SHORT COURSES
Covent Garden, London
In Autumn 2026 I'm starting teaching some new termly short courses, on two consecutive Sundays
• JAZZ PIANO - SOLO PIANO TECHNIQUES (new in 2026)
Sun 25 Oct + Sun 1 Nov 2026 (11am-4pm each day, with an hour lunch break)
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/jazz-piano-solo-piano-techniques/me625-2627
• JAZZ PIANO - ACCOMPANIMENT SKILLS (new in 2027)
Sun 28 Feb + Sun 3 March 2027 (11am-4pm each day, with an hour lunch break)
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/jazz-piano-accompaniment-skills/me626-2627
• TRANSCRIBE JAZZ SOLOS
Six classes on Sunday afternoons (12-3pm) at approx monthly intervals:
Sun 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 6 Dec 2026.
Sun 10 Jan, 14 Feb, 14 Mar 2027.
A study and sharing group for experienced jazz players with a good working knowledge of harmony and experience of improvising. We will focus on in-depth listening and transcription of recorded examples by well-known jazz musicians. Sessions will include demonstration and performance opportunities. This annual class enrols in September.
PREMISES STUDIOS Hackney, London
I ran an annual jazz piano course at Premises for over 25 years, usually in August. Nikki Yeoh has been on board since the beginning and is now doing a great job as course director. I still sometimes teach on these course as a guest tutor.
SUMMER PIANO WEEK – JAZZ, BLUES, FUNK, LATIN
Expect 5 days of intensive hands-on tuition + record your own trio track with an A-list rhythm section!
JAZZ PIANO PERFORMANCE COURSE
A new 3-day course focusing on comping and playing with a rhythm section. Come and join us for intensive tuition and hands-on practice, culminating in a live performance for your friends and family. Learn how to voice chords and work on different comping styles. On the final day there is an open band workshop, including a Q&A. Then after a lunch break, it’ll be your turn to play with the professional band in our showcase Studio 1, for a live audience made up of friends and family (drinks and nibbles on hand).
JAZZ and BLUES PIANO at BENSLOW
Tim has been teaching at Benslow Music since 2014. These are hands-on residential courses in the relaxing setting of Benslow House, Hitchin, Herts (a short train journey from London). A range of repertoire is covered, with full use being made of the excellent facilities (pianos, practice rooms, etc). Prices includes accommodation and full board.
Blues Piano Basics Mon 3 - Wed 5 August 2026 (2027 dates TBC)
No previous blues experience necessary
Beginning Jazz Piano Fri 15 - Sun 17 January 2027
A new course based on my book 'Beginning Jazz Piano', aimed at helping intermediate pianists develop jazz and imprivisation skills.
Jazz Piano Fri 11 - Sun 13 June 2027
For pianists with previous jazz experience.
ABRSM JAZZ PIANO SYLLABUS
Short Course for Piano Teachers - NO FURTHER DATES PLANNED
Tim’s annual course for piano teachers was hosted from 1998 by Morley College and the City Lit and until 2025 online by Benslow Music. It de-mystified the mechanics of playing jazz, in a style that enabled it to be passed from teacher to pupil. The syllabus (Grades 1-5) was examined in detail, with insight into the skills required for candidates and how to teach them. Help was given with interpretation, improvisation, and the basics of jazz theory and harmony. No previous experience of jazz was required.
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