms, a piano teacher is equipped to give comprehensive lessons that cover both foundational skills and advanced techniques.
Session Musician
A session musician is a versatile instrumentalist who plays on recordings or live performances with various artists. The goal of this course aligns well with the demands of a session musician specializing in blues piano. The course covers essential skills and techniques needed to excel in this role. Developing an ability to improvise, play by ear, and apply different rhythms prepares you for the spontaneous and collaborative nature of session work. The focus on the 12 bar blues provides a deep understanding of a fundamental blues structure.
Composer
A composer writes original music for various purposes, such as film scores, songs, or instrumental pieces. If you want to compose blues music, this course helps develop skills in improvisation, understanding of the blues scale, and knowledge of different rhythms. The course's emphasis on the 12 bar blues helps you master a fundamental structure in blues composition. By learning to play with freedom and style, you can translate this knowledge into writing original blues compositions. Learning blues licks enhances melodic ideas.
Arranger
An arranger takes existing musical pieces and adapts them for different instruments or ensembles. This course helps you hone expertise in blues piano, which is useful when arranging blues pieces for piano or incorporating piano into arrangements for other instruments. The course's coverage of the 12 bar blues helps you understand the structure and harmonic possibilities within this form. Learning different rhythms expands your toolkit for creating interesting and varied arrangements. This course will serve you well as you adapt blues pieces for various ensembles.
Accompanist
An accompanist plays piano to support singers or other instrumentalists during rehearsals and performances. For instance, you might accompany a vocalist singing the blues. This course may be useful, as it provides the skills needed to improvise and adapt to the needs of the performer. The course's focus on different rhythms and the 12 bar blues prepares you to provide a solid foundation for any blues performance. Learning to play by ear and improvise are especially useful when accompanying, as it allows you to respond quickly to changes during a performance.
Music Director
A music director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production, often leading a band or orchestra. While this role often requires an advanced degree, this course may be useful by providing a deeper understanding of blues piano, which is helpful if directing a blues ensemble. The course's focus on improvisation and playing by ear can also help you guide musicians in developing their own unique interpretations of blues music. Additionally, the course's coverage of different rhythms and blues licks can inform your conducting and arranging.
Music Blogger
A music blogger creates and publishes content about music on a blog. This course may be useful, as it provides foundational knowledge of blues piano. If you want to specialize in blues music, you will benefit from the course's focus on improvisation, the 12 bar blues, and different rhythms. Learning about blues licks can also help you create engaging and informative blog posts about blues piano techniques. Your writing will be better informed and more interesting.
Music Journalist
A music journalist writes about music for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course may be useful if you plan to specialize in writing about blues music, as it provides a deeper understanding of blues piano. The course's focus on the 12 bar blues and different rhythms can inform your writing about blues music theory and performance. Learning about blues licks can also enhance your ability to describe and analyze blues piano styles. This appreciation will come across in your writing.
Recording Engineer
A recording engineer captures and manipulates sound during recording sessions. This course may be helpful if you plan to record blues piano music, as it provides knowledge of the instrument and its nuances. The course's focus on improvisation helps you understand the spontaneous nature of blues piano playing, and the coverage of different rhythms helps you capture the energy and feel of the music. Learning about blues licks can also inform your mixing and mastering decisions, ensuring that the piano sounds its best in the final recording.
Talent Scout
A talent scout searches for new and promising musicians to sign to record labels or management companies. This course may be useful if you plan to specialize in blues music, as it provides a deeper understanding of blues piano. The course's focus on improvisation, the 12 bar blues, and different rhythms can help you assess the talent and potential of blues pianists. Learning about blues licks can also inform your evaluation of their technical skills and musicality. All of this will make you better at identifying talent.
DJ
A disc jockey plays music for an audience, typically at clubs, parties, or on the radio. While this role may not directly involve playing blues piano, this course may be useful if you want to incorporate blues piano music into your sets or specialize in blues-influenced genres. The course's focus on the 12 bar blues and different rhythms can inform your understanding of blues music structure and its potential for mixing and remixing. Learning about blues licks can also help you identify and select tracks with strong blues piano elements.
Musical Instrument Salesperson
A musical instrument salesperson assists customers in selecting and purchasing musical instruments. While this role may not directly involve playing blues piano, the course can be helpful if you want to specialize in selling pianos or keyboards to blues musicians. The course's focus on improvisation, the 12 bar blues, and different rhythms can help you understand the needs and preferences of blues pianists when choosing an instrument. Learning about blues licks can also inform your recommendations for specific features or models that would be well-suited for playing blues music.
Music Therapist
A music therapist uses music to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. This role usually requires an advanced degree. While being a music therapist does not directly involve playing blues piano, this course may be useful if you intend to use blues music in therapy sessions. The course's focus on improvisation, the 12 bar blues, and different rhythms can help you create therapeutic activities that encourage self-expression and emotional release through blues piano playing. Learning about blues licks can also inform your understanding of the emotional impact of different musical elements.
Ethnomusicologist
An ethnomusicologist studies the music of different cultures. This role typically requires an advanced degree. If you are interested in studying blues music, this course may be helpful by providing a deeper understanding of blues piano traditions. The course's focus on improvisation, the 12 bar blues, and different rhythms can inform your research into the cultural and historical context of blues piano playing. Learning about blues licks can also enhance your ability to analyze and interpret the musical elements of blues piano.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blues Piano Lessons! A Course In Blues Piano & Improvisation.
Comprehensive guide to blues piano, covering a wide range of topics from basic chords and scales to advanced improvisation techniques. It includes numerous examples, exercises, and transcriptions of famous blues piano solos. It is valuable as both a reference and for additional reading to deepen your understanding of blues piano styles. The online audio provides valuable examples.

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