The Well-Rounded Pianist Practice Plan

Welcome to the Well-Rounded Pianist Practice Plan

“I believe in using the entire piano as a single instrument capable of expressing every possible musical idea.” Oscar Peterson
NO IDEA WORKS UNLESS YOU DO THE WORK.  LET’S GET STARTED!

Welcome to the Sound of Emotions method. You have made the right decision, now it is time to get to work!
Here is a little information about this first module:

Who is this module for?

If you have never played the piano before, start on lesson 1 and go from there. If you have some previous knowledge, at least look through each lesson and make sure you fill the criteria required before you decide to move on to the next one.

What will this module teach me?

You will learn about sight reading, how to practice, the basics of rhythm and improvisation, and a bit about music composition.

How long will it take me to complete Module 1?

If you are a very dedicated student, you can finish this module in 2 or 3 weeks. Most likely it will take you more or less 2 months to complete it.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move to the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 2.

 

Part 1 (aka Essential skills)

I. The Best Way to Practice and Move Forward with the Curriculum

II. Sight Reading and Coordination Exercises

 
III. Rhythm workout
 
IV. Easy Etudes
 
V. Composition


Part 2 (aka “I have completed every lesson in part 1”)

I. Sight Reading and Coordination Exercises
II. Improvisation
 
III: Etudes
 
IV. Composition
V. Rhythm Mastery (Continues in module 2)
VI. Playing with a Band 
Who is this module for?

If you have completed every lesson in module 1, you are ready for module 2. At this point you are still a beginner, but you have acquired some important knowledge about the basics. 

If you came into this course with previous knowledge make sure you completed the requirements for each lesson in module 1 before you proceed to the first lesson of Module 2.

What would this module teach me? 

You will learn more about improvisation, sight reading and rhythm. In addition you will start learning about blues and how to play with the band.

How long will it take me to complete module two?

If you are a very dedicated student you can finish this module in 4 to 6 weeks. Most likely it will take you more or less 3 months to complete it.

How will I know if I am ready for the next module?
Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move on the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 3.


Part 1 (aka “I am done with module 1 and I am ready to learn a bit more about improvisation”)

I. Improvisation
 
II. Theory and Sight Reading Exercises
 

Part 2 (aka “I have learned a bit more about improvisation and I am now ready to learn the blues”)

I. Improvisation
II. Rhythm Workout
III. Blues Licks
Who is this module for?
If you have completed every lesson in module 2, you are ready for module 3. At this point you are still a beginner, but you are entering the last half of the beginner course.
If you came into this course with previous knowledge make sure you completed the requirements for each lesson in module 2.
What will this module teach me?

This module lays heavy emphasis on rhythm and improvisation.

How long will it take me to complete Module 3?

If you are a very dedicated student, you can finish this module in 2 to 4 weeks. Most likely it will take you up to 2 months to complete it.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move on to the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 4.

 
I. Jam with your friends
 
II. Songs (My Compositions)
III. Composition
IV. Scale Workouts
V. Expanding Rhythm Vocabulary for Improvisation
VI. Rhythm Mastery
VII. Play with a Band

 

VIII. Test your skills
Who is this module for?
If you have completed every lesson in module 3, you are ready for module 4. This is the last module of the beginner course. Once you are done you can start on the first module of the intermediate course.
What will this module teach me?

This module lays heavy emphasis on intervals, triads, voicings, voice leading, and mastering the swing feel.

How long will it take me to complete Module 4?

If you are a very dedicated student, you can finish this module in 2 to 4 weeks. Most likely it will take you more or less 2 months to complete it.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move on the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 5.

I. Rhythm Workout & Improvisation
III. Major Chords
 
IV. Minor Chords
V. Beautiful Chords
VI. Intervals Part 2
 
VII. Rhythm Mastery
VIII. Playing with a Band

Congratulations, you are done with the beginner course! Take a moment to appreciate how far you have come, and be proud of what you have accomplished so far. 🙂 

Take the rest of the day off, eat your favorite meal and have some ice-cream for dessert, you deserve it! And get ready to start the Intermediate Course in the next few days.

Who is this module for?

If you have completed every lesson of the previous modules (and have eaten a hefty portion of your favorite meal, as well as a few scoops of ice-cream) you are now ready to start the Intermediate Course. Keep following the same procedure as before – look at every lesson, and make sure you fill the requirements before you move on to the next one.

What will this module teach me?

In this first module of the intermediate course you will learn more complex left hand patterns. We will move a bit away from blues and start studying minimalist and contemporary classical music. This module focuses on teaching you to express more melancholic emotions with your music.

How long will it take me to complete Module 5?

If you are a very dedicated student, you can finish this module in 6 to 8 weeks. Most likely it will take you more or less 3 months to complete it.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move on the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 6.

I. The Best Way to Practice and Move Forward with the Curriculum
II. Sight Reading and Coordination Exercises
 
III. Basic Improvisation Exercises
IV. Create your first contemporary composition based on Triads
Who is this module for?
If you have completed every lesson in module 5, you are ready for module 6. 
What will this module teach me?

