POLICIES

The following are my teaching policies followed by versions of the Table of Contents of my Books 1 devoted to the universe of jazz/improvised piano study.

1) I charge $60 per lesson. My first lesson is usually half price, but there is a materials charge of $30.00 for the "Primer on Jazz Piano" Book 1. The first lesson payment = $30 (half-price) + "Primer" $30. = $60.

2) The student may pay for 1 lesson at a time, or pay in advance for 2 lessons at a time for the cut-rate of $100.00, or 4 lessons at a time for the cut-rate of $180.00. Payment in cash is due at the beginning of each lesson.

3) Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance, or the student will forfeit the cost of the lesson. Also, this policy works both ways, so I would forfeit the cost of a lesson if I failed to notify a student at least 24 hours before my own cancellation.

4) Lessons are at my apartment in Los Feliz. The nearest cross street is Normandie and Sunset Blvd. If this is a problem for you, I could travel to your residence, but a small travel fee would be worked out.

5) Lessons may be scheduled at the students convenience. Usually, this means weekly or bi-monthly. I always try to take care of scheduling before the student departs the lesson.

6) I don't teach beginners. By that I mean that you should have the ability to read music and play a simple piece at the keyboard even if on a rudimentary level only. Lessons 1 and 2 cover rudimentary subjects anyway, so that will help.

So now, to the course itself..................

I have developed a unique approach to teaching improvisation. It is the result of over 35 years of personal experience as a pianist both in my own ensembles as well as my freelance work with other artists be they "serious" or more "commercial" in nature.

Table of Contents
A Primer on Jazz Piano Book 1

Lesson 1 Rudiment Studies

Introduction - Chord Symbols
Intervals - Reference Table 1
Theory Examples - Intervals/Triads and Assignments

Lesson 2 The Diatonic Scale Tone Triads

Introduction: The Diatonic Scale Tone Triads
Triads: Maj/Minor - Inversions and Assignments

Lesson 3 Simple Chord Progressions and the Circle of Fifths

S.T. Sevenths: Major and Minor Examples 3a-d
Voicings - Exercise 3a - ii7-V7-I
Voicings - Exercise 3b - ii7-V7-I in minor
Left Hand - ii7-V7 voicings Root 7 - Root 3

Lesson 3a Another Simple Progression

Introduction - "I Got Rhythm" and I-VI7-ii7-V7-I
Voicings - Exercise 3a and 3b
Melodic Exercises

Lesson 4 Vertical Approach to Improvising- Chap.1-Blues and the Dominant Cycle

Examples of Blues Progressions 1-6
Dominant Cycle Exercises 4a-c

Lesson 5 The Keyboard Bass

Playing Exercises 5a-i
Exercise 5j-Writing Assignment and Exercise 5k (playing)
Examples of Blues Progressions 1-6

Lesson 6 The Concept of Rhythmic Phrasing Chap.1

Rhythmic Equivalents/ Value Divisions - notes and rests
The 2 measure phrase-syncopation
Examples 6a-i - The 2-bar Syncopated Phrase
Exercises 6j-m - Written Phrasing

Lesson 7 Horizontal Approach to Improvising Chap.1 - Song Form

Momentary Keys - Form Discussion Assignment: "Just Friends, "Robbins Nest", "Triste"

Lesson 8 Concept of Rhythmic Phrasing. Chap.2

Introduction - Early Jazz Syncopation
Excerpt - Fats Waller Blues
Rhythmic Exercises