Useful Links & Resources for Piano Students

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Soloing tools

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Major scales
Never underestimate the power of knowing all your major scales fluently. For all styles they are a fundamental and provide you with the musical fitness for getting around your instrument. Major scales are a great soloing tool and the starting point for learning the Jazz modes.

Download these two PDF files:

Major Scales Sharp Keys

and

Major Scales Flat Keys

Use the fingerings and play slowly just one octave to start. When you can do this accurately move to two octaves. Always play slow enough to be accurate.

Listening

This is another musical fundamental and one of the fun sides to learning. It has surprised me over the years to find that so many students don't lsiten to much music. So I will say it again Listen Listen Listen and then listen some more. Listen to as much music as you can. Be courageous and listen to a wide range of material you will be surprised at what grows on you.

I would like to make this section of the website a part that my students and site visitors can be involved in. Please feel free to contact me with listening suggestions or pass on your favourites at lessons. Some of the best tunes have been passed onto me from fellow musicians.

I have included lots of playlists in this tutorial page because it is so important to expand our music. Scroll down and pick a few, they are fun I assure you. We have a few favourites in the windows on the page to start us off with please makes some suggestions about your favourite tunes but most importantly listen :

JAZZ

Charles Mingus
"Moanin" is a composition by Bobby Timmons first recorded by Art Blakey in 1958.This is from 'Nostalgia in Times Square' 1993 - Ronnie Cuber plays the Baritone Saxophone.
An awesome version the energy that the whole band brings to this chart is what inspires me here. Charles Mingus an American bassist was really making a noise in music around the time when I was first born. This is a great example of energy and pushing the boundries. Check out the barri whew!!.

Within the IRMT Wellington Branch we have been studying The History Of Jazz By Ted Goia. The play lists created to accompany the book proved marvellous. Covering early days https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOsMOWaLfhBNWFbX0apOw_3y
Harlem https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOsXZELJX6azpP9CIZMZqjTm
The Swing Era https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOuDcoilSEXNo-riL9Co-KE9
Modern jazz https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtHtaSOq0eIIYqvEfJiAtLh
A most informative book and when coupled with these playlists it really opens the Jazz music up to you. Enjoy!!

Pop

Aladdin Sane David Bowie
Aladdin Sane is Bowie's 6th album released by RCA records in 1973. The name of the album is a pun on "A Lad Insane". Aladdin Sane became Bowie's 4th alter ego for dramatic and stage presentation purposes.
The title track Aladdin Sane has some remarkable work by pianist Mike Garson. His playing gets quite out there at times and when I first heard this track I found it challanging in the harmony, but loved the aggression of his style.This boy really knows how to let go and play on the edge. Listening now I can hear how clever he was and how Bowie used his sound and style to push the envelope once again. Garson's piano style has a huge impact on this album. Try the full album and check out the intro on "Lets Spend The Night Together" real fist full chords, great stuff.

Playlists to represent each decade starting with 2018 - 2010 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtWl8HOw2bpwEaf42LFdBDY
This palylist represents 2000 - 2009 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOvJVfFc2nxi1vqdBelimTaT
Gigging still heavily at this stage of my life a playlist to represent the end of an era 1990-1999 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOu0tcm_S3a1yI7PjaUNNDef
Worked hard at the music scean this decade. Hence the title Working back through the decade. Even now the keybaord sounds of the 80's are pretty dodgey. Oh well !! good timeshttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOvqoAre_i81kK3uhNwVfSd5
I Loved the 70s ,magical bands solid grooves https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOvGQjj7iJ6PxRx1Gfur1NKw
The 60's was the decade I was born into, What amazing change took place https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOv1v7mWdki8T3x6oS3jt1uV

Classical

Piano Library books you may consider for intermediate/advanced players (Check out these playlist of the trinity repertoire for piano series)
20th Century https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtL9wR4f_LukAlKqqvL9sya
Romantic Period https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtSqJ72fDBb98Xbb-YvSrhv
General https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOuOXMTZ5Cu-sIXFOrTAObNL
Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 (colloquially known as the Waldstein)
Completed in 1804 the Waldstein is a key work for Beethoven's heroic decade (1803 -1812). The work set a standard for virtuoso piano playing. Beethoven dedicated this work to his close friend and patron Count Ferdinand Ernst Gabriel von Waldstein.
I loved the Rondo or final movement so much that I learnt to play it. I can assure it is a mission. The trills in the rondo are very long, but when you get them right they are also very satisfying. A great one to learn just for the Challenge. Try it as a listening experience reading the score as you listen.

For some beautiful piano music to listen to. I will always recomend Mozarts Piano Conceros. He really is the master of these works. Check out these three play lists.
Early https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtNFbXXRNSbU3Cs5VaJSxTQ
Mid https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtNFbXXRNSbU3Cs5VaJSxTQ
Late https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXnhz7FKTwOtrR6nx0oIRoTQJ-5X3ahq1

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