Jazz Piano Lessons

Mission Statement:

To Teach, in their home, on their own piano/keyboard, anywhere in the world, students how to play jazz piano, through a Non Traditional approach which emphasizes Musical Concepts, not notes. We do this through the thorough understanding of chord construction, jazz voicings, and arranging techniques. Students can then enjoy the lifelong pleasure that playing piano brings!

Have you ever overheard yourself saying any of the following:

Oh, I only play when no one's around.

Well, I took lessons when I was a kid, but now I can't play a note.

Well, I can read music and everything, but it takes me forever to learn new songs

I can really play the guitar well, but I sit down at the piano and just struggle.

I just want to be able to play songs I like, you know?

Relax . Help is here.

My name is Mark Miller. Years ago, my life was changed by a really good piano teacher, Alan Swain , and I have made my living as a pianist and teacher ever since.

I've figured out a few things:

The traditional methods of teaching piano don't work for everyone.

Adults learn differently from children.

Learning to play classical music on the piano does not satisfy students who are Interested in jazz or popular music.

Scales won't teach you songs.

RESCUE YOURSELF AND YOUR PIANO FROM LONELINESS. TRY ME OUT.

Two things your should know:

I have a revolutionary new way of teaching the piano to adults. You will learn more in one lesson than you learned in years of lessons as a kid. You will play songs, probably within a month.

It Doesn't matter where you are . I teach students everywhere on the phone.

All you need is a piano or keyboard, and a headset or speaker-phone. The rest is up to me.

Learning Musical Concepts

When we learn concepts, we attain and RETAIN knowledge! True Understanding of a concept is knowledge. Knowledge is lifelong, you don't forget it! Let me give you an example: Most all of you understand the concept of addition. You don't have to add everyday to be able to add a year from now. You have mastered the concept or theory behind addition. The same applies to learning to play the piano.

If you understand the concepts of chord construction you can apply them at anytime. Let me give you an example: Take an augmented chord for instance. Augmented means raise the 5 th a half step, and is indicated by a + sign in a chord symbol. Once you have knowledge of this you can play any augmented chord. You can play Bb + today or 20 years from now! The speed at which you can readily see that chord on the piano will depend on how much you practice, but you will always understand the concept of an augmented chord.

This is the key to learning to play the piano. Learn 2 or 3 concepts every week and apply them in songs so they become second nature, all the while playing beautiful music! It's really that simple.

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