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Lessons for students who play by ear

Jim teaches students who rely exclusively or mostly on their ear, rather than reading notation, when playing.

​Depending on the skill of the student, lessons can be as simple as listening to and identifying chords progressions and melody lines or as complicated as figuring out complex instrumental solos and adding musical variety to arrangements created.  Students are welcome to bring songs they are working on with garage bands, songs they have written, etc. 

Time can be spent teaching or improving note reading skills, if desired.  

Danny, 16: "Don't Stop Me Now" arrangement by ear

Khoa, 12: accompanying his school choir

Lessons in accompanying & collaborating

Jim knows first hand how much fun it is to accompany soloists, choirs, musicals and worship services.  It takes more than just being able to play the notes on the page to successfully collaborate with other musicians; he gladly coaches students in the necessary skills.

For students in the studio, this can be incorporated into regular lessons upon request.  For students not currently studying with Jim, a short-term coaching plan can be created with a consultation.  

"No Practice Required" lessons

Middle and high school students are VERY BUSY.  If your student truly does NOT have time to practice but really enjoys playing, "No Practice Required" lessons may be calling their name.  

Middle/High school students need 4-5 years piano study and must be comfortable playing all 12 Major & minor chords, inverting those chords, playing the C/F/G scales, and sight reading a single line in the right hand.  

Lessons will tackle one song a week in lead sheet format (right hand melody with chord notation for the left hand to play).  Students will listen to the song, learn a bit about the performer/song's place in history, cover the theory necessary to play it (key, chords, etc.), and then work it up. 

They are NOT required to practice at home, however, my experience is that they will probably sit down and play it when they have a few minutes to spare. 

Jazz band pianist training
Playing piano in jazz band is very rewarding but can be very intimidating.  The music notation looks like a foreign language and band directors (often wind players) typically provide little helpful direction. 

Jim can help your pianist succeed in their jazz band.  Lessons are a combination of exercises from a method/book and practical study of the scores they are playing with their jazz band. 

For students in the studio, this can be incorporated into regular lessons upon request.  For students not currently studying with Jim, a short-term coaching plan can be created with a consultation.

The book shown is one a few that Jim might use in Jazz Band Pianist lessons. 
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