Fluent Piano Background Course Home

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Course Purpose and Introduction

Module 1: Using chords for background playing

Chords overview
Using numbers to better understand chords
Background Progression #1
Background Progression #2
Background Progression #3
Background Progression #4

Module 2: Base Techniques

Startup sequence / fading in
Changing the harmonic rhythm
Sparse technique
1st and 5th scale notes only

Module 3: Building Techniques

Root-and-3rd technique
Right hand change late

Module 4: Advanced Techniques

Ostinato
Melodic
Combining and switching techniques
Fading out

Module 5: Sounds

What makes a good pad sound?
Creating layers in your keyboard
Creating layers in your computer
Creating layers in your computer
Using a submixer
Layering with a 2nd keyboard
Layering with a mobile device
Playing with a pre-recorded drone

Module 6: Guidelines

Avoiding the spotlight
Eliminating extra transitions and distractions
Wrap-up

Resources / Downloads

Summary videos & PDF
Chord progressions PDF
Chord reference PDF
Drone recordings in all keys