Find your sound. Play music, not just the notes.
Contemporary Piano Lessons in Sydney's Upper North Shore
Develop the skills real musicians use today. Whether you want to play in a band, understand harmony, or bring songs to life from chords, you’ll learn in a way that’s practical, musical and tailored to your goals.
Develop the skills real musicians use today. Whether you want to play in a band, understand harmony, or bring songs to life from chords, you’ll learn in a way that’s practical, musical and tailored to your goals.
Contemporary piano for real‑world musicians — jazz, pop and blues
Contemporary piano for real‑world musicians — jazz, pop and blues
If you’ve ever wanted to learn piano but felt unsure about the traditional classical pathway, you’re not alone.
I teach contemporary piano with a focus on harmony, groove and creativity — the elements that shape how modern musicians actually play.
Whether you want to:
- play confidently from chords
- explore jazz, pop or blues
- develop the skills to play in a band
- or bring songs to life in your own way
…you’ll learn in a way that’s practical, musical and genuinely enjoyable.
What Is Contemporary Piano?
Contemporary piano is about learning the language of modern music.
Rather than focusing mainly on reading notation and reproducing pieces, you’ll learn how music works — so you can actually use it.
In lessons, you’ll develop:
- an understanding of chords and harmony
- the ability to play with groove and rhythmic feel
- confidence playing from chord charts and lead sheets
- the skills to improvise and create
- the ability to listen, respond and play like a musician
It’s a hands-on, real-world approach to playing — the way most modern musicians actually learn and perform.
Contemporary vs Classical Piano — What’s the Difference?
Both approaches are valuable — but they build different skill sets.
Classical piano typically focuses on:
- reading notation
- technical precision
- repertoire and performance
- discipline and accuracy
Contemporary piano focuses on:
- harmony and chord-based playing
- rhythm, feel and groove
- playing by ear and from charts
- creativity and improvisation
Contemporary piano isn’t an easier alternative to classical training — it’s simply a different pathway.
Classical develops incredible discipline and technique.
Contemporary develops harmonic understanding, rhythmic feel, and the ability to create your own sound.
Both are valid. They just lead to different musical outcomes.
Contemporary piano and music lessons for all needs
Jazz Piano and Contemporary Harmony
For students wanting to explore jazz more deeply, I teach:
chord-scale relationships
modern voicings and colour tones
reharmonisation
comping patterns for band settings
groove, feel and rhythmic interpretation
how to build expressive jazz solos
how to interpret standards in a contemporary way
Everything is taught in clear, simple language — practical, musical and grounded.
Pop Piano and Playing from Chords
Perfect for students who want to play the songs they love.
You’ll learn how to:
read and interpret chord charts
create left-hand patterns that sound full and modern
add tasteful fills and transitions
accompany yourself or others
play confidently in a band
make any song sound like your version
This is contemporary piano at its most accessible and enjoyable.
Blues Piano
Blues is expressive, joyful and foundational to so many modern styles. You’ll explore:
12-bar blues forms
blues phrasing
left-hand patterns
stylistic riffs
how blues influences jazz and pop playing
It’s a powerful way to build feel and confidence.
Writing Music With MIDI and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
For students who want to create and arrange their own music, I teach:
principles of using DAWs like Logic Pro X, Cubase and GarageBand
how to write music using MIDI
how to create mockups and arrangements
how to layer parts and build a track
how to use technology to support your musicianship
This is ideal for students who want to compose, arrange or explore modern creativity.
Do You Teach Improvisation?
Yes — but not in a one-size-fits-all way.
Improvisation sits at the heart of contemporary piano, but it looks different depending on the style.
- In pop and chord-based playing, improvisation shows up as:
- fills
- variations
- subtle changes that make a song your own
- In jazz, improvisation becomes more sophisticated:
- developing melodic ideas over harmony
- understanding chord–scale relationships
- shaping expressive solos
All contemporary piano involves improvisation in some form — and all of it is learnable.
You’re not expected to “just be creative”. You’ll be shown clear, practical ways to build these skills step by step, in a way that actually makes musical sense.
My Teaching Approach
Whether you’re a beginner, a returning adult, or an experienced player wanting to expand your skills, I’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
My lessons blend:
clear communication
deep musical knowledge (jazz, pop, blues, harmony)
a warm, encouraging style
structured pathways that help students grow
real musicianship — groove, feel, expression, creativity
tailored learning based on your interests, goals and musical level
> Click For More About My Approach to Learning Contemporary Piano
Who I Teach
Teenagers discovering their musical sound
Adults returning to piano after years away
Hobbyists who want to play for joy
Students wanting to learn jazz, pop or blues
Classical players transitioning into contemporary styles
Piano and keyboard players who want to play well in a band
Church keyboard players wanting to develop contemporary skills
Musicians wanting to understand harmony and play confidently from chords
Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, experience and personality.
Why Learn with a Teacher in the Age of YouTube?
Why Learn with a Teacher in the Age of YouTube?
Online videos and music platforms are fantastic resources — I use them myself and often recommend them to students. But they can’t offer what a real teacher provides:
1. Personalised feedback
You get guidance on your playing, not a generic demonstration.
2. Lessons tailored to your goals
Whether you want to play in a band, understand harmony, or develop your sound, your lessons are shaped around what you want to achieve.
3. A learning style that suits you
Some students thrive with structured, formal lessons (especially teenagers). Others prefer a coaching-style approach that adapts week to week. I draw on years of experience as a trainer, coach and mentor to teach in the way that works best for you.
4. Accountability and momentum
A teacher helps you stay focused, motivated and progressing.
5. A musical partner
Someone who listens, responds, challenges you, and helps you grow — something no video can replicate.
Online learning is a great supplement. A teacher helps you turn knowledge into musicianship.