ONLINE LESSONS
for modern piano
Pop/Rock and Jazz Fundamentals
Chord Theory
Improvisation
Music Technology
& More

James Works With You
Each lesson is tailored to a students unique requirements - James takes the time to prepare repertoire, listening material, technical, and theory work based on each individual students needs
We take on students from many backgrounds:
- Adult and teen beginners
- Pop/Rock/Jazz band musicians wanting to juice up their sound
- Classical pianists wanting to tackle the unique intricacies of contemporary music
- School and university students developing their modern playing chops in solo, accompanying, and band situations
- Music 1 HSC students in NSW developing their final exam performance program
The common denominator is a love of modern music, an open mind, and a willingness to learn
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"I have found James to be a fantastic role model to our students, with exceptional musical skills. His experience as a working musician allowed him to pass on valuable knowledge of the industry to our students. I would highly recommend James as both a piano teacher and performer"
Mel Hale, Creative Arts Coordinator at Kildare Catholic College Wagga Wagga -
"I’ve been having lessons with James for over 5 years. I was drawn to James unique style of teaching. I have enjoyed every lesson and my continued confidence in my ability to play piano. I can highly recommend James as a piano teacher"
Jenny Powell, Student -
“James’s ability to not only connect to his students learning needs, but act as a musical mentor was an instrumental factor in us continuing tuition online with James this year when we moved across the state. I cannot recommend James highly enough”
Emily Dunn, Parent of Student
Our Focuses Include
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Unlock the secrets of chords to elevate your piano playing:
- Master common chord voicings to add richness and depth to your sound.
- Discover useful chord hacks that simplify complex progressions.
- Explore passing chords and reharmonization techniques to create sophisticated transitions.
- Build a versatile "playing vocabulary" where these concepts flow naturally into your music, enhancing your creativity and confidence.
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Leverage technology to expand your musical possibilities:
- Learn to program keyboard patches from basic setups to advanced configurations tailored to your needs.
- Get hands-on experience with notation software, making sheet music and charts a breeze.
- Dive into the essentials of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) recording software, from setup to multitrack recordings.
- Explore strategies for utilizing computers in live performances, ensuring seamless integration into your setup.
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Bridging traditional and contemporary approaches to music reading:
- Learn to read and interpret traditional sheet music with confidence.
- Get fluent in reading and writing modern chord charts and lead sheets, the foundation of contemporary music.
- Apply your knowledge of chord theory and improvisation to enhance your interpretation and performance of written music.
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Adapt your playing to any performance scenario:
- Develop solo piano techniques to fill every gap, creating a full and engaging sound.
- Learn how to accompany a vocalist or instrumentalist, respecting their musical space while enhancing the performance.
- Understand the dynamics of band playing, mastering the art of restraint where "less is more."
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The art of improvisation is essential to contemporary styles like pop, rock, and jazz:
- Develop the skills to listen, react, and create in the moment, making your performances dynamic and engaging.
- Learn how to manipulate scales and modes to craft unique melodies.
- Use chord tones and stylistic techniques to build improvised phrases that suit various genres.
- Gain confidence improvising in any setting, whether you're soloing or jamming with a group.
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Unlock the unique sounds and capabilities of your instruments:
- Program a perfect FX chain for a sparkling, iconic Rhodes sound.
- Fine-tune your Wurlitzer to get that classic, punchy tone.
- Shape your Hammond organ sound using drawbars and explore advanced techniques like palm glisses and held tones.
- Make your piano cut through the mix in any setting, whether live or recorded.
- Learn the basics of sound design to create unique synth patches that reflect your style.
- Master layering and splitting techniques to combine multiple sounds for performance or production.
- Discover the secrets to creating a powerful, phat sound that commands attention.
LESSON AVAILABILITY
Our 50 Minute lessons can be booked ad-hoc on a single lesson basis, or at a discounted rate for booking 4 lessons in advance
SCHEDULE
As James travels between UK, Europe, and Australia our lesson availability fluctuates seasonally
March/April/May 2025
Australia (Sydney Time): Tues/Wed/Thurs afternoon/evening and Saturday morning/afternoon
Europe (London Time): Wed/Thurs/Fri mornings
June - December 2025
Australia (Sydney Time): Tues/Wed/Thurs evening
Europe (London Time): Tues/Wed/Thurs afternoon
We are currently at capacity for online lessons - please register on the waiting list to be notified of any potential openings
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Sold out
4 x Fortnightly Lessons (50 minutes)
Regular price $480.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per$560.00 AUDSale price $480.00 AUDSold out -
Sold out
Single Lesson (50 Minutes)
Regular price $140.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSold out -
Register on the Waiting List
Regular price $0.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per$0.00 AUDSale price $0.00 AUD
Any questions?
Email us at info@wickedkeys.com.au