Zoom keyboard lessons
How it works
Keyboard is the clearest way to understand harmony and make better musical decisions—fast. We build touch, timing, voicings, and interpretation using real music, not theory trivia.
Diagnose → rebuild → next steps
Same structure as every page on this site: we name the bottleneck, rebuild the cause, then leave with a plan you can execute.
Define the target
“I want cleaner voicings / better time / stronger left hand.”
Use real material
A song, chord chart, lead sheet, or clip.
Identify the limiter
Touch? coordination? voicing? reading? harmony?
Rebuild the cause
Small drills that produce audible change.
Leave with a plan
Clear priorities for the week. No overwhelm.
The core mechanics
Most keyboard problems collapse into a few repeatable skills.
- Time: subdivision, groove, steadiness with a click
- Touch: dynamics, evenness, articulation, control
- Voicing: what note is on top, what moves, what stays
- Left hand: bass + harmony foundations (without mud)
- Independence: coordination between hands, balance, intent
We’re building output: not “knowing,” but playing.
Harmony you can use
Keyboard is the best “map” for chord function. We use that map to make decisions in songs.
- Chord function: tonic / predominant / dominant (and why it matters)
- Progressions: common moves, substitutions, and voice-leading
- Melody support: making the top note and the vocal feel inevitable
- Form: verse vs chorus energy, density, and lift
Short clips, fast improvement
You’ll periodically send 30–60 seconds of playing. This keeps progress honest and fast.
- Technique: touch, tension, fingering, efficiency
- Interpretation: timing, dynamics, phrasing, balance
- Decision-making: voicing choices and harmonic clarity
If you want to improve quickly, recordings are the accelerator.
Optional, targeted demos
When useful, you’ll get short custom videos after lessons—exact demonstrations of what to drill.
- shows fingerings, touch, and motion clearly
- reduces guesswork between sessions
- becomes a personal reference library
Minimum viable setup
Acoustic or digital works. The goal is a reliable feel and usable range.
- Best (digital): 88 weighted keys + sustain pedal
- Good (digital): 61 keys for harmony work (limited range)
- Avoid: mini keys (they slow progress)
- Non-negotiable: consistent touch + stable stand/bench height
If you tell me your budget and goals, I’ll recommend a simple option—no upsell.
Zoom requirements
Clarity is the win. If I can see your hands and hear dynamics, we’re good.
- stable internet
- headphones (recommended)
- camera angle 1: full keyboard
- camera angle 2 (recommended): hands/keys close view
- Zoom (preferred)
A phone on a small tripod works for the second angle.
Books and assignments
We choose materials based on your goal and level—not a one-size curriculum.
- Beginner: adult method book (chosen to fit your pace)
- Intermediate: repertoire + voicing studies
- Advanced: targeted work (harmony, arranging, performance)
- NoteFlight (free) when assignments help
The real curriculum is your music. The materials support it.
Simple is enough
- PC: Audacity (free)
- Mac: GarageBand or Logic
- Phone: voice memo / camera audio is acceptable
If you can capture a clean 30–60 seconds, you’re set.
Checklist
- Set up your keyboard/piano + sustain pedal.
- Set camera angle to show hands + full keyboard.
- Pick one song (or progression) you want to improve.
- Record a 30–60 second clip (phone is fine).
- Write one sentence: “I want to get better at ___.”
- Purchase lessons, then we lock a time.
Book a session
Not sure what to book? Email a clip and one sentence on your goal. I’ll point you to the smallest format that can solve it.
We’ll build a plan that fits your calendar and compounds over time.