🎼 Cocktail Piano Techniques That Meet You Where You Are

There are cocktail piano techniques in our store that serve a variety of needs. Let’s face it: each person who arrives here has specific ideas about how they want to excel. That said, what are yours? What specifically do you want to improve?

Your reason for arriving here is different than the next person’s. Trust me… I get that.

🎹 Cocktail Piano Technique Tutorials

Let’s consider something. Imagine you’re in a public place where an awesome pro cocktail pianist is performing. Three or four pianists—including yourself—make your way to his side as he improvises over a chorus of Erroll Garner’s Misty. You’re all gazing with curiosity as he uses certain cocktail piano techniques in a way that seems uniquely his.

The guy is good. He’s earned your respect.

That happened to be his last tune of the evening, and he’s ready to wrap up. One of your sidekicks asks him about a chord voicing he played during the last chorus. He demonstrates it and explains a little more. One thing leads to another, and soon you’re all asking questions. His generosity leads to everyone learning something.

He slowly plays through the last eight measures and explains what he’s doing. The interesting thing? Each of you has a different playing background and level of experience. But each of you takes away something unique from his demonstration.

🎥 Over-My-Shoulder Learning

I’ve been fortunate to experience moments like that with exceptional pro players. The value is irreplaceable. That’s what inspired the tutorials I’ve prepared for you.

Most of the video sessions available in the store were created in this spirit. I wanted to capture the essence of those spontaneous, generous moments. These are “over-my-shoulder” tutorials you can grow with. As you advance, you can revisit each one and gain new insights every time.

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” – Buddhist proverb

It’s true—whether you’re reading a book, listening to an instructor, or watching a video. Repeated exposure to a lesson reveals more as you become ready for it. Our focus changes as we mature and develop. I want these sessions to be that way for you.

Others have shared their results with me, and I’m grateful to know these lessons have helped them grow.

🎶 For Beginners and Beyond

Some sessions are specifically designed for those with minimal cocktail piano experience. The techniques in these videos are less demanding and allow you to incorporate one or two ideas at a time into your playing.

These cocktail piano techniques are generally demonstrated within the context of song excerpts. It’s typically assumed that you can play a melodic line and some chords—whether by reading or by ear.

If you need help with basic reading, feel free to contact me using the form below. I’ll direct you to helpful resources. If you’re new to playing chords, there are sessions devoted to triads and 7th chords as well.

Whatever your level, there’s something here for you.

🚀 Ready to Explore?

At this point, I’d like to invite you to explore some options for getting started. Let’s find the cocktail piano techniques that speak to your style, your goals, and your musical journey.

👉 Start with Beginner Sessions

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