Blues Piano Basics (2-Night)

About Blues Piano Basics (2-Night)

Join us for an immersive course in blues piano and learn the groove of the twelve bar blues - perfect for pianists who want to develop their blues and jazz improvisation skills, led by experienced and passionate piano tutor Tim Richards. This course is part of the Benslow Jazz Summer School.

What is the course about?

This hands-on course is perfect for piano players looking to develop their blues musicality. Dive into the soundworld of the blues and learn pieces by celebrated jazz and boogie-woogie pianists: Jimmy Yancey, Otis Spann, Pete Johnson and Professor Longhair. With guidance from the brilliant Tim Richards, you’ll learn all about the twelve bar blues, exploring a range of well-known pieces and styles. You’ll have the chance to work both solo and in duet with fellow course members, covering improvisation techniques, harmony and chord sequences - and come away feeling inspired to play more.

What will you learn?

By the end of the course you will: Gain a deeper understanding of blues and jazz piano, exploring classic styles, harmony, and chord progressions. Be able to play piano pieces in a range of styles and get helpful tips on your technique. Learn to improvise simple solos with your right hand and accompany others by playing bass line chords. Meet and play with other passionate musicians, in a relaxed creative setting.

How will the course be taught?

This is a hands-on course with lots of helpful advice and coaching from our tutor Tim Richards throughout. Tim will give demonstrations at the piano, and you’ll take turns to play solo and with other pianists, across a range of different pianos. There will be time allocated to practice, with a final informal sharing concert to the group to celebrate what you’ve achieved during the course.

Who is the course for?

This course is open to piano players of all levels, except absolute beginners. You’ll need to be able to read music.

Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?

You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. We’ll share the music with you before the course, so you can familiarise yourself. Some of the material will be taken from the tutor's book 'Improvising Blues Piano' (Schott Music 1997). The book will be available to purchase during the course if you’d like to take a copy home with you. If you already have a copy, please bring it with you. You may also find a recording device useful (your phone is fine).