Jazz Piano

This course will explore appreciation for the piano, a glorious instrument that has played both supporting and leading roles in the world of jazz. It has evolved from the early days of boogie-woogie and ragtime to the chord-drenched stylings of Bill Evans and Brad Mehldau.  

As always, several superstars lead the way, including boogie-woogie stars such as Meade Lux Lewis, Pinetop Smith and Albert Ammons; big band virtuosos such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Earl Hines; and stride masters such as Fats Waller, Willy the Lion Smith and James P. Johnson. Let's not forget the singers/pianists such as Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, Ray Charles, and Diana Krall. Remember, jazz piano music isn’t all nostalgia. It thrives today with artists such as Fred Hersch, Jessica Williams, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock.

Join us for a survey of what the instructor describes as the most beautiful piece of furniture ever built.

You may take this course as part of the following program:

What will I learn?

• Early piano: Ragtime, boogie-woogie and stride piano masters
• Big band piano: A special kind of playing mastered by Ellington, Basie, Hines, McShann and Kenton
• The superstars of the instrument: Tatum, Waller, Garner, Hines, Brubeck, Williams, Shearing, Peterson, Jamal, Evans, and Monk
• The great accompanists, including Teddy Wilson, Ellis Larkins, Paul Smith, Jimmy Rowles, Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson, Ralph Sharon, and Tommy Flannagan
• The singer/pianists including Nat Cole, Blossom Dearie, Shirley Horn, Diana Krall, Nina Simone, Michael Feinstein, Bobby Short, Rose Murphy, and Harry Connick Jr.
• Solo piano, latin piano, and blues piano
• Today’s piano stars including Herbie Hancock, Cyrus Chestnut, Jessica Williams, Marucs Roberts, Chick Corea, Fred Hersch, Bill Charlap, Renee Rosnes, Brad Meldau, Keith Jarrett, and John Stetch.

How will I learn?

• Lectures
• Discussion (may vary from class to class)
• Papers (applicable only to certificate students)

Who should take this course?

This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about jazz.

How will I be evaluated?

(For certificate students only)

Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”

Textbooks and learning materials

Reading material (if applicable) will be available in class. Some course materials may be available online.