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.