Pop Piano Course

Lesson 1 • Playing Simple Melodies

Applies note reading to single-hand melodic patterns in C major. Builds finger independence and basic musical phrasing.

Lesson 2 • Basic Music Reading for Piano

Introduces treble and bass clef notation with note values. Connects written symbols to physical keys for immediate application.

Lesson 3 • Keyboard Layout and Note Names

Maps all 88 keys using white and black key patterns. Establishes the spatial vocabulary needed for every subsequent technique in the course.

Lesson 1 • The Major Scale and Key Signatures

Teaches the whole-half step pattern and its relationship to key signatures. Connects scale knowledge to chord construction in any key.

Lesson 2 • Common Pop Chord Progressions

Applies diatonic harmony to the most frequently used pop progressions. Students play I–V–vi–IV and related patterns in multiple keys.

Lesson 3 • Diatonic Chords and Roman Numerals

Derives the seven diatonic chords from a major scale using Roman numeral analysis. Enables students to understand and predict chord progressions.

Lesson 1 • Straight Versus Swing Feel

Contrasts straight eighth-note feel with triplet-based swing interpretation. Enables stylistic flexibility across pop, soul, and blues-influenced genres.

Lesson 2 • Groove Patterns and Rhythmic Locking

Introduces signature pop groove patterns and the concept of locking with a rhythm section. Students play with backing tracks to develop ensemble awareness.

Lesson 3 • Syncopation in Pop Piano

Teaches off-beat accent patterns that define pop and R&B rhythmic feel. Students apply syncopation to chord stabs and melodic phrases.

Lesson 1 • Broken Chord and Arpeggio Patterns

Expands left-hand vocabulary with ascending and descending arpeggio figures. Creates flowing, melodic accompaniment textures common in pop ballads.

Lesson 2 • Coordinating Both Hands

Integrates left-hand patterns with right-hand melody through structured practice methods. Addresses common coordination challenges with targeted exercises.

Lesson 3 • Root-Fifth Bass Patterns

Introduces the root-fifth alternating bass as a foundational accompaniment style. Develops left-hand independence and steady pulse.

Lesson 1 • Two-Hand Chord Voicing Techniques

Distributes chord tones between both hands for fuller, richer sound. Teaches shell voicings and open-position chords used by pop pianists.

Lesson 2 • Seventh Chords in Pop Music

Introduces major 7th, dominant 7th, and minor 7th chord types. These four-note chords are the harmonic foundation of modern pop and R&B.

Lesson 3 • Voice Leading Through Progressions

Applies minimal-motion voice leading to connect chords in a progression. Produces the smooth, professional chord transitions heard in polished pop recordings.

Lesson 1 • Singer-Songwriter Accompaniment

Focuses on sparse, supportive piano textures that complement a vocal lead. Teaches restraint, space, and sensitivity in accompaniment roles.

Lesson 2 • Pop-Rock Piano Techniques

Applies driving block chords, power chord voicings, and energetic rhythmic patterns. Develops the aggressive, high-energy feel of rock-influenced pop.

Lesson 3 • R&B and Soul Piano

Teaches gospel-influenced chord voicings, call-and-response phrasing, and soulful rhythmic feel. Builds the harmonic richness central to R&B piano.

Lesson 4 • Pop Ballad Style

Covers slow-tempo arpeggio accompaniment, expressive dynamics, and melodic phrasing. Ballad technique is the most common pop piano application.

Lesson 1 • Pentatonic Scale for Pop Improv

Introduces the major and minor pentatonic scales as the primary improvisation tools. Pentatonic scales produce melodically safe, stylistically appropriate phrases.

Lesson 2 • Melodic Motif Development

Teaches how to create, repeat, and vary short melodic ideas over chord changes. Motif development is the core skill of memorable improvised melody.

Lesson 3 • Improvising Over Chord Progressions

Applies scales and motif skills to improvise continuously over looped progressions. Develops real-time harmonic awareness and musical decision-making.

Lesson 1 • Performance Preparation and Delivery

Prepares students for live or recorded performance through mental and physical readiness strategies. Covers run-throughs, error recovery, and stage presence.

Lesson 2 • Sustain Pedal Mastery

Develops precise pedal technique for legato connection and harmonic clarity. Correct pedaling is essential to a professional-sounding pop piano performance.

Lesson 3 • Efficient Song Learning Strategies

Covers chunking, slow practice, and hands-separate methods for fast, accurate learning. Efficient practice habits reduce learning time and improve retention.

Lesson 4 • Song Analysis and Arrangement Planning

Teaches how to analyze a song's structure, harmony, and style before arranging. Systematic analysis prevents wasted practice time and guides arrangement choices.