Jazz & Blues Piano Program

From Groove to Greatness

Our Jazz & Blues Piano Program is crafted for students aged 8 and above who want to explore the soulful, expressive world of jazz and blues. Across three major levels — Beginner (1–3), Intermediate (3–6), and Advanced (6–9) — students develop strong rhythm, improvisation, harmonic understanding, and performance finesse. The program blends swing, blues, funk, Latin, and bebop influences through carefully curated repertoire and creative learning.

Explore the Levels
Program Structure

The Three Levels of Jazz & Blues Mastery

Each level builds on the last — from fun, accessible grooves to expressive improvisation and concert-ready performances. Students will internalize the language of jazz and blues, learning to read, interpret, and even compose their own music within the genre.

Explore the Levels

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Beginner (Levels 1–3)
Intermediate (Levels 3–6)
Advanced (Levels 6–9)

A curated list of 25 beginner-friendly jazz and blues pieces. These selections introduce swing rhythm, syncopation, basic blues scales, and common jazz harmonies.

1. Martha Mier – Jazz Walk (from Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 1)

2. Eric Baumgartner – Rockin’ the Blues

3. William Gillock – New Orleans Nightfall

4. Mike Cornick – Jazzin’ Around

5. Christopher Norton – Boogie (from Microjazz 1)

6. Martha Mier – Don’t Wanna Leave You Blues

7. Forrest Kinney – Swing Set (from Pattern Play Book 1)

8. David Bruce – Snake Charmer (jazzy minor groove)

9. Sonny Chua – Cool Walkin’ Bass

10. Elissa Milne – No Worries

11. Daniel McFarlane – Toe Tappin’ (from Supersonics)

12. Martha Mier – Sneaky Business (from Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 2)

13. Bradley Sowash – Sidewalk Strut

14. Glenda Austin – Boogie Woogie Fever

15. Barbara Arens – Bluesy Moments

16. Christopher Norton – Rag (from Microjazz 1)

17. Kevin Olson – Swingin’ Beat

18. Gillock – Dixieland Combo

19. Melody Bober – Jumpin’ the Blues

20. Randall Hartsell – Midnight Blues

21. Donald Waxman – Jazzy Tune (from Pageants for Piano)

22. Mike Cornick – Lazy Boogie

23. Martha Mier – A Neat Beat

24. Bradley Sowash – Groovin’ on the D Train

25. Wesley Schaum – Bluesy Tune (from Schaum Jazz Book A)

A curated list of 25 intermediate-level jazz and blues piano pieces suitable for students developing syncopation, swing rhythm, blues scales, improvisational skills, and complex harmonic language.

1. Martha Mier – Sneaky Business (Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 2)

2. Christopher Norton – Microjazz: Jazz Waltz (Level 3)

3. Oscar Peterson – Hymn to Freedom (simplified)

4. Mike Cornick – Blues for Hannah

5. Elissa Milne – Flat Tire Rag

6. Glenda Austin – Bluesy Tuesday

7. Daniel McFarlane – Rocket Fuel (Supersonics)

8. Sonny Chua – Funky Fingers

9. Kevin Olson – Backstreet Blues

10. Bradley Sowash – Groove Town

11. William Gillock – New Orleans Jazz Style (Complete Book)

12. David Karp – Bourbon Street Saturday Night

13. Martha Mier – Don’t Wanna Leave You Blues (Jazz, Rags & Blues Book 3)

14. Christopher Norton – South Side Shuffle (Microjazz Collection 2)

15. Tim Richards – Riffin’ on the Blues

16. Hal Leonard Student Piano Library – Big Band Swing (Level 4)

17. Forrest Kinney – Blues Progression Patterns (Pattern Play Book 3)

18. Bradley Sowash – Alley Cat Strut

19. Jeremy Siskind – Song for a Lost Friend (from Jazz Etudes)

20. Martha Mier – The Old Boogie Man

21. Vince Guaraldi – Linus and Lucy (simplified)

22. Kevin Olson – Uptown Stomp

23. Barbara Arens – Moonlight Mood (Jazz Preludes)

24. Dennis Alexander – Ragtime Romp

25. Craig Curry – Jazzy Afternoon

A curated list of 25 advanced-level jazz and blues piano pieces suitable for pianists with strong rhythmic control, harmonic knowledge, and improvisational ability. These works include stride, bebop, modal jazz, and rich blues voicings, but avoid the most extreme virtuosic challenges of Level 10.

