Blues Piano Lessons Portland Oregon | Keyboard Lessons Portland

"This Is The Most Fun I've Ever Had Playing Piano.

Improvisation Is No Longer A Mystery"

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"I Am Starting To Feel Comfortable Enough To Play Music With My Friends"

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"I've Always Wanted To Play By Ear And Do Improvisation.

Now I Can!"

Blues Piano Lessons Portland Oregon

5 0 3 . 2 5 3 . 8 0 2 1

Walking Bass Blues (student)

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► Adults & Children

► Piano & Keyboard

► Beginners Welcome

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Blues Piano for Adults

Beginning adults students will find Blues Piano fun,
and a great introduction to piano. Adults who
already play will discover that Blues will renew
and invigorate their passion for piano.

A comfortable and casual environment is
ideal when learning to play piano.
The lessons are yours, and you may
decide how you want to use your time.
Along with Blues, we might work on
some other areas of music including:
reading music, playing by ear, theory,
songwriting, composing, arranging,
jazz, gospel, classical, pop, new age,
folk, and ethnic music. If you like
to sing, learn how to use chords to
accompany your voice.

Blues Piano for Children

Blues Piano is perfect for children;
they take to it immediately.
Kids recognize the playful
and spontaneous nature of this music.
Children like to experiment on piano,
and Blues Piano gives them the perfect
venue to engage their imagination.
Music develops creativity and original
thinking, and is a indispensable part
of their education.

Children have natural musical
ability and delight in playing. The key
is to make music a part of their world.
Learning to play piano develops physical
coordination, and visual, aural, timing
and language skills. Students feel
a grand sense of accomplishment when
they can sit at the piano and play effortlessly.

► What Is Blues?

Blues is the most invention, innovative, and
all American music. It’s a simple 12 bar progression
of chords and improvised melodies. Blues piano is a type
of jazz, and very suited for beginner piano players.
The influence of Blues and Jazz music is everywhere.
Some popular Blues players are:
Ray Charles, Count Basie, B.B. King, Eric Clapton,
Oscar Peterson, Thelonius Monk, Taj Mahal,
Dr. John, Muddy Waters.

Playing Blues Piano can evoke many moods
and feelings.The ever changing swirl of textures
can be mellow, exhilarating, intriguing, stimulating,
graceful, riveting, electrifying, captivating,
playful, and revitalizing.

Piano Blues is quite a bit different from
Blues on the guitar. On the piano, Blues Piano
is generally more lively, doesn't requite a singer,
and can be played solo, or with other players.

There are many ‘How to play Blues Piano
books available. Learning to play blues piano
from a book can be frustrating and confusing,
and difficult at best. However, learning to play
when taught person to person can be a quick
and effective method to learn.

► Getting Started

No music reading or previous piano experience
is necessary. If you have never played piano
before, we’ll start right at the beginning.
If you already play, we’ll pickup at a point
that suites you. Once you learn the 12 bar blues
chord progression and the blues scale & rhythms,
you’ll begin playing Blues. I will lead you through
all the steps to learn to play solid blues piano.
In a short time, you’ll be playing chords in
your left hand, and improvising with your right.

I have taught many hundreds of people to
play Blues, with a modern, easy to understand
approach. Students find they learn to progress
rapidly, while mastering their playing abilities.
Students who have never played piano before
will find Blues Piano to be a delightful and
enjoyable introduction to piano. Those who
already read music will quickly learn to
improvise and play Blues. Those who are
are self taught and stuck in a rut, will
immediately find new styles of playing
and fresh blues Blues Licks. If you thought about
learning to play Jazz Piano, but found it too hard,
consider learning Blues.

► The Lessons

Every student is unique, so I guide each
student's course of lessons in a direction
that suites them. Some students will want
to work only on Blues, others will want
to explore other music genres.

Our Blues Piano lessons can include:

Basic 12 Bar Blues Introduction
7th Chord Theory
Chords in left hand, improvisation in right hand
Introduction to Swing Rhythms
Swing in left hand
Swing in right hand
Swing in both hands
Walking Bass Styles
Bass and Chords in left hand
Octave and Chords in left hand
Root + 5th and Chords in left hand
Melody and Chords in right hand & Walking Bass in left hand
Minor Blues
Alternate Chords
Alternate Rhythms
Boogie Woogie Styles
New Orleans Styles
Ragtime Styles
10ths in left hand (stride piano)
Very cool riffs
Introduction to Jazz Styles
Playing from Lead Sheets
Learning to Play Beginning Jazz Piano
Reading Music

► Other Piano Lessons Instruction

Students will often wish to include other
types of musical instruction in their lessons:

► Classical, Popular, Jazz, Gospel,
New Age, Ethnic, Folk Music

► Learn To Accompany Singing

► Learn To Play By Ear

► Learn To Arrange Music

► Songwriting & Composing

Information on Other Piano Lessons

► Finding The Right Piano Teacher In Portland

Finding the right piano teacher is essential.
The right teacher should be a good listener,
shape the lessons according to each student's
needs, and make beginners comfortable with their
new endeavor. The piano instructor should create a
supportive, relaxed learning environment. Beginning
students should feel free to express themselves,
be curious, and ask lots of questions. Creativity and
individuality are encouraged. Many of my students are
complete beginners. This is great! Starting piano lessons
or keyboard lessons from the beginning insures a complete
introduction to all aspects of playing piano. I start students
as young as 4, and have had students in their 80's begin
lessons as well. Any age is a great age to begin piano lessons
or keyboard lessons.

Some teachers present lessons as if we are still
in the 17th century. Not here! Students will find a modern,
effective, and fun teaching environment.

Lessons can be 1/2 or 1 hour. The easiest way to get
started is to jump right in. Call and set up the first
month of lessons. You'll quickly get a sense of the
process of learning to play Blues Piano.
Or you can call me to schedule a time to come
down to the studio to meet me. We can discuss
your interests in music. I'll show you how I teach
and answer questions you have. Call me
at 503-253-8021 to make an appointment.

► Piano Lessons or Keyboard Lessons

Many people own keyboards instead of pianos.
A keyboard can be a fine substitute for a piano.
Learning is the same on a piano or keyboard.
Probably half my students own pianos, the other half
keyboards. If you don't yet own an instrument,
I can make some useful recommendations.

By blending traditional materials with modern
teaching methods, my lessons explore a global
music perspective: European Classical,
American Blues, Jazz & Gospel, Modern Pop,
New Age, Rock, World Music, and Folk Songs
from around the world. When you learn to play
piano or keyboard, in addition to your playing skills,
you will gain a knowledge of all aspects of music.

► The Studio

My studio is a great environment in
which to learn music. Private lessons
afford each student maximum attention.
Classes are held at a relaxed pace.
There are two acoustic pianos, a keyboard
and computer. Through the use of modern
teaching methods, students can easily visualize
musical ideas that evade traditional methods.
In addition, students can make the
connection between music we play
at the studio, and how professionals
evolve this into recording on CD,
film, and television. Parking is
conveniently provided, there is a
large waiting room, and a coffee shop
just down the block.

► The Instructor

Norm Zarr

Norm Zarr has been awarded two Platinum Records, and has performed professionally. As a composer & song writer, he has worked on film scores, and television music. Most recently, his music has appeared on:

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The Shield

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America's Most Wanted

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Dateline NBC

In preparation for his recent film with Jennifer Aniston, actor Steve Zahn took piano lessons
from Mr. Zarr.

Management

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