Firstly, What Isn’t Cocktail Piano? As a cocktail pianist, I find it interesting how a simple phrase like “cocktail piano” can lend itself to so many opposing interpretations. Many individuals, including pianists themselves, have a number of different ways of expressing their personal definitions of “cocktail piano.” To be totally candid, I don’t agree with …
“We’re Getting A Sub Tomorrow!” Reflecting back on those early school days, I recall the attitude that permeated the classroom when we learned that a substitute teacher would be conducting class for a day or two. Most class members would seem to engage in a deep sigh of relief and celebrate… “Yippee! Something different for …
Is cocktail piano for beginners? Ever wanted to just sit down at that piano and makes some music despite having no experience? Let’s do it…
A Very User-Friendly Piano Introduction This piano introduction can serve you well in a variety of interesting ways. It can work very nicely whenever you want to create an impromptu introduction for a ballad that starts on the I chord. Naturally, the chord that has the strongest tendency to resolve to the I chord is …
How’s The Conversation Going? Performing an effective piano arrangement can be compared to meeting an interesting person for the first time. How do you imagine the conversation would progress? Is it likely that this new acquaintance would know your entire history within the first three minutes of chatting? Probably not. If it went that way, …
Beginner? Can’t Improvise? Is piano improvisation for beginners? After all, being able to improvise is one of those complicated musical skills that is reserved for those who have at least a few years of playing experience. Makes sense, right? Well, it “makes sense” if you have listened to others who would have you believe that. …
On Monday, March 2, 1959, pianist Bill Evans sat in with Paul Chambers (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums), Miles Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), and Julius “Cannonball” Adderley to record the first track So What on Miles Davis’ legendary jazz album Kind Of Blue. This is one of the most recognizable jazz tunes ever. The …
Simple cocktail piano tip that lies at the heart of sounding like a professional…
Me… A Beginner? Playing Jazzy Piano? Yes, you read that right. You might refer to yourself as a beginner when it comes to playing piano. However, the word “beginner” is relative. If you’re playing piano at all at this point, that means you have at least some technical ability going for you. That’s all it …
Cocktail Piano Lesson #1: Use What You Know Home hobbyists to well-trained classical pianists have shown an interest in cocktail piano lessons. It’s no wonder why a pianist of any skill level and background would want to acquire cocktail piano skills. You never know when the opportunity may arise. A local restaurant may have the …