1. Oscar Peterson – C Jam Blues (Intermediate to Advanced Solo Transcription)

2. Dave Brubeck – Take Five (piano solo arrangement)

3. George Gershwin – I Got Rhythm (advanced solo version)

4. Bill Evans – Waltz for Debby (piano transcription)

5. Thelonious Monk – Blue Monk

6. Art Tatum – Tea for Two (abridged arrangement)

7. Erroll Garner – Misty (solo version)

8. Jelly Roll Morton – The Crave

9. Fats Waller – Handful of Keys

10. Michel Camilo – Caribe (introductory section or simplified)

11. Chick Corea – Spain (simplified solo transcription)

12. Horace Silver – Song for My Father (piano transcription)

13. Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man (arranged for solo piano)

14. Ahmad Jamal – Poinciana (reduced piano version)

15. Brad Mehldau – Exit Music (For a Film) (Radiohead cover)

16. Vince Guaraldi – Skating (from A Charlie Brown Christmas)

17. Bud Powell – Celia

18. Keith Jarrett – The Köln Concert (selected themes)

19. Jacob Collier – Fascinating Rhythm (stripped down piano adaptation)

20. James Booker – Junco Partner (New Orleans blues style)

21. Jon Batiste – It’s All Right (solo version)

22. Marcus Roberts – In the Sweet By and By (blues gospel roots)

23. Gershwin – Prelude No. 2 (Three Preludes)

24. Oscar Peterson – Hymn to Freedom (full transcription)

25. Antonio Carlos Jobim – Desafinado (bossa nova jazz)

Build Expression, Technique & Improvisation

What You’ll Gain Through the Jazz & Blues Program

Across 9 progressive levels, you’ll build deep stylistic fluency and creative confidence. The journey emphasizes:

  • Groove and Time Feel – Develop precision with swing, shuffle, bossa, and funk grooves.
  • Improvisation – Start with templates, then solo freely with your own ideas.
  • Jazz Theory – Learn blues forms, jazz chords, modes, and reharmonization.
  • Stylistic Range – Explore stride, gospel, New Orleans jazz, and modern fusion.
  • Stage Skills – Perform solo and in ensembles with dynamic presence.
Your First Step into Jazz Starts Here

Begin the Journey with Soul

Whether you're starting with boogie and swing or preparing for college auditions, the Jazz & Blues Program nurtures creativity, technique, and musical identity. With expert guidance and inspiring repertoire, you’ll develop as both a player and an artist.

Join the Jazz & Blues Program
Frequently Asked Questions

All About the Jazz & Blues Piano Path

Starting a new style of music often comes with plenty of questions, and we’re here to make sure you have all the answers. Here are the most common questions students and parents ask about our Jazz & Blues Program — from improvisation to practice expectations — so you can feel confident and inspired before getting started.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Most students complete Levels 1–9 over 6–8 years, depending on dedication and practice habits. Faster progression is possible with consistent daily work and instructor feedback.

Do I need to know classical piano first?

Not necessarily. While a classical background helps, many students start directly in jazz. The program covers foundational technique and reading as part of Level 1–3.

Will I be learning to improvise?

Absolutely. Improvisation is core to this program. You’ll start simple (call-and-response, blues riffs) and gradually learn to craft full solos.

What kind of piano should I have?

A full-sized, weighted-key digital or acoustic piano is essential. Jazz/blues requires control over dynamics and touch.

Are there performance opportunities?

Yes! Recitals, duets, jam sessions, and studio concerts are available — all in a low-pressure, encouraging atmosphere.

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One-on-one private instruction, quarterly recitals, and lessons for ages four to adult in Redmond, WA.

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