Jazz Piano Foundations

If you’re new to jazz piano… start here! These lessons cover the foundations of jazz theory including major and minor scales, intervals, triads and 7th chords. We then introduce the major 251 progression and play our first jazz standard.

The major and minor scales are the foundations of musical harmony and learning them is a fundamental step in your journey. Spending the time to memorise these scales will put the essential knowledge in place for you to progress at jazz piano.

Next we explore the concept of intervals , triads and 7th chords . These are the most basic building blocks for extended jazz chords and will prepare you for exploring extended harmony.

Our first study of chord progressions is the major 251 progression The 251 is the DNA of jazz music and it must be learnt and memorised in all 12 keys.

We finish this course by creating an arrangement for Tune Up" by Miles Davis.
This is the first jazz standard lesson in the PianoGroove course. We explore the layout of the lead sheet and discuss how you can create a solo jazz piano arrangement.

If you are coming from a classical background, learning to interpret lead sheets will be an initial challenge. This is because you are given a lot of creative freedom to interpret (or completely change!) the melody, chords, voicings, phrasing etc…

After taking this course, you will understand the basics of jazz chords and scales and you will be able to play your first jazz standard arrangement.