We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Willie Myette

  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. 

Read more

  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.

Enroll now

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

Syllabus

Lesson Materials
Sheet Music

Slower tempo

Faster tempo

Read more

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"

Bassline
Introduction
Bassline Pt 2
Bassline Pt 3
Bassline Pt 4
Bassline Pt 5
Bassline Pt 6
Melody
About The Virtual Keyboard
Melody Pt 2
Melody Pt 3
Melody Pt 4
First Ending
Second Ending
Chord Voicing Basics
Rootless Chord Voicings
Building Chords
Chord Tensions
A Voicing B Voicing
Chord quiz
Ben's Blues Chord Voicings
Syncopation and Comping
Bassline & Chords m 1-6
Bassline & Chords m 7-12
Gaining Freedom with Comping
Practice Techniques
Chunking Practice
Phrase Flow
Why You Should Sound Bad
Improvisation
Play-along Tracks
Pentatonic Scale
Blues Scale
Grace Notes
Vocalize Rhythms
Creating Licks
Scale Blocks

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

Minor Pentatonic Licks
Blues Scale Licks
12-Bar Blues Copy/Paste
Head-Solo-Head
Playing/Resting
Conclusion

Learning the bassline along with the melody.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

Save this course

Save Learn Jazz Piano Today to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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
Gain a comprehensive understanding of jazz theory through a well-respected textbook.
View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on jazz harmony, chords, and scales
  • Complete the exercises and harmonic analysis sections
Follow a jazz piano tutorial series
Gain a structured understanding of jazz piano techniques and concepts.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable online tutorial series or platform
  • Complete the tutorials in order, practicing regularly
Practice improvisation
Improve technical proficiency and improvisational skills by practicing improvisation.
Show steps
  • Learn scales and arpeggios
  • Practice playing over backing tracks
  • Record yourself playing and identify areas for improvement
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Write a blog post about a jazz musician
Explore the life and work of a jazz musician, reinforcing knowledge about jazz history and styles.
Show steps
  • 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
Expand technical skills and deepen understanding of jazz theory by contributing to a community project.
Show steps
  • 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
Apply knowledge of jazz theory and techniques to create a unique musical piece.
Browse courses on Music Composition
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Learn Jazz Piano Today.
Comprehensive guide to jazz piano playing, covering everything from basic chords and rhythms to advanced improvisation techniques. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz piano.
Collection of over 400 jazz standards, complete with chords, melodies, and lyrics. It is an essential resource for any jazz musician, and it can be especially helpful for students who are learning to improvise.
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced topics. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the theoretical side of jazz music.
Practical guide to jazz piano playing, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced improvisation concepts. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to play jazz piano.
Comprehensive guide to jazz piano playing, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced improvisation concepts. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to play jazz piano.
Comprehensive guide to jazz piano playing, covering everything from basic techniques to advanced improvisation concepts. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to play jazz piano.
Collection of essays and articles on jazz piano playing. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history, theory, and practice of jazz piano.
Collection of essays and articles on the bebop era of jazz piano. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and theory of bebop piano playing.
Collection of essays and articles on the modern era of jazz piano. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and theory of modern jazz piano playing.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Learn Jazz Piano Today.
Pianoforall - Incredible New Way To Learn Piano & Keyboard
Most relevant
Learn Jazz Piano: I. Begin with the Blues
Most relevant
Learn Jazz Piano: II. Improvising on Jazz Standards
Most relevant
Learn Jazz Piano: III. Solo Piano and Advanced Topics
Most relevant
The Blues: Understanding and Performing an American Art...
Most relevant
Learn Jazz Piano: IV. Final Topics & Two Programmed...
Most relevant
Gypsy Jazz Guitar
Most relevant
Jazz for the Curious Guitarist
Most relevant
Developing Your Musicianship
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser