Learn & Master Piano [NEW]

Here’s a structured summary and practical guide based on the Learn & Master Piano course (by Will Barrow, published by Legacy Learning Systems). This is widely regarded as one of the most thorough self‑paced piano methods for popular styles (blues, jazz, pop, gospel, classical).

1. Course Structure Overview The course is divided into 3 sessions (20+ DVDs/lessons) . Each session builds on the previous. | Session | Focus | Key Skills | |---------|-------|-------------| | 1 | Foundation | Posture, note reading, rhythm, major scales, chords (I–IV–V) | | 2 | Intermediate | Chord inversions, 12‑bar blues, basic improvisation, minor scales | | 3 | Advanced | Jazz voicings, walking bass, modal improvisation, arranging |

2. What Makes It Useful (Compared to Other Methods)

Real playing from Lesson 1 – You play simple songs, not just exercises. Backing tracks – Each lesson includes play‑along tracks (blues, rock, swing). No prior theory needed – Theory is introduced as needed for a song. Slow‑motion demonstrations – Hand independence is shown clearly. learn & master piano

3. Core Techniques You’ll Master a. Hand Independence (the biggest hurdle)

Lesson 5 – Rock & Blues Patterns : Left hand plays steady bass, right hand plays syncopated chords. Exercise – Play C major scale RH, while LH plays C‑G‑C‑G (half notes).

b. Chord Voicings (for pop & jazz)

Rootless voicings (Lesson 14) – e.g., Cmaj7 = E‑G‑B‑D (RH), LH plays just the root or 7th. Shell voicings – For walking bass: RH plays 3rd & 7th only.

c. Rhythm & Groove

12‑bar blues form (Lesson 8) – Learn to comp (LH bass pattern, RH chords) then improvise. Swing feel – Turn eighth notes into long‑short patterns. Here’s a structured summary and practical guide based

4. Sample Weekly Practice Plan (Using the Course) | Day | Activity (minutes) | |-----|--------------------| | Mon | Watch Lesson (20 min) + Play along with slow backing track (15 min) | | Tue | Technical exercise from lesson (scales, chords) – 10 min + Song practice (15 min) | | Wed | Same as Tue, but focus on trouble spot (e.g., bar 8 chord change) | | Thu | No new material – Review previous 2 lessons’ songs (20 min) | | Fri | Jam session – Use backing track without looking at sheet music (15 min) | | Sat | Record yourself – Compare to course demo (10 min) | | Sun | Rest or play for fun (any song you like) |

Tip – Use the course’s “Slow‑down” feature (if DVD or digital) for tricky passages.