In this module you will learn to play from lead sheets and create your own left-hand patterns. We will go into a deeper exploration of rhythm and into latin jazz improvisation.

How long will it take me to complete Module 6?

If you are a very dedicated student, you can finish this module in 6 to 8 weeks. Most likely it will take you more or less 3 months to complete it.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move to the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 7.

I. Sight Reading
II. Compositional Improvisation

Collect your favorite parts from the etudes you have learned so far, and mix them up. There is no right or wrong way to do this, as long as you do it :). All the core lessons are in the key of E minor, so whatever you decide to glue together will fit, no worries.

III. Left-Hand Accompaniment
IV. Rhythm Mastery – Drum Exercises
V.  Rhythm Mastery – E Minor Workout
V.  Rhythm Mastery – Paradiddles
VI. Rhythm Mastery – Three against Two
VI. Playing with a Band – Jazz
Who is this module for?
If you have completed every lesson in module 6, you are ready for module 7. 
What will this module teach me?

This module focuses almost exclusively on improvisation and composition.

How long will it take me to complete Module 7?

If you are a very dedicated student, you can finish this module in 6 to 8 weeks. Most likely it will take you more or less 3 months to complete it.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move on the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 8.

In addition, in the last lesson of this module you will have the possibility to send in a video of your playing to be reviewed by David. 

I. Improvisation
 
II. Minor Triad Workout
 
III. Contemporary Piano Pieces (+ Improvisation)
IV. Rhythm
 
V. Technique and Improvisation
 
VI. Test your skills

 

Who is this module for?

Up until this point we have only explored the keys of E minor and A minor. In module 8 you will go through every single of the twelve keys in both major and minor.

What will this module teach me?

This module will teach you 24 songs, each in a different key. In addition you will learn, in a practical and musical way, the necessary theory behind each key.

How long will it take me to complete Module 8?

This module is more of a reference guide to playing in every key. I recommend you spend time exploring all the different keys, but you do not have to complete every single lesson from the first to the last one.

Use the different exercises and the theory behind them to explore and learn more about each specific key. Ideally you should spend between 4 and 8 weeks in this module, but there is enough material here to keep you busy for up to a year (if you decide to explore and complete every single lesson). This is a very extensive module.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

You do not have to complete every single lesson, but you should at least complete the lessons on C major, C minor, Bb Major, G Minor and F Major, as that will be a requirement to start the next module.

This is the last module of the intermediate course, so once you are done with the compulsory lessons in this module you will be ready to move on to the first module of the advanced course.

Part 1

You must complete these 7 lessons before you move forward to the rest of the module.

Making Music with the Basics
Part 2

Here are the lessons in every single major and minor key. Feel free to explore all of them, but you do not have to complete every single lesson. Remember: The lessons on C major, C minor, Bb Major, G minor and F major are compulsory so you must complete them before you are ready to move on to the next module.

Ia. C Major Workout (Compulsory)
 Ib. A Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
IIa. G Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
IIb. E Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
 IIIa. D Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
IIIb. B Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
Va. E Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
Vb. C# Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
VIa. B Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
VIb. G# Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
VIIa. F Major Workout (Compulsory)
VIIb. D Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
VIIIa. Bb Major Workout (Compulsory)
VIIIb. G Minor Workout (Compulsory)
IXa. Eb Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
IXb. C Minor Workout (Compulsory)
Xa. Ab Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
Xb. F Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
XIa. Db Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
XIb. Bb Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
XIIa. Gb Major Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)
XIIb. Eb Minor Workout (Not compulsory, but recommended)

Additional Exercises

I. Chords Workout
II. Improvisation
 
III. Scale workout in 12 keys

Congratulations, you are done with the intermediate course! This last module was very extensive, even if you only completed the compulsory lessons, so be proud of yourself. 

Make sure to celebrate your accomplishment with some good food, a swim in the ocean and/or a full day of laying on the couch. And once you have caught your breath again get ready for the next stage of your journey: The advanced course.

Welcome to the Advanced Course!

Who is this module for?
In order to start with the lessons in module 9, you must first complete all the compulsory lessons in module 8.
What will this module teach me?

In this module you will learn:

  • How to practice scales
  • Advanced blues and funk improvisation techniques
  • 7 ways to improve your composition and improvisation skills
  • 9 powerful chord progressions
How long will it take me to complete Module 9?

If you are a very experienced pianist or just want to scratch the surface of this module use between 3 or 4 weeks. For less experienced students and those who want to explore the lessons in detail, you could study this module for up to 16 or 18 weeks.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move on to the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move to module 10.

In addition, in the last lesson of this module you will have the possibility to send in a video of your playing to be reviewed by David.

I. How to Practice Scales
II. Rhythm Workout
 
III. Improvisation Etude
 
IV. Funk Grooves and Improvisation
 
V. Licks and Improvisation
 
VI. Creative Practicing
 
VII. Powerful Chord Progressions
 
VIII. Test your skills
Who is this module for?
In order to start with the lessons in module 10, you must first complete all the lessons in module 9.
What will this module teach me?

This module is a short introduction course to jazz. You will learn about scales, harmonization, syncopation and left-hand voicings. It will give you a glimpse of what you should expect once you start to dig deeper into the world of jazz.

