For the last seven years or so I've been learning classical piano. The experience has been a largely frustrating one, so much so that I've been considering giving up the piano altogether - or at least for a while - and perhaps trying my hand at another instrument. But before I do anything quite so drastic, I'd like to venture in a different direction with piano and try to learn to play jazz. In the past I wouldn't have given jazz the time of day but in recent years, I've come to like it a lot. Some of it I absolutely love - the music of Keith Jarrett, for example. His 'Köln' album is rarely out of my CD player!

The idea of being able to play in the present moment, from the heart, is one that appeals to me very much. I realise there are many sub-genres under the catch-all name of 'jazz' and I'd also like to be able to play some of the standards, perhaps using fake book lead sheets and improvising. I'd also love to play with other jazz muicians but that's a possibility to be considered in the future.

I know I can learn a lot here in the PW forums (Jazzwee has been particularly helpful), as well as from the likes of YouTube, but I really need the guidance of a teacher, I think. My problem is, living where I do in north Cornwall, there are no jazz piano teachers that I can find within a reasonable travelling distance.

And so, my reason for posting in this particular forum is to ask if anyone here has any advice for me regarding distance learning. Specifically, it would be good to hear from anyone who teaches by remote means, or from anyone who is already taking lessons this way. I must say that the idea of being taught via a Skype link doesn't greatly appeal to me but there again, I haven't tried it!

Any advice would be very much appreciated

Cruiser,

Ask Dave Frank if he has any opening. You won't find a better teacher.
http://www.davefrankjazz.com

It's really that simple.

Btw, both of us just saw Jarrett last wednesday at Carnegie Hall. 1st row right next to him. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. He's evolved a lot since his Koln Concert.

Enjoy your new journey!

Hi Cruiser,
That's a great question.
I teach lessons over Skype weekly. Skype can work well long distance. Overall it's a good way to study but the the technology can be a bit challenging at times. I do think it can work for proactive students who are not beginners.

So, my best advice for you would be to "practice" your camera angles in advance. For example, I already know the 3 ideal spots I need my camera to point to get a clear shot of my face, my hands, and my music stand. I've worked it out in advance.
That way you don't have to waste time trying to figure out your camera angles inside the lesson.

Hope this helps.

That's so cool, jazz is all about improv.
But you have to be prepared to put in the work, and it will probably take you longer than classical to sound good.
However if it is what you want to do, you will find the journey very rewarding.

I'm like you. I was drawn to jazz because of Jarrett, I live in a nice part of the world, but I couldn't find any great local jazz teachers who know how to teach the American Songbook well etc.
Skype is an awesome breakthrough which allows us to access the best teaching from around the world. You will find the technology is almost incidental, the most important thing is the quality of the teacher.

custard, does this mean that you yourself are having lessons via Skype? If so, I'd be interested to hear more of your experience.

Hi Cruiser
For the past year I've been skyping regularly with Dave Frank and Knotty. I can honestly say that each time I skype with them, I achieve a step change improvement. I also record each of my lessons with them.

Why don't you email Dave Frank and you can discuss your goals ? You will be hard pressed to find a better teacher. He is ex Berklee and is a sell-out performer.

I've been using Dave's book Joy of Improvisation for the past one and a half years. From virtually knowing nothing about jazz, I've now improvised over 3 C maj standards from the American Songbook, and I'm learning a D min 6 one.