I have two GREAT OFFERS running right now: the first is a deal on my PDF/video Piano Packs - get all six for £16.95! More info here: www.billspianopages.com/pianopacks - then there's the bundle deal on the digital editions of my three current books, available here: www.billspianopages.com/bundle

"If u know chords, That's cool but, this is Jazz".

@platsew912

3 жыл бұрын

very, well said.

@junkyardjess9360

3 жыл бұрын

Anything is a chord is your trying hard enough 😂

@razuchamling8154

2 жыл бұрын

Jazz not jig jag

@danielx40

2 жыл бұрын

For someone who’s entire music cognizance is around chord analysis, Jazz sometimes disturbs me..

@cybergrinder7965

2 жыл бұрын

I'm new to jazz, explain

I was trained solely in classical piano, and learning jazz is so much more difficult than originally learning classical

@quincypurcell5222

Жыл бұрын

With you! It's really really hard

@Caleb-ss9jt

Жыл бұрын

me too, its like the complete opposite lmao.. Classical you strictly have to play the right dynamics and notes on the piece of paper written for you while jazz literally some measures itll just say "piano fill" making you make it up yourself. Blew my mind first time

@PianoMuse11

11 ай бұрын

Same here, I play classical piano and I’m desperately trying to learn but it’s so difficult even with the knowledge

@BillHilton

11 ай бұрын

I would agree - it’s almost like a different instrument: certainly I seem to view the keyboard differently when I’m playing any kind of improvisational style as opposed to reading from a score, classical or otherwise. Keep plugging away though, and let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with!

As an Italian, I really appreciate your hands moving as if they’re on cocaine while you’re talking.

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

Grazie, Joseph! Apropos of that, on one visit to Rome several years ago I stayed in a particular hotel for two weeks, and every morning the same waiter would come to my table and intone the words "café latte?" without moving A SINGLE MUSCLE. If you said "si" he would pour it with the absolute minimum of movement, more by bodily leaning over than via any movement of his arm. Everyone else in the entire city waved their arms about constantly, of course, but he's the chap who has stuck in memory as the least stereotypical national of any country I've ever met.

@josephtoto80

3 жыл бұрын

Usually that means he’s a really good waiter, for they have to be as elegant as possible, but that’s a bit too much.

@laurenforrest722

3 жыл бұрын

AHAHA I CANT STOP LAUGHING READING THIS

@Jay-pj5tg

3 жыл бұрын

Right? Those fingers are mesmerizing to watch. Great vid btw

@puvendranpillay8802

4 ай бұрын

His hands have too much independence

I've been playing for 5 years now and have watched hundreds of different piano tutorials, mostly on jazz piano. Bill is the best I have found.

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for saying so - really glad to have helped!

@ossiaigbedo7223

3 жыл бұрын

Hands down, I’ve playing soft melancholy for years, took an interest into jazz after attending a symposium and straight away looked for some sort of intro in jazz. Ready for lesson two. If it’s perfect I’ll be adding his book to the collection. Absolute godsent so far.

@joshidk8914

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 13, also been playing for around 5 years and I play sooo much Elton John, rock, classical and I play gigs in bars and even for parties but until today I never took an interest in jazz so this comment really helps, thanks

As someone that literally just started piano with a specific interest in blues/jazz piano these videos are a godsent! Thank you for all of your hard work.

@PIANOSTYLE100

7 жыл бұрын

Kevin Schellevis I play different styles but blues and jazz appeals to a wide. audience.. Classical is a narrow field.. it does appeal to many but.. I've not had anybody say play so and so song. So I think your own the right track learning jazz and blues.

@DrunkieCat

2 жыл бұрын

Dude... are my clone or something. This is so accurate for me. I also love jazz but have zero knowledge in musical instrument.

@joshidk8914

2 жыл бұрын

Learn chords and scales, if someone told me that in the beginning I would have gotten way further, and NEVER give up cause it can be hard, especially since jazz and blues have timing that aren't the same

@joshidk8914

2 жыл бұрын

@@DrunkieCat You too, chords and scales will get you far in music weather it's piano, sax, violin or even guitar. Anything you play, learn chords and scales

@DrunkieCat

2 жыл бұрын

@@joshidk8914 Im learning it, It’s hard. I get the hang of those 7th chords a little. Still forget sometimes tho. Meanwhile, scales is way harder for me and I still suck at it. It does take years to master both

Thank you. I was trained classically, so even though I can play somewhat advanced Chopin works, I was completely mute when it came to improv. I now feel more confident my abilities.

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Interestingly, you're exactly the kind of player I had in mind when I first started doing all this, a decade ago: classically trained piano player, wants to learn improvisation. Things have got a bit broader since, audience-wise, but I'm always glad to hear that my stuff helps the people I originally set out to help!

