This structured learning path is designed for beginner pianists who want to build a strong foundation in jazz piano. Whether you’re new to piano or transitioning from classical music, this step-by-step approach will guide you through essential jazz concepts, including chord shells, comping, rhythm, and improvisation.
Phase 1: Establishing Core Skills (Weeks 1-4)
Goal: Develop fundamental piano skills and basic jazz harmony.
Fundamental Piano Skills: Scales, Triads, and Seventh Chords (40min)
- Learn major/minor scales, triads, and seventh chords.
- Develop proper hand positioning and smooth transitions.
Super Simple Standards Mini Course (6hr 0min)
- Play jazz standards using simple chord shells.
- Establish a solid left-hand foundation for comping.
No Bull Guide to Jazz Piano (Beginner) (7hr 3min)
- Understand the 12-bar blues progression and basic jazz rhythms.
- Develop left-hand accompaniment and improvisation techniques.
Phase 2: Building Jazz Rhythm & Comping (Weeks 5-8)
Goal: Strengthen left-hand comping, swing feel, and rhythm.
Jazz Piano Blueprint for Beginners (1hr 11min)
- Learn chord shells and rhythmic comping patterns.
- Play a simplified jazz arrangement of “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Super Simple Standards Mini Course (Review & Expansion)
- Reinforce left-hand comping while expanding on chord shell variations.
- Work on internalizing jazz rhythm and syncopation.
Have I Told You Lately – Jazz Ballad Styling (50min)
- Apply chord shells to a jazz ballad.
- Develop expressive phrasing and left-hand movement.
Phase 3: Introduction to Improvisation (Weeks 9-12)
Goal: Build confidence in soloing and right-hand phrasing.
The Confident Improviser™ Mini Course (2hr 9min)
- Learn step-by-step improvisation techniques.
- Develop rhythmic phrasing and melodic construction.
Anyone Can Improvise in 3 Easy Steps (1hr 2min)
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- Master left-hand accompaniment for improvisation.
- Integrate blues licks and rhythmic variations.
Slow, Blues Improvisation (1hr 21min)
- Explore the blues scale and slow blues phrasing.
- Learn how to build and resolve phrases in a 12-bar form.
Phase 4: Playing Full Arrangements & Expanding Style (Weeks 13-16)
Goal: Apply jazz concepts to complete song arrangements.
When I Fall in Love – Jazz Ballad Arrangement (Multi-part lesson)
- Develop chord voicings for ballads.
- Improve melodic phrasing and left-hand comping.
My Way – Jazz Piano Arrangement (Multi-part lesson)
- Learn reharmonization techniques and expressive soloing.
- Expand your ability to interpret jazz standards.
Final Phase: Refining Jazz Skills & Personal Expression (Weeks 17-20)
Goal: Gain fluency in jazz comping, improvisation, and soloing.
Tennille’s Blues – Complete Slow Blues Piano Course (Multi-part lesson)
- Deepen understanding of 12-bar blues and left-hand bass patterns.
- Develop expressive blues soloing techniques.
Just the Way You Are – Pop & Jazz Piano Arrangement (Multi-part lesson)
- Apply jazz voicings and improvisation to a pop song.
- Strengthen right-hand phrasing and left-hand comping.
What’s Next?
By the end of this learning path, you will:
✔ Play jazz standards with chord shells and comping techniques.
✔ Improvise with confidence using blues scales and rhythmic phrasing.
✔ Develop left-hand independence for accompaniment and soloing.
✔ Understand jazz harmony and phrasing to create expressive arrangements.
Next steps:
- Explore Chord Essentials as a reference for new chord structures and rhythmic patterns.
- Transcribe jazz solos and comping patterns from great pianists.
- Start playing in jam sessions to apply your skills in real-world settings.
