Jazz Piano Lessons
In-Person & Remote
what you will learn
Mary Louise teaches everything from the essential elements to the advanced concepts of jazz piano playing - chord voicings, scales, theory, ear training, improvisation, transcribing, left hand techniques for solo piano, comping techniques for ensemble playing, composition, arranging, chart writing, jazz history, the business of music, tools for overcoming performance anxiety, and more. Beginner level students generally learn how to make music from a basic lead sheet (which provides melody and chord symbols only), rather than learning fully notated pieces that sound like jazz. Emphasis is on learning how to create the music yourself. Intermediate and advanced students will learn more sophisticated concepts in improvisation, harmony, and technique. Lessons are customized for each student.
For more info, email Mary Louise!
in-person Lessons
Study with Mary Louise at her south Minneapolis home studio.
Students are required to have had at least 3 years of classical piano lessons at some point in their life. Lessons are one hour long and are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. Study weekly, bi-weekly, or as needed.
For more info, email Mary Louise!
REMOTE lessons via ZOOM
Study with Mary Louise from the comfort of your own home using Zoom, an online meeting platform.
If you have a piano, plus a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, and a stable internet connection, you are good to go! A lesson invitation is sent to you via email. Click the link, follow the prompts, and you’re in! Prior to the first lesson, a free 15-30 minute trial Zoom meeting with Mary Louise is highly recommended to ensure proper setup, as not to waste time during the lesson.
Students are required to have had at least 3 years of classical piano lessons at some point in their life. Lessons are one hour long and are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. Study weekly, bi-weekly, or as needed.
For more info, email Mary Louise!
lesson policies
Students are required to have had at least 3 years of classical piano lessons at some point in their life. Children, teens, college students, adults, and seniors are all welcome. Students interested in a weekly schedule are required to enroll in a 10-week session. Students interested in a bi-weekly schedule are required to enroll in a 5-lesson package (10-week period). Single lessons “by appointment” are available and will be scheduled once all weekly and bi-weekly lessons have been scheduled.
Accepted methods of payment are: cash, check, Zelle (please pay lesson rate to 612.598.5147, no fees) or Venmo (please pay lesson rate + $2 transaction fee to MaryLouiseJazzPiano) or PayPal (please pay lesson rate + $3 transaction fee to 612.598.5147). For remote lessons, payments must be processed before the lessons begin.
ABSENCES & CANCELLATIONS
For students who schedule weekly or bi-weekly lessons
One absence is allowed without payment during each 10-week session. Please contact Mary Louise as soon as possible if you know you will be absent. 612.598.5147. If weather conditions prohibit you from attending your lesson in-person, feel free to request a remote lesson via Zoom instead. If that’s not preferable, there will be no charge for the lesson. For all other absences/cancellations, you will be charged the full lesson rate.
For students who schedule single lessons “by appointment”
If you need to cancel, please notify Mary Louise at least 24 hours in advance of the lesson or you will be charged the full lesson rate. 612.598.5147. If weather conditions prohibit you from attending your lesson in-person, feel free to request a remote lesson via Zoom instead. If that’s not preferable, there will be no charge for the lesson.
REVIEWS
“...I am so thankful for the way you teach [my son] — by asking questions of him and allowing him to develop those neuropathways that will solidify his knowledge. It has been a blessing to have found you.”
“For the first time ever, I played through a chart and it sounded like JAZZ—thanks to what I’m learning from you. I am so excited!!!”
“You are an inspirational and gifted teacher. Thanks again for your patience, attunement, and sensitivity!”
“Thanks for the inspiration and motivation. I’ve always loved jazz, but have usually felt like it was so out of reach and overwhelming to really approach. I appreciated the accessibility that you provided today for people who are interested but really didn’t know a good way to get started!”
“I wanted to tell you what an inspiration you were for [my daughter] this summer. She is absolutely on fire with composing! She hasn’t played piano this much ever, I don’t think. I am beyond grateful that we found you! Thank you, a million times over! You have a gift for teaching.”