@ivanblanc2880

3 жыл бұрын

I relate to that. 12 years of classic training, I like to improvise in classic and romantic styles a lot but it lacks diversity so much when it comes to jazz. I just can't wrap my head around all these strange harmonic progressions and stuff :)

@joshuamark9316

Жыл бұрын

@@BillHilton That's exactly me as well! I'm quite proficient classically, but I have absolutely no bearing in improvisation.

When I was starting guitar I was learning theory, and easier genres first because everybody told me "jazz is too hard/complicated for beginner". I am now starting my journey with Piano and am not gonna make the same mistake. This time I'm jumping straight into jazz! :D

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Nice one, Danilo - let me know how you get on!

@willcoffarchives

3 жыл бұрын

Nice pfp, it gives me flashbacks

As always, listening to one of your videos is a combination of "that's brilliant" and "that's so simple I can't believe I never thought of it". Great work.

I love this man's 'yeah?'

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah!

@JakeyMikeySmithey

4 жыл бұрын

British teacher's enthusiasm!

What is better than a great teacher? NOTHING. Thank you for sharing.

I'd recommend everybody to read "The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music" by Victor Wooten. The way you (Bill) talk about music and how to play in this video is so in sync with how the book understands music. We often focus only on Music Theory, knowing the notes or finding the scale, but that's only one of the many -and equal- aspects that form music, and we tend to forget things like you mentioned; Groove, Feeling, Expression... great video! Will put this on practice right now :)

omg thank you this is so good. and makes so much sense, too. no overcomplicated music theory coming from classically trained musicians. just fun and straight to the point.

Thank you Bill. Always fun getting your new uploads.

@BillHilton

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Charmian - glad you like them!

Looks easy...now I just need a piano😫

@mimoochodom2684

5 жыл бұрын

Looks easy...now I just need some talent

@xhackerethical200

4 жыл бұрын

i bought one it isnt easy

@marianoaldogaston

4 жыл бұрын

getting a piano is a lot easy than playing one :)

@rolux4853

4 жыл бұрын

Yep yep that’s it! Get the cheapest used midi keyboard you can find and play around with garage band! The sounds that come for free with your iPhone/iPad/MacBook are great, not just for beginners. Besides the classical piano, the organ and the different types of e-piano are great, too. If you add the virtual drummer you can jam out on every instrument you like. Playing guitar and bass through garage bands amps and effects is another whole world of fun! 15 years ago you would have paid thousands of dollars for this quality of amp, effect and instrument simulation.

@tronlady1

4 жыл бұрын

Ro Lux.....no thats not the way to learn piano! Too many distractions. Just get A PIANO otherwise you will end up messing ariund for YEARS like I did. You will get hooked on composing, recording, production, beat making and other instruments rather than playing piano!!!

2:53 seconds in and im subscribed im excited to follow along with this series. Thanks bill !

Thanks to Bill . I start loving jazz .

Amazing video, mind blowing for a beginner!

can't wait for the rest of these!

This is soooo helpful and usefull! Thanks, looking forward for another uploads.

Hello, Bill! Your teaching style really works for me. I appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity you've put into this curriculum. Thanks!

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Jared - glad it helps!

thanks! great video.. very excited for this series

Exactly what I was looking for! Love the balance between theory and the "feel". Thank you

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Adèle - glad it helped!

I'd like to see the book because I want to see the beat on the score. I know rhythms are not so important as written on the book but still would help to write it down and understand. Thank you for the tutorial. I already understand the basic chords and the scales so this was great to build up a bit :)

Piano is beautiful. 💕

Really love the way you teach! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with the rest of us!

Just watched this eating lunch and think this could be the start of something special. Having not played the piano for a few years now this is really exciting

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you've got some inspiration from it, Noah - let me know how you get on!

Thank God for this blessed guy! Massive respect from India❤❤❤

Thank you Bill for giving me and introduction to jazz

thank you for another excellent lesson.

this is FANTASTIC and I can't believe you've got such great resources out here for free!! I had a break from playing classical piano that I'd been learning for a few years, and I'm slowly getting back into it, and finally finally picking up jazz that I've wanted to do for sooo long. Definitely working my way through all your videos, thank you for the amazing efforts!! Though your teaching style is just so bubbly and effortless :)

@BillHilton

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words - it's always great to hear when someone has found my stuff useful!

Thanks for sharing. This is so fun! You make want to play more and more.

I really love how you teach . You remind us to have fun and just play around .

@BillHilton

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you - glad you like it!

Thanks a lot. Your video is what all I need for my piano skills now

Who's here for corona time

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Me, for a start!😂

@thetruff3337

4 жыл бұрын

@@BillHilton Hello there, i'm glad you replied. I have a casio keyboard piano... i have the settings on grand piano but the sound is nowhere close to the one you're using. Thanks in advance good sir.

