American music is based on chords. It just is. You can write a song that’s primarily rhythmic or melodic, but it’s the harmonic structure that determines the scales you choose for improvisation. Harmonic structure is the classic term for what we often refer to as the chord progression. The chords usually provide us with our most fundamental understanding of a song’s architecture. And good memorization skills, jamming, and reliable performance flow from that basic knowledge.

I teach theory for all instruments from the piano. Major triads and their inversions are a pretty good start.

Chord charts show the rudiments, but that’s not really the way the song you’re trying to play sounds. It’s more nuanced than playing a chord in root position with all the notes. Which notes of a chord do pros leave out and why? And pros add notes that aren’t written down. 7th, 9th, #11 chords (sharp eleven chords)… I can help you sort it out.

Classical theory too. I tutor high school and college students in music theory classes. Start-up keyboard players in garage bands need to figure out pentatonic and blues scales for Pop, Rock, and Blues songs. Advanced jazz students can study Melodic Minor Theory and how it branches into Lydian Dominant Hexatonic Theory and Altered Hexatonic Theory. Add to that,  Diminished Scale Theory and you’ll have a broad overview of functional harmony in modern jazz. Good improvisation, song writing, and composition depend on knowing chords and the scales that generate them.

No need to get lost in the clouds. There are simple approaches to playing music that are much easier than all the stuff mentioned above. Don’t be overwhelmed. We’ll start in your comfort zone.

I always provide a free lesson with no obligation to continue. Just email me to get started. Advanced players and beginners are welcome!