How long will it take me to complete Module 10?

If you are a very experienced pianist or just want to scratch the surface of this module use between 3 or 4 weeks. For less experienced students and those who want to explore the lessons in detail, you could study this module for more or less 8 weeks.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

Each lesson has instructions telling you when you are ready to move to the next one. Complete each lesson in order and once you are done with the last lesson you can move on module 11. 

 

Elements of Jazz Improvisation

Jazz Fundamentals

Jazz Harmonization

Jazz Hanon

Who is this module for?

Once you have gotten to this point you can consider yourself a fairly experienced solo pianist. But you might be having issues playing together with other jazz musicians.

What will this module teach me?
In this module we will go beyond the traditional 12 bar blues. You will learn how jazz musicians add their flavor to blues playing.

This module includes lessons on walking bass, chords, improvisation and pentatonic scale work.

How long will it take me to complete Module 10?

If you follow the directions properly and spend time practicing improvisation you will spend at least 14 weeks completing the lessons in this module. If you would like to explore these topics in depth, you could easily spend up to 5 months mastering this module.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

This module is all about improvisation and self-expression. You must first feel very comfortable improvising in the keys of C, F, Bb and G minor before you can move on to the next module.

 

JAZZ-BLUES IN C

I. Walking Bass
 
II. Chords
 
III. Improvisation
 

JAZZ-BLUES IN Bb

I. Walking Bass
II. Chords
III. Improvisation
 
IV. Advanced 12 Bar Jazz-Blues Workout in the key of Bb
 

JAZZ-BLUES IN F

 

Additional Exercises

II. Jazz-blues Workouts
 
III. Jazz-Blues Improvisation
(Major Pentatonic and Major Blues)
Who is this module for?

This module is for students who have reached a fairly advanced level, feel very comfortable improvising freely and are ready to take their skills to the next level.

What will this module teach me?

Plain and simple, this module contains everything I learned in the 3 years I spent in the Jazz conservatory. In the next 52 weeks you will learn almost everything there is to know about jazz theory and practice.

How long will it take me to complete Module 12?

Respect the structure and the progression of this module. Do not move to week 2 before you are done with week 1 and progress the same way throughout the whole module.

You should spend at least one week inside of each part for a minimum total of 52 weeks for the whole module, but you can spend more time if you feel the need.

How will I know when I am ready for the next module?

This is the last module of this course, once you are done you will move on to a 30-day jazz-blues challenge. If you have completed every lesson of every module up to this point, you can consider yourself a very competent, sophisticated pianist. 

Week 1

II-V-I WORKOUT (FORMULA 1 – BASIC VOICINGS)

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Week 13

Week 14

Week 15

Week 25

Week 26

Week 27

Week 28

Week 29

Week 30

Week 31

Week 32

Week 33

Week 34

Week 35

Week 36

Week 37 

Week 38

Week 39

Week 40 

Week 41

Week 42

Week 43

Week 44

Week 45

Week 46

Week 47

Week 48

Week 49

Week 50

Week 51

Week 52

Congratulations! You were done with the last module of the last course of the Sound of Emotions Method. If you have gone through every single lesson, fulfilled every single criteria and did not take any shortcuts you can consider yourself a monster pianist. There is always something new to learn, but one thing is absolutely certain: You are a PRO when it comes to deliberate & smart practice. In this period of time, you not only learned what to practice but how to practice, and with that skill, you are now unstoppable. Be proud of yourself.

At this point you can once again record yourself playing and send the video for review. Feel free to choose the topic of your video, but make sure to send a specific request explaining what you would like feedback on. 

The next and last module of the Sound of Emotions method is a 30-Day Jazz-Blues Piano Challenge which was also featured in my YouTube Channel. All the material is included (a 39.95usd value).

Who is this module for?

This module is for students who have completed all the modules in the Sound of Emotions method. 

What will this module teach me?

The purpose of this module is to provide you with in-depth, practical knowledge of how to play jazz and blues. It will teach you a method that you can later apply to any jazz standards.

Every day will be divided into 3 levels, so you will be able to scale up or down a notch whenever you want, whenever it is needed.

How long will it take me to complete this final module?

30 Days. Respect the structure and the progression of this module. Do not move to Day 2 before you are done with Day 1 and progress the same way throughout the whole module.

How will I know when I am done with this module?

This is the last module of the whole Sound of Emotions method. Once you are done you have learned everything I can teach you. Feel free to revisit earlier modules, retake lessons and send me a message talking about your experience.

Final Words...

If you are stuck, or not sure about something feel free to contact me.
Even though everything is clear, I would love to hear you playing and get to know you better.

In order to give you good advice and guidance, I would need the following information from you:

  • Your name, age, and main motivation.
  • How much time do you have for practice?
  • What lessons have you already completed or are still working on?
  • A link where I can see or hear you playing the exercises (Unlisted YouTube link, mp3 file, etc.) Play the entire exercise from the beginning to the end with a steady beat and let me know how long time did it take you to complete the lesson. If the recording is about improvisation, please improvise at least for 1 minute (with a steady beat).

Keep in touch!

Hugs & Love
David