@ProEray

4 жыл бұрын

miiiis miiiiiis

@thetruff3337

4 жыл бұрын

@@ProEray yayyy for self improvement

@mariverduzco74

4 жыл бұрын

Me

I have been a jazz double bass player for years. Now I really want to get back to the roots and learn theory, eartraining and piano along with it. In comes Bill with his youtube videos, passionate and precise. Thank you, Bill, I'm hooked!

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Björn - glad you like it! You'll probably find that the insights you have from bass playing are a big help! :)

@steamship.studios

4 жыл бұрын

@@BillHilton Yeah I noticed! I am actually a little ahead of schedule as a had some very little training during side class at the conservatory - though I am trying to go to the very beginning to get it solid. I noticed I have a more clear conception about what walking bass lines actually work through the piano! On bass it's just: Let's try that :-D

That was a wonderful explanation. Thank you very much!

This is a great break down of how to start improvising for a beginner. Thanks! I also like to start improvising with pentatonic scales. Pentatonic scales give an interesting and open sound that can be acheived right from the beginning.

@BillHilton

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! That was kind of the aim - I think it's quite easy for beginners to get bogged down in scales and modes and suchlike from the start, which encourages a kind of left-brain, rules-based mindset ("I'm playing this chord therefore I must play x, y or z scale over it..."). I think it's far better for people to have the sort of freedom the pentatonic gives them and use it to develop their confidence (from quick-ish, decent-sounding results) and their ears, which at the start at least is far more important that knowing whether what you're playing is Ab lydian b9 or whatever.

This is amazing, thank you!!! Starting on a single chord with a simple bass line makes all the difference. I literally just sat and improvised a bunch of stuff after watching one video, thank you!!!

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Reb - glad it was useful!

Thanks Bill great stuff as always!

man i wish all piano teachers/tutors were like you!

great as always Bill, thanks!

When I was a kid my parents bought me a 2000 euro Yamaha clavinova for my lessons, good for concert. I made good use of that, and I loved it. Full size, weighted keys, the works. We later had to sell that to fund my studies in computers. Now I'm sitting in my flat, with a shitty 20 pound 2-octave midi controller I got from Mao's Poundland, practicing my scales. Because of you, Bill. Thanks for the video

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

That’s good to hear, Rath - give me a shout if you have any specific questions or need any guidance on this stuff. It sometimes takes me a while to reply (I get a lot of comments 😂) but I always do in the end! Btw when you want to upgrade from that keyboard you can pick up very playable digitals for a lot less than two grand these days, especially if you spend some time digging around on eBay. Let me know if you ever need recommendations.

Thanks a lot. Very helpful

Great review on this guy. Love it, I WANT to learn.

This is huge! Thank you so much Bill! I tried it on my piano and I’m feeling like I’m playing music for the first time!

@BillHilton

2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! I really hope you enjoy the rest of the series - just stick a comment in thread under any of the tutorials if you have any questions or need guidance!

This tutorial is great !! Playing without Sustain on my keyboard really enables me to bring out the similar JAZZ effect.. thanks a ton !!

Excellent !!! explanation as always you do.

Just found this channel. I think you're incredibly good at teaching by explaining things in the simplest way even beginners can understand.

@BillHilton

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much indeed - I hope you get a lot out of it, and don't hesitate to shout if you have any questions :)

I went for years without learning how to improvise. I learned all my scales and things but I only ever saw them within an exam context and never really questioned or saw their practical application. I know that sounds silly because it should be obvious what scales are for. I think because I started young I just accepted that they were part of the exam. It wasn’t until I started enjoying my piano lessons less and less that my teacher gave me the blues scale to improvise in. I quit after that, but it really was a lightbulb moment. I started enjoying piano and figuring out music theory for myself. I can read sheet music, that’s great, but I never had the desire to understand the work behind it or what made it tick before she sent me away with the blues scale. I feel like not being able to improvise is like being half a pianist. I really want to start my lessons again, but my parents want me to focus on school. I feel like I’ve learned as much as I can just noodling by myself and I need a proper teacher again. Anyway, thank you for these videos! I don’t know if what I said is entirely relevant but I’m just really excited to learn :)

this is a clear and down to the point tutorial, great stuff. I subbed to your channel.

Thank you so much! So simple, so good! 🙌🏼

I haven't played the piano for quite some time and your video inspired me to start again. Never plaeyed jazz before, but I really want to. Thank you for your hard work!

You made me feel the music better, cheers

Love this.

Wow! Out of all the youtube rabble this is by far the best tutorial! This improvisation/just play technique makes me WANT to learn!

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Marvellous - thanks very much. Good luck with your playing, and give me a yell if you get stuck!

Incredible video. Just what I needed, especially inspiring. Thank you

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

No problem at all, Khosrovadukht - you're welcome!

THIS IS AN AMAZING TUTORIAL!

