FutureLearn

Learn to Play Jazz Piano Course - Goldsmiths, University of London

Gain a thorough and fun introduction to modern jazz piano, from the basics to advanced blues sequences.

Learn how to play jazz piano with Goldsmiths University of London

From learning the basics of jazz improvisation to mastering more advanced techniques, this ExpertTrack will enhance your jazz piano playing skills for playing in a group with other musicians and improvising in C, F, and B flat.

As you move through this ExpertTrack, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to: - improvise using scalic, chordal, motivic routes and special devices play in voiced position - including other influences connected with jazz, such as jazz-funk, third stream, and indo-fusion.

Begin building your jazz repertoire with the blues

The first course in this series will give you an introduction to jazz improvisation on the piano, and equip you to play jazz piano in a group using a playalong.

You’ll first focus on the blues, before moving on to playing a jazz standard and building a foundation in the art of improvisation.

Play jazz piano with a group of musicians

The second course will develop your jazz improvisation skills further. You’ll learn in more depth about the blues and jazz standards, and explore jazz improvisation using playalongs of jazz classics like ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘All the Things You Are’, and ‘Autumn Leaves’.

Build your jazz technique by playing solo

Kicking it up a notch, the third course will teach you how to play solo jazz piano and a jazz waltz. You’ll discover scale and chord theory, and explore modulation, swing, and rhythmic phrases.

Enjoy 20 new jazz tunes and a jazz concert with Ray d’Inverno

The final course will introduce you to advanced blues sequences, and ballads, as well as special devices to incorporate Latin and funk into your jazz piano style.

You’ll finish the course enjoying a solo concert by Ray d’Inverno, followed by the greatly revered Ray d’Inverno Trio.

Key skills you will learn

• Improvising on Jazz Standards
• Rhythm changes
• Minor blues sequences
• Modulation and rhythmic phrases
• playing solo jazz piano
• Scale and Chord theory
• Afro-Cuban Styles
• Jazz Funk
• Special devices and comping
• Modal scales

ExpertTrack course overview

• Learn Jazz Piano: Begin with the Blues
  Discover jazz improvisation on the piano, and learn to play and improvise on the blues and a jazz standard.
• Learn jazz piano: Improvising on Jazz Standards
  Improve your jazz improvisation with this course on jazz piano, where you’ll learn to play along bass and drum soundtracks.
• Learn Jazz Piano: Advanced and Solo Playing
  Prepare to become an experienced solo jazz piano player and go deeper into advanced jazz techniques and theories.
• Learn Jazz Piano: Final Topics and Two Concerts
  Explore advanced blues sequences, ballads, special devices and composing to incorporate Latin and funk into your jazz piano style.

How ExpertTracks work

Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award that proves your expertise.

Who will you learn with?

Ray d'Inverno

I have been a jazz pianist and educator for over fifty years and have developed this online course on learning jazz piano.

World-class learning with

Goldsmiths, University of London

Part of the University of London, Goldsmiths has a world-class reputation. Study creative and inspiring courses and learn from leading minds in the arts, humanities, social sciences and computing.

Start learning today - free 7-day trial

After your free trial you can:

• Pay $39 per month to keep learning online
• Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time
• Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage
• Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
• Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
• Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network
• Keep access to the content of courses you complete even after your subscription ends