Private instruction, classes, & workshops

For instruction in classical or jazz piano, composition, and jazz theory, contact me personally. Instruction is at my studio in Vancouver.








Chord Piano Student Arrangements: The following three images of "All The Things You Are (Jerome Kern, 1939) demonstrate the results some of my students have achieved following the guidelines I have given them in private lessons. The first image, called a 'lead sheet,' consists of only melody and chord symbols, with a blank bass clef for the student to fill in with pencl. The following two images are the results of two students, one 18 years old, and the other late 20's. I have printed their originally pencil-written assignments.

This is a "Lead Sheet," a single note melody line, with written chord symbols above it. The student learns to create satisfying arrangements from this bare skeleton of information.

Listen

Arrangement from lead sheet above, done by American student, Janet O'Connor

Listen

Arrangement from lead sheet above, done by Danish student, Karsten Knudsen


Find and identify the wrong note played in this piece--different from what is written--and receive 50% discount on 4 lessons.

Private instruction, classes, & workshops

Who me--a teacher?

Yup, once again! After beginning massage school in 1998, I had pretty much put music on the shelf-- stopped teaching classes and privately, and also hustling gigs.

Recently I have begun accepting a few students, and am also now offering classes for intermediate and advanced students, and teachers. These classes are described at "Teach Street."

To review my history of teaching, go to Professional Teaching Experience on the "About Jim" page.

In March of 2007, I discontinued my Ticklin' The Ivories pop-piano workshop business. This was a 10-year pursuit, connected to the NSAM (New School of American Music), where I presented afternoon workshops in chord piano, blues, playing by ear, and more. I taught at dozens of colleges from Alaska to Florida, including Jacksonville University, University of Idaho, Portland Community College, Everett Community College, and more.

The "self-instructing" materials are still available (at 5% discount) through the following link: www.pianofun.com/~jimivories. (I still have a few available at home as well (at 30% discount!); contact me if interested).