Tag Archives: piano teacher

video oscar peterson I can't get started amazing jazz piano solo

Video Oscar Peterson ‘I Can’t Get Started’ – Amazing Jazz Piano Solo

Here is a great example of the extraordinary piano playing of Oscar Peterson. The song is ‘I Can’t Get Started’ (With You); music written in 1935 by Vernon Duke, lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Peterson was one of the most accomplished jazz pianists in history. His playing was stunning, technical superior, and totally absorbing. His astounding left hand was one of the best ever witnessed since Art Tatum. He played powerfully, with lightning speed. The articulation of every note was remarkable. His complex piano playing sounded like an entire band of musicians. Peterson was an enormously talented piano player and band leader.

 

He was born Oscar Emmanuel Peterson (August 15, 1925 – December 23, 2007) in Montreal, Canada. As a child, he was immersed in the black culture of jazz so popular in the early 20th century. Oscar Peterson began piano lessons at the age of 5. He also played trumpet, but tuberculosis prevented him from continuing. He placed all his attention on playing piano. His father was also a pianist and was one of his first piano teachers. His sister taught him classical piano. Peterson was totally dedicated to the piano and committed to an arduous practice schedule of up to six hours a day. It was this complete focus on piano that helped him attain his exemplary piano virtuosity.

While studying classical piano, he became enthralled with jazz, ragtime music, and boogie woogie. At the age of nine, his mastery of the piano had already impressed many adult professional musicians. At the age of fourteen, after winning a national music competition, Peterson dropped out of school and began playing professionally. He played on a weekly radio show, at hotels, and music halls. His style was completely his own, with strong piano blues influences. His career took on legendary proportions as he began his prolific recording career, releasing over 200 recordings. Peterson’s remarkable piano playing earned him seven Grammy awards. In his lengthy 65 year career, he played thousands of concerts around the world, was enthusiastically received, and awarded many honors. Oscar Peterson was one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.

Reviews

 

“Wonderful, fun lessons for my child. Patient, experienced teacher.‎ Fun lessons. My daughter has been studying piano here for over two years. She loves the lessons and is fascinated with music. She learns to read music, and does theory, chords, melodies, composing music. Her teacher gives her lots of encouragement. She takes pride in what she has accomplished.

We spent time interviewing potential teachers here in Portland. This teacher had the experience, patience, and relaxed teaching method that was a perfect match for us. Our daughter looks forward to piano lessons every week, and that is just what we wanted.” – W. Houser‎‎

“Fabulous teacher. The lessons are excellent and so much fun. I learned really quickly. His method of teaching made me feel at ease, and he is very patient. It’s clear that he loves teaching piano. I am learning a wide variety of music and I feel a sense of accomplishment after each lessons. I am learning to read music and play by ear; something I’ve always wanted to do. I am totally happy with my piano teacher.” – George Greve

My kids really enjoy these piano lessons here. Their instructor is a very talented educator.The lessons are wonderful and my children are learning so many great things on piano. My 8 year old girl loves the classical and new age pieces. My son, 9 loves to play ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Lion Sleeps’ and is composing music and make recordings of what he is done. The lessons are much more than just piano lessons. They are a complete music education.

They learn about the history of the piano, music in the current world, all about recording studios, how to play music with other kids. This is the one activity outside of school that they truly enjoy, and I want to take advantage of that interest.” ‎ – J. Kern‎


“Our children love playing the piano. They are rapidly acquiring new skill. I am proud of them. My children are 5 and 7, and are learning quickly. They are quite enthusiastic about playing piano and we are very satisfied with our piano teacher. He is very good at inspiring and praising and them. He’s so patient with them. They often get fresh, new, interesting music, and this keeps them moving forward. My piano teacher makes learning easy and fun, and keeps me inspired.

He encourages them and supportive when they get stuck. It’s particularly rewarding to watch them develop a sense of accomplishment with their progress. They read music, play by ear, and do lots of recording projects that they love. Coming over to lessons each week is a family outing and something we love doing together.” – A. Manew‎

“He’s great with my kids. We are so thrilled at finding this teacher. Our kids really like going to their lessons, and always leave happy and inspired about music. The love playing both the piano and the keyboard. They are quickly gaining skills and confidence. Their progress is excellent. The other day, some of my friends remarked how nicely they play piano.

Both my son and daughter like the music they get, and especially like to record what they have learned. We have recordings and videos of them playing at the studio, and it’s a great thing to email their grandparents who live far away. I looked around for just the right teacher for them, and I’m pleased with my choice.” – P. Stevens‎



“My son’s piano teacher is the best. My son is making excellent, rapid progress. And my son loves taking lessons and playing his songs. He gets to learn to do all kinds of things, in addition to reading music. The lessons are just plain terrific for him.

I wish Public school could be like this! He is learning to read music and compose his own songs from scratch. In addition to piano, he is getting a complete music education. This is important to me because I think it’s essential to his future. I am completely happy with the piano lessons and am so pleased we found this teacher.”
– J. E. Wheeler

“Super piano lessons. Very patient & supportive teacher.‎ I am very happy with our teacher. My 9 year old son really enjoys his lessons. His teacher is extremely competent and the results we see are excellent. He makes the lessons fun, has a great sense of humor, and gets my son to move forward by challenging him in a supportive way, always making sure he feels supported.

Here, my son gets to learn to read all kinds of fun music, learns how to play by ear, and gets to record music at the studio. He loves making soundtracks with piano, bass, drums, flute, and all sorts of other instruments. He just completed making a CD, which he is so proud of. I am very happy with the piano lessons. He is the best piano teacher.” – Charles Bradley‎


“My kids really love taking piano and keyboard lessons. Their teacher is just great! My kids, 7 and 9, have lots of fun playing piano at home. We’ve been doing lessons here for almost 3 years. It is so pleasing for the children to have such a positive thing to do. They play duets together, and get to try music from all around the world.

They also are creating their own CS’s and writing their own pieces. Their teacher does a great job encouraging them. I like the new skills that my children are learning, especially being challenged, working hard at something, and not quitting. They are learning skills that will help them with other challenges in life. The piano lessons really inspire them.” – Bette Parker‎


“We’re very happy with their teacher. My kids are excited about piano lessons. They really love playing. He makes the lessons interesting and fun at the same time. They are learning to read music, play by ear, compose music, make CD recordings. They are having a great time. They do lots of fun stuff to keep them engaged. I’m totally pleased with their progress.

Music education is important to a child’s development. Many studies show that playing piano improves children’s overall performance in school. We can readily see this. I want my kids to have the best education they can.” ‎
– K. Tannes‎

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