Did the Q&A session today with Ben. As I was the only person on the call, I had the benefit of asking numerous questions. It’s very generous of Ben to give up his time like this and appreciate it. Seamus

Hi All! Happy Monday! Did you know Monday is actually my favourite day of the week? We've got a workshop coming up on Saturday at 10:30am. What would you like to see or cover in that time? If you're thinking of coming, please fill out this 10-second form: https://forms.gle/q86ozZUucEAXQwFA7 It lets me know enough people are intending to come so this session definitely goes ahead. By the way, if you joined before 25/01, I have permanently upgraded your membership to the 'Premium' tier at no extra cost. This gives you two specific benefits: 1. Fixed Weekly Slots: The option to reserve a recurring lesson time, rather than booking ad-hoc. 2. Priority Feedback: You can send me fingerings, theory questions, or recordings for checking in between lessons. There is no pressure to use these, but if you would like to lock in a regular time or send something over for feedback, just drop me a message. Happy practicing this week!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! The birds are silent, the rain's in the sky. Could it be a better day for piano practice? Unfortunately, this month's concert has been cancelled due to a lack of submissions. Those who have submitted something, I'll use your recording in the next concert. Remember, you can submit something for the concert at any time by going to the calendar, clicking on the next concert, and following the instructions! While you're here, there's a workshop happening next week (check the calendar). Is there something in particular you'd like to see covered? Happy practising!

The next monthly student concert is approaching! These sessions are designed to be a calm, supportive space to share whatever is currently on your music stand. Whether you have a polished piece ready for performance or a work-in-progress that you'd simply like to 'air out' in a friendly environment, your contribution is welcome. Sharing your playing is one of the most effective ways to build confidence and celebrate the steady progress you're making. How to Join and Perform If you would like to take part, the process is simple: 1. Navigate to the Calendar tab. 2. Locate the next Monthly Student Concert event. 3. Click on the event and follow the short sign-up instructions provided. Every performance, regardless of the stage of the piece, helps you grow as a musician and offers genuine inspiration to the rest of the Circle. How to Watch and Support If you aren't performing this time, you are warmly invited to join the audience. This month’s concert is a pre-recorded livestream, allowing you to simply tune in and enjoy a calm morning of music from fellow Circle members—no pressure, just inspiration. 📍 Watch via the Calendar tab — the viewing link is located inside the event description.

It is a common milestone in the self-taught journey for jazz pianists: reaching a point where the blues scale and a good ear have taken things as far as possible. Eventually, a plateau often appears where improvisation starts to feel like "running scales" rather than playing authentic, idiomatic jazz. To bridge the gap between "intuitive foundations" and "intentional jazz," I recommend a structured path using two specific "bibles" of the genre. These resources remove the guesswork by providing clear, page-by-page drills and the specific theory behind every note choice. The Core Resources 1. The Jazz Piano Book (Mark Levine). This is the industry standard for piano-specific textures and "the sound." For anyone wanting to move from basic chords to the sophisticated voicings of Oscar Peterson or the unique rhythmic "lag" of Erroll Garner, this is the resource. It focuses heavily on the actual "how-to" of sitting at the keys. 2. The Berklee Book of Jazz Harmony (Nettles/Graf). While Levine provides the "sound," Berklee provides the "map." This book is essential for mastering chord-scale theory. It explains exactly which scales to use over specific chords based on their function in a song. It turns jazz theory into a clear, logical system. Why Use Both? Using just one can often lead to gaps. Levine’s book is brilliant but can be anecdotal; the Berklee book is mathematical and rigorous. Combining them helps a pianist to: - Move Beyond Scales: Stop just running up and down modes and start using "bebop" vocabulary, chromatic enclosures, and arpeggios from the 3rd. - Master Functional Harmony: Understand exactly when to use a Dorian, Mixolydian, or Altered scale based on the chord progression. - Build Professional Textures: Transition from simple left-hand chords to "shell voicings," stride foundations, and advanced rhythmic displacement. By following the specific chapters and exercises in these two texts, the transition from "playing by ear" to "playing with intent" becomes a clear, manageable process.