Les Miserables

Let it Snow

Lesson Run Time: 54 minutes / Release Date: 12/13/2013

Using the classic holiday song, “Let It Snow,” you’ll learn how to create a full arrangement of a lead sheet using a step-by-step process. You’ll learn each section of the song using a layering approach so you can see how to start with a very simple arrangement and add complexity with each additional layer.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Measure 1
Measure 5
Measure 9
Measure 13
Full Arrangement

Left Hand Voicings

Lesson Run Time: 35 minutes / Release Date: 02/21/2014

In this lesson, you’ll learn the 4-way closed position and rootless voicings that make your chord voicings scream professional. We begin by focusing on the voicings in your left hand, but the theory and application can be used all across the keyboard. You’ll quickly be able to use these voicings in all aspects of your playing.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
II-V-I Theory Origins
4 way close position rootless voicings
II-V-I progression
II-V-I progression Pt 2

The Look Of Love

Lesson Run Time: 66 minutes / Release Date: 04/17/2015

Learn to play The Look of Love by Burt Bacharach note for note. Willie will also spend time teaching you how to create an arrangement. At the end of the lesson you will get tips on how to create your own accompaniment.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Arranging Steps
Song Intro
Measure 5-12
Measure 13-20
Measure 21-30
Measure 31-End
Accompanying Yourself

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Lesson Run Time: 60 minutes / Release Date: 05/25/2016

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Chord Rhythm
Chords of the Song
Add Chords to the Melody
Scales for Improvisation
Building a Solo

Black Orpheus Improv & Analysis

Lesson Run Time: 75 minutes / Release Date: 01/30/2011

Manha De Carnaval from Black Orpheus is one of Luiz Bonfa’s most famous songs. In this lesson we will be breaking down the improvisation of the song first and add an arrangement at a later date. I will cover a few techniques that you can use in both group and solo settings. I will also play it a bit faster (like you will often find on gigs). This lesson is for the intermediate to advanced student.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Analysis pt1
Analysis pt2
Analysis pt3
Improv part 1
Bring in the chord
Chordal improv
Mini sequences
Using Motifs
Harmonizing a line
Using a montuno pattern
Going outside of the harmony
Advanced topics pt 1
Advanced topics pt 2

Black Orpheus

Lesson Run Time: 72 minutes / Release Date: 04/09/2011

In this “Romantic,” rubato-style version I will show you step-by-step the arrangement of the song, but also teach you how to use arpeggios in your songs to create flourishes, fills and runs.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Arrangement m1-3
Quintuplets m4
Arrangement m5
Arrangement m7
Arrangement m8
Arrangement m13
Flourishes And Simple Arpeggios
Arrangement m17
Arrangement m23
Tips

Quick Latin Grooves

Lesson Run Time: 66 minutes / Release Date: 11/01/2009

This lesson is designed to get you quickly playing some hot latin grooves. No matter your level, there is a groove here for you! You’ll also learn how to mix these grooves together to create longer progressions and song possibilities.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Groove #1: ii-V
Groove #2: minor
Groove #3: sus4
Groove #4: harmony
Groove #5: minor line
Groove #6: I7 to IV7
Groove #7: bluesy latin
Groove #1: tricks
Groove #2: tricks

Salsa Bop

Lesson Run Time: 60 minutes / Release Date: 10/01/2009

In this original song, you’ll learn how to apply montunos and progressions to an actual song. You’ll also learn more about improvisation scales and how to create licks that you can apply to the song. A lot of cool Latin sounds are found in this lesson for sure!

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
The song – piano roll
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5 – B Section
Part 6 – different montuno
Part 7
Improvisation scales
Improv licks part 1
Improv licks part 2

Clave & Montunos

Lesson Run Time: 125 minutes / Release Date: 07/21/2009

Learn the essence of Latin/Salsa music with this lesson on the clave and montunos. You will learn how to play several different montunos along with a left-hand bass pattern.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction to Latin Piano
Introduction to the Clave
Playing the Clave
The Pulse
Clave with the Pulse
Typical Montuno Rhythm
Montuno Rhythm over C chord
Montuno in Harmony
Montuno with the Pulse
Adding the Tumbao
Tumbao with the Montuno
C6 Montuno with Tumbao
C6 Montuno in Inversion
Montuno in Octaves
C-F-G progression
C-F6-G progression
C-F6-G progression (3-2 Clave)
3-2 Clave alternate start
3-2 Clave alternate montuno
C-F6-G progression in Octaves
C-F-G montuno in OCTAVES Alternate
C-F-G montuno in OCTAVES Alternate 2
C-F-G montuno Alternate 2 in triads
Outer-Inner Triads/Octaves
Alternate Montuno with Arpeggio
Montuno with Arpeggio in Octaves
Montuno with Arpeggio in Octaves 2

Montunos & Progressions

Lesson Run Time: 113 minutes / Release Date: 08/01/2009

In this lesson I will teach you how to combine the I-V7 montunos, ii-V-I progressions, Descending chords, Resolutions and more work on the 3-2 clave.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
3-2 clave I chord
3-2 clave V7 chord
Combining I and V7 chords (3-2)
6 to 5 resolution on Major
4 to 3 resolution on Dominant
7 to 1 resolution on Dominant
I-V7 progression #1
I-V7 progression #2
Changing Clave Direction
Basic minor chord montuno
Minor montuno in octaves #1
Minor montuno in octaves #2
ii-V7 montuno (2-3)
ii-V7 montuno (3-2)
ii-V7 montuno descending ex. 1
ii-V7 montuno descending ex. 2
ii-V7 montuno descending (3-2)
ii-V7 Alternate montuno
Conclusion

The Girl From Ipanema

Lesson Run Time: 91 minutes / Release Date: 09/01/2009

In this lesson, I’ll teach you an arrangement for this beautiful Jobim tune. We will also discuss improvisation ideas and more on montunos.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Bossa Rhythm
Scales for improvisation
Applying the scales
Chord montuno

Besame Mucho

Lesson Run Time: 54 minutes / Release Date: 12/01/2009

I will show you this beautiful song note-for-note. I will also show you how to incorporate other latin grooves to create an improvisation.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 4 section 2
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Improv ideas part 1
Improv ideas part 2

Somos Novios

Lesson Run Time: 70 minutes / Release Date: 10/29/2010

Somos Novios is a beautiful ballad by Mexican composer Armando Manzanero. We will break down the chords, learn the analysis and talk about how to move this into new keys. We will also spend time on improvisation and learn the montunos in the song.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Introduction
Discovery pt 1
Discovery pt 2
Chord breakdown 1
Chord breakdown 2
Transposition pt 1
Transposition pt 2
Improvisation
Montuno – easy
Montuno – advanced pt 1
Montuno – advanced pt 2

Student Questions Answered

Lesson Run Time: 65 minutes / Release Date: 07/16/2011

In this lesson Willie answers students’ questions and talks about how to Approach Target Chords.

Other Chapters in this Piano Lesson:

Question 1 part 1 (Outside ii-V-I)
Question 1 part 2 (Outside ii-V-I)
Question 2 (Turnaround Rule)
Question 3 (Arpeggio Fingering)
Question 4 part 1 (Approaching Target Chords)
Question 4 part 2 (Approaching Target Chords)
Question 5 part 1 (More Approaching Target Chords)
Question 5 part 2 (More Approaching Target Chords)