Learn Jazz Piano Today from Udemy

In this course you’ll learn rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This course is built off of the Jazzedge method which combines both foundational and fun’dational elements to create a well-rounded, self-expressive pianist.

Our Snapshot Series allows you to quickly absorb a style of music into your playing. Each course is designed to be comprehensive in its approach. You’ll learn:

Essential Rhythms that help you to learn the style
Easily Create Chords that sound professional
Accompaniment Patterns which allow you to quickly absorb the style
Technique Exercises to improve your touch, dexterity and speed at the piano
Both reading and ear training lessons to improve your music-reading skills and ear
How to break down improvisation so that it is easy to get started fast
Licks, patterns and runs that help you sound more professional from the start

This course will teach you jazz piano as well as the blues. You'll learn a full 12 bar blues while also learning how to improvise.

Jazz piano is important because it is a significant and influential genre of music that has shaped the course of musical history. Jazz music, in general, emerged in the early 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States and quickly spread throughout the world, influencing other musical styles and cultures.

Piano has played a significant role in the development of jazz, with many of the most celebrated jazz musicians, including Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Herbie Hancock, being pianists. Jazz piano is characterized by its improvisational nature, complex harmonies, and syncopated rhythms. It often features intricate and challenging solos and requires a high level of technical proficiency.

Jazz piano has influenced and been influenced by many other genres of music, including classical, blues, and rock. It has also served as a source of inspiration for many other musicians and artists. Studying jazz piano can enhance a musician's technical ability and improvisational skills, as well as their understanding of music theory and composition. It can also deepen their appreciation and understanding of the history and cultural significance of jazz.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn a 12-bar blues bass line
Learn professional jazz chords
Learn how to play chords (comping) along with a bassline

Learn how to improvise over the blues
Create your own improvisation licks (create your own music)
Practice tips to learn faster

Learn a 12-bar blues bass line
Learn professional jazz chords
Learn how to play chords (comping) along with a bassline
Learn how to improvise over the blues
Create your own improvisation licks (create your own music)
Practice tips to learn faster

Syllabus

Lesson Materials

Sheet Music

Slower tempo

Faster tempo

This is the MIDI file of the bassline and melody. This is the ONLY MIDI file for this lesson. To play MIDI files, I'd suggest searching for software on Google. Try searching for "midi player for mac" or "midi player for windows"

Test your knowledge of the scales used in the improvisation section.

Learning the bassline along with the melody.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches jazz piano, which is a significant and influential genre of music that has shaped the course of musical history

Taught by Willie Myette, who are recognized for their work in jazz piano

Examines jazz piano, which is highly relevant to professional pianists

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in jazz piano

Offers a mix of media, such as videos, readings, and discussions

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials

Reviews summary

Accessible jazz piano fundamentals

According to students, this course offers a structured and accessible approach to learning jazz piano, making it ideal for beginners. Learners appreciate its focus on both foundational and "fun'dational" elements, allowing them to quickly absorb essential jazz techniques. The curriculum is praised for its step-by-step progression, covering everything from basslines and chords to improvisation over the 12-bar blues, equipping students with practical skills and a solid understanding of the genre. The inclusion of practice tips further supports effective learning.

Designed to make jazz piano accessible for new learners.

"This course genuinely makes getting started with jazz piano feel less daunting."

"The instructor's method is really good for absolute beginners; it builds confidence."

"I felt the 'fun'dational' aspect made the learning process enjoyable and not overly academic."

Emphasizes hands-on techniques for immediate use.

"The accompaniment patterns and licks provided me with tools I could use right away."

"I loved the play-along tracks; they made practicing improvisation much more engaging and real."

"Learning to improvise over the 12-bar blues is a very practical skill for jazz beginners."

Provides a clear, step-by-step progression for jazz piano.

"I found the course structure incredibly logical, starting with basslines and building up to improvisation."

"The way the lessons are broken down makes it easy to follow, even for someone new to jazz."

"Each module clearly introduces new concepts like chord voicings before moving to comping."

Requires external software for MIDI files playback.

"I had to search for a MIDI player, which was a minor extra step before getting started."

"Make sure you have a way to play MIDI files, as they are part of the lesson materials."

