Giant Steps by John Coltrane has always been considered as a difficult tune for jazz pianists to understand, learn and play. Of course, adding to the complexity is that the tune is usually played very fast. I think, what we really need is a simple, step-by-step approach to studying this tune . . . then developing the tune into our subconscious. Once this tune is totally subconscious, we should be able to freely improvise on it.

This lesson on Learning Giant Steps contains four videos, downloadable PDFs, graphics of examples, and text. Video #4 contains backup tracks for your practice.  You can practice soloing over Giant Steps in different styles and tempos.  Have fun learning Giant Steps.

Modal playing is a very distinctive style for a jazz pianist.  It "opens up" your playing, using the entire range of the piano.  It increases  your harmonic knowledge.  This step-by-step lesson gives specific analysis, instruction and exercises to develop modal playing into your personal style.  This is a very intensive lesson with eight videos, downloadable PDFs, text, playalong with Band-in-a-box and reference to modal tunes.

Here is your opportunity to learn the essential Stride Blues for piano.  This is a great way to play solo blues styles.  Learn how to achieve mastery of the Stride Blues step-by-step.

There are four descriptive videos, text and many PDFs to download for your study.

Here is your opportunity to learn the basics of improvisation using the popular Pachelbel Canon.  We also learn how to add a "groove" to the Pachelbel Canon.  Learn how to improvise step-by-step. There are three descriptive videos, text and many PDFs to download for your study.

I love playing Boogie Woogie.  It’s a great solo piano style.  It’s not difficult to play and it’s loved by audiences.  Boogie Woogie is a wonderful way to develop the ability to play with groove and to learn the Blues in general.  It is recommended that you study playing this style Step-by-Step.