This is amazing

Nice Tutorial! I'm Practicing. Thank You Very Much.

@didingvalte3808

4 жыл бұрын

Granny G how is your progress?

Awesome tutorial! thank you very much, i'm looking foward to more! :)

@georgehall2533

7 жыл бұрын

Vvvvv

I love learning fun ways to improvise :)

Best jazz tutorial I've ever see on yt

@BillHilton

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much indeed - let me know if you have any questions :)

Love this video, thanks Bill! Super clear and easy to follow

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words - I'm glad it helped!

Thank you Bill, that was really helpful ...

This was very helpful 👍

Fabulous! Thank you for this!

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Wow, first lesson and it goes very well yet!!! Good job man!!!

Thankyou for keeping it simple and easy to understand and play... this first step was very helpful.

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Susan - happy to have helped :)

GREAT method of teaching!

I like how it's for ppl who play the piano and know the notes already. Thank you!

REALLY HELPFULL THANK YOU

Great man, thanks a lot!

Quick and easy. Straight to the point. Very efficient!

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jo Jo!

Thanks for this. It’s really helpful and I can’t wait to practice on this!

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Will watch all other videos thanks for sharing!

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Simay - glad you liked it!

Brilliant, inspiring, thank you...

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

No problem Tom - glad you like it!

You are amazing. So meticulous with your lessons.

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much - really glad you like them!

Thanks a million for these tutorials! As someone who was classically trained some years back, doing improvisations seems to use a completely different part of my brain. I hope to begin incorporating these techniques in my own music some day!

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! You’re exactly the kind of musician I had in mind when I first started making these things a decade ago, so I’m really glad you like them. “Different part of the brain” is EXACTLY it. In some ways I still still the piano keyboard differently when I’m improvising compared to when I’m playing from score, especially classical material.

@ninevolt

3 жыл бұрын

​@@BillHilton That's really interesting! It's so great that you've been able to help broaden the horizons of so many musicians. Best wishes for the new year. Cheers

Outstanding video

Thank you SO much!

thanks for sharing! fantastic tutorials.

@BillHilton

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony - glad you like them!

Thank you so much!!! With this tutorial I was able to enjoy playin jazz. Epic!

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

thank you

subbed yesterday. got this video inboxed and it's great. channel owner is a real passionist.

Great lesson. Thank you!

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

thank you so much. this was so helpful! I didn't know where to start. i love it! it's so fun! thank you very much again

Thankyou so much for these basic exercises, they are wonderful for us beginners. You are helping us so much. 💜🌝♥️🌼🙂😊❤️🌻

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

No problem Heather! Glad to have helped!

Good job...great fan of yours....from Nigeria

Honestly im glad I have found Your chanel. Good job Sir.

@BillHilton

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! :)

Great teaching Sir.

These vids are a godsend for beginners jazz beginners!

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I dont know if it sounds good for real or I just THINK it sounds good BUT i had so much fun playing those ACDEG notes only, with closed eyes and smile on my face. Felt AMAZING. Thanks

@BillHilton

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Mik - hope you keep enjoying it!

well, i will do it this tutorial since i’m really new with keyboard and without any lessons and i only watch this tutorial to improve myself. hope it works!😆❤️

All my neighbors love you mate. I'm playing my keys at full blast after your lesson. Cheers.

@BillHilton

4 жыл бұрын

Remember, Marcello - if they start banging on the walls, that means you're practising right. Keep it up!

first step : wear jeans

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

It's a good job I remember to put them on every time

@joseambriz5897

3 жыл бұрын

I thought the first step was to have hands

@tansupercake5469

3 жыл бұрын

@@joseambriz5897 that’s a good one as well but I thought the first step was to exist

@joseambriz5897

3 жыл бұрын

@@tansupercake5469 what if the first step is finding where to exist🤷‍♂️

@tansupercake5469

3 жыл бұрын

@@joseambriz5897 or WHEN to exist

Thank you very much your gift will help me grow into an amazing jazz player

Hi Bill - I’m so grateful for this, my 8year old just plays from the sheet, he is loving this tutorial and I can hear him ‘playing’ with sounds, discovering what works, what sounds good... he’s into it !!! Thank you ! ( I’ve got your book too). Btw : I’m learning too

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much - glad to hear it's working for him! Given his age, if you can also get him in front of a real, live teacher at some point you'll find that makes a big difference. And good luck with your own learning!

I'm a bass player and this actually really helped with certain things,good vid!

@BillHilton

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it, Ethan - give me a shout if you any questions!

I've always wanted to learn piano and even took a course in college. But it was never fun. You emphasizing PLAY and teaching this made the creative so much more enjoyable. Looking forward to learning the rest of the series. Thanks Bill!

@BillHilton

5 жыл бұрын

No problem - I hope you enjoy the rest of it, and shout if you have any questions!