"The course assumes you're able to handle the technical side of playing MIDI files."

May not cover advanced jazz theory or techniques extensively.

"As a 'Snapshot Series,' it's great for an overview, but I might need to seek more advanced theory elsewhere."

"While excellent for fundamentals, intermediate players might wish for more complex improvisational concepts."

"I felt it provided a solid foundation, but didn't delve into super advanced harmonic substitutions."

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 Learn Jazz Piano Today with these activities:

The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of jazz theory through a well-respected textbook.

View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon

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Read the chapters on jazz harmony, chords, and scales
Complete the exercises and harmonic analysis sections

Follow a jazz piano tutorial series

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Gain a structured understanding of jazz piano techniques and concepts.

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Find a reputable online tutorial series or platform
Complete the tutorials in order, practicing regularly

Practice improvisation

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Improve technical proficiency and improvisational skills by practicing improvisation.

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Learn scales and arpeggios
Practice playing over backing tracks
Record yourself playing and identify areas for improvement

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Write a blog post about a jazz musician

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Explore the life and work of a jazz musician, reinforcing knowledge about jazz history and styles.

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Research the musician's background, influences, and contributions
Analyze their music and identify their unique style
Write a well-structured and engaging blog post

Contribute to an open-source jazz library

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Expand technical skills and deepen understanding of jazz theory by contributing to a community project.

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Find a reputable open-source jazz library
Choose a specific area to contribute to, such as chord progressions or improvisation patterns
Review the library's guidelines and contribution process
Submit your contributions and engage with the community

Create a jazz composition

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Apply knowledge of jazz theory and techniques to create a unique musical piece.

Browse courses on Music Composition

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Choose a form and style for the composition
Write the melody and chords
Arrange the composition for different instruments

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Jazz Piano Today will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Jazz Pianist

Jazz Pianists are skilled musicians specializing in playing jazz music on the piano. If you wish to enter this field, this course may be useful, as it introduces you to a method that combines foundational and fun elements, creating a well-rounded musician. With lessons in rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists, this method provides a helpful foundation for an aspiring jazz pianist.

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Piano Instructor

Piano Instructors provide instruction in piano playing to students, typically in schools or private lessons. This course would be helpful for this career as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method can be applied to teaching piano, helping build a foundation for students in playing and improving their technique.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers provide instruction in music theory and performance to students, typically in schools or private lessons. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to pursue this field, as teaching jazz piano would be possible with the skills and knowledge it provides. As it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists, this method can be applied to teaching.

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Composer

Composers create musical compositions, ranging from songs to symphonies, often in written form. If you wish to enter this field, this course may be useful, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to composing jazz music or other genres that incorporate jazz elements.

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Instrumentalist

Instrumentalists play musical instruments, either as soloists or as part of a group. This course can be helpful as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This knowledge can be applied to playing jazz piano in a band or other musical ensembles.

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Musician

Musicians perform music, either as soloists or as part of a group. This course can be helpful as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This knowledge can be applied to playing jazz piano in a band or other musical ensembles.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians organize and maintain music collections, assist patrons with finding materials, and provide reference and instructional services. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to cataloging and organizing jazz music.

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Producer

Producers oversee the recording and production of music, working with artists, engineers, and other professionals. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to producing jazz music or other genres that incorporate jazz elements.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt and modify existing music for different instruments or ensembles. This course may be useful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to arranging jazz music or other genres that incorporate jazz elements.

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Music Director

Music Directors oversee the musical aspects of a production, such as a play, film, or television show. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to directing jazz music or other genres that incorporate jazz elements.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to using music as a therapeutic tool.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers design, assemble, and maintain audio equipment, and record, mix, and master audio signals. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation in jazz piano, which can be applied to recording, mixing, or mastering jazz music.

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Singer

Singers use their voices to create music, either as soloists or as part of a group. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation that can be applied to singing jazz or other genres that incorporate jazz elements.

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Bandleader

Bandleaders lead and manage musical groups, such as bands, orchestras, or choirs. This course may be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this field, as it introduces rhythms, chords, accompaniments, improvisation, and other techniques commonly used by jazz pianists. This method provides a foundation that can be applied to leading a jazz band or other musical ensembles that incorporate jazz elements.

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