The Classical Pianist’s Guide to Jazz: A Step-by-Step Learning Path

Here’s a structured learning path for a classical pianist transitioning into jazz piano. This path will gradually build jazz-specific skills while leveraging classical technique.


Phase 1: Foundations of Jazz Piano (Weeks 1-4)

Goal: Learn basic jazz chords, rhythms, and feel.

  1. Chord Essentials (8hr 10min)
  • Learn major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords.
  • Play common jazz progressions and inversions.
  • Develop rhythmic patterns for comping.
  1. Jazz Piano Blueprint for Beginners (1hr 11min)
  • Learn chord shells for jazz accompaniment.
  • Play a simple jazz standard with left-hand comping.
  • Understand basic jazz rhythm and swing feel.
  1. Fundamental Piano Skills: Scales, Triads, and Seventh Chords (0hr 40min)
  • Strengthen jazz-relevant scales and chords.
  • Learn seventh chords and inversions.

Phase 2: Jazz Accompaniment & Comping (Weeks 5-8)

Goal: Develop left-hand comping and play jazz standards.

  1. Super Simple Jazz Standards – Chord Shell Foundations (6hr 0min)
  • Learn jazz standards using simple chord shells.
  • Play left-hand voicings and comping patterns.
  • Improve hand independence.
  1. The Confident Improviser™ Mini Course (2hr 9min)
  • Learn how to start improvising with scales.
  • Develop left-hand accompaniment patterns.

Phase 3: Exploring Jazz Ballads & Arrangements (Weeks 9-12)

Goal: Learn to play ballads with expressive voicings.

  1. When I Fall in Love – Jazz Ballad Piano Arrangement (1hr 18min)
  • Play a jazz ballad with lush voicings.
  • Improve melodic phrasing and left-hand comping.
  1. The Nearness of You – Jazz Ballad Arrangement (2hr 7min)
  • Learn reharmonization techniques.
  • Develop jazz ballad improvisation.

Phase 4: Swing, Blues, & Improvisation (Weeks 13-16)

Goal: Develop a swing feel and basic jazz improvisation.

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  1. No Bull Guide to Jazz Piano (Beginner) (7hr 3min)
  • Learn the 12-bar blues progression.
  • Develop basic jazz comping and improvisation techniques.
  1. Slow, Blues Improvisation (1hr 21min)
  • Practice improvising with blues scales and chord tones.
  • Work on rhythmic variations and phrasing.

Phase 5: Expanding Jazz Vocabulary & Improvisation (Weeks 17-20)

Goal: Gain confidence in jazz harmony and soloing.

  1. No Bull Guide to Jazz Piano (Advanced)(6hr 28min)
    • Master guide tones, rootless voicings, and comping techniques.
    • Strengthen improvisation over jazz blues progressions.
  2. Anyone Can Improvise in 3 Easy Steps(1hr 2min)
    • Use left-hand grooves and blues licks for improvisation.
    • Improve rhythmic confidence and soloing techniques.

Final Phase: Playing Full Jazz Arrangements (Weeks 21-24)

Goal: Apply jazz skills to full arrangements and develop fluency.

  1. My Way – Jazz Piano Arrangement(2hr 6min)
    • Play a full jazz piano arrangement with expressive phrasing.
    • Apply chord voicings and improvisation techniques.
  2. Just the Way You Are – Pop & Jazz Piano Arrangement(3hr 53min)
    • Blend jazz harmony into pop tunes.
    • Work on left-hand comping and right-hand soloing.

What’s Next?

After completing this path, you’ll be comfortable with jazz harmony, comping, and basic improvisation. You can:

This structured path ensures a smooth transition from classical to jazz, focusing on harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and arrangement. Let me know if you need modifications!

author avatar
Willie President
Willie Myette is an accomplished pianist, entrepreneur, and music educator who founded Jazzedge Academy, his flagship platform offering comprehensive piano instruction worldwide. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, he developed his innovative 6-step teaching method that serves students from beginners to professionals across every continent. Willie's musical journey includes touring with his trio Katahdin's Edge, producing three acclaimed albums with nationwide radio play, and showcasing at SXSW. His educational ventures span multiple platforms including JazzKids®, PianoWithWillie, and HomeSchoolPiano, all supported by his dedicated team that helps students cultivate improvisation skills and musical creativity.

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