From Classical to Jazz Piano
— Let's Play —
Master improvisation, play by ear, and jam with others—whether you’re a beginner or classically trained.
Join NowDon’t Just Take My Word for It 📚🌈
Here’s what fellow musicians on YouTube have to say…
Why Jazz Feels So Hard
- Playing by ear seems impossible
- Improvisation feels like guessing
- You don’t know which standards to learn first
You’re not alone: I started as a classically-trained pianist too—and I know exactly how it feels.
Explore My Courses
I’ve created over 15 courses—each with 3 to 10 video lessons plus accompanying PDFs—that mirror the real-life curriculum I use with my private students.
You’ll find:
- Foundations: Scales, chord patterns, circle of 5ths exercises, and other essential tools.
- Playing by Ear: Start with simple children’s songs and progress to more complex pieces, learning new harmonic devices at each step.
- Specific Tunes: Dive into Georgia on My Mind, Autumn Leaves, Satin Doll, and more—developing melody, chords, and improvisation skills along the way.
Everything is designed to help you go from basics to full-on jam sessions, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire.
Recently Added
-
New
I Could Write A Book
Unlock the form, feel, and reharmonizations of this timeless jazz tune with insights from Miles, Red Garland, and Andre Previn.
-
New
Bye Bye Blackbird
Compare three classic versions of this jazz standard and learn how to comp, solo, and reharmonize using 1–2–5 vamps and creative substitutions.
-
New
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Master Melody + Basslines, Comp with Space, and Study a Jazz Classic with Dizzy Gillespie.
Jazz
-
Georgia On My Mind
Great American Songbook tune made famous by Ray Charles.
-
Moon River
Learn this classic Henry Mancini ballad. We also look at some chord substitutions by Vince Guaraldi.
-
Charlie Brown Christmas
Learn how to play Vince Guaraldi Charlie Brown Christmas tunes.
Fundamentals
-
Piano Skills Roadmap
A complete skills checklist for serious students. Master scales, cadences, voicings, ear training, and more—one box at a time..
-
Cadence Patterns
These patterns are found everywhere in music. Learn these fundamental patterns along with their inversions in all 12 keys.
-
Playing By Ear
A fundamental skill to any musician is to play a melody and harmonize it. I go through that process starting with easy familiar songs.
Ready to Join?
Transform your playing skills—learn to improvise, play by ear, and tackle new challenges every month.
Subscribing gets you the following:
- Access to all courses
Explore 15+ courses with videos, PDFs, and tracking charts - New Content Every Month
Fresh tutorials, new songs, and bonus workshops to keep you inspired. - Quarterly challenges
Push yourself, level up your skills
Ready to change your playing? Click below to get started!
Hi, I'm Ryan. 👋

I'm a classically-trained pianist turned jazz player.
I’ve taught in university, opera, musicals, and camps.
I built this website so you can skip the guesswork and start playing jazz confidently—without sinking years into trial & error.
F.A.Q.
Refunds available on your most recent payment if you're not satisfied. Just reach out within 14 days of your last charge and I’ll make it right.
Note: I can’t offer refunds for older billing cycles or lifetime purchases, but I’m happy to help you get the most out of your membership.
- Cancel Anytime – If you cancel on a monthly plan, you retain access through the end of your current billing cycle.
- How to Cancel – Set your plan to “Free” or email me, and I’ll cancel it for you.
- Detailed Walkthrough – Click here for step-by-step instructions.
Anyone looking to improve their piano playing will benefit. You’ll get the most out of it if you’re beyond the absolute beginner stage—able to play comfortably around the keyboard, perhaps at a Faber or Hal Leonard level 4 or equivalent.
- Full Access to All Courses – Explore 15+ courses with video lessons and PDFs.
- Email Access – Reach out to me directly with questions.
- New Course Added Monthly – Stay inspired with fresh material.
- PDF Resources – Download charts, exercises, and more.
Start with whatever you have. A full-sized digital keyboard can cost a few hundred dollars. If you’re on a budget, keep an eye on garage sales or Craigslist—I’ve found great upright pianos for $300–$400 in good condition.
- Practice Consistently – Steady effort is key to improving.
- Seek Feedback – Reach out to peers or a teacher for guidance.
- Don’t Skip Steps – Each skill builds on the previous one. Moving too fast can slow your progress in the long run.
My focus leans toward jazz, but I also cover some classical repertoire in depth. Even classical pianists can benefit from learning jazz improvisation and harmony!
I occasionally take on private students for one-on-one lessons. If you’re interested, just contact me and we can find a time that works.
From My Process to Learn A New Jazz Standard
From Day 6 Circle Challenge
From Best Way To Start Jazz Piano
From Best Way To Start Jazz Piano
From Best Way To Start Jazz Piano
From Best Way To Start Jazz Piano
From How To Start Jazz Piano in 2024
From How To Start Jazz Piano in 2024