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Piano for Singer/Songwriters | Write Songs and Perform Live! Course

A practical, singer-songwriter–centric piano course that gets you playing and singing your own songs in just over six hours.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in Piano for Singer/Songwriters | Write Songs and Perform Live! Course

  • Play your favorite songs from chord charts or lead sheets without reading music notation

  • Embellish basic chord progressions with passing chords, inversions, and rhythmic variations

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  • Apply pop/rock piano comping patterns and grooves to enhance your songwriting and performance

  • Integrate vocals and piano accompaniment seamlessly to perform your original songs live

Program Overview

Module 1: Introduction & Setup

⏳ 10 minutes

  • Topics: Course orientation; navigating lead sheets and chord charts

  • Hands-on: Set up your keyboard/DAW and load a demo chord chart for exploration

Module 2: Basic Harmony Fundamentals

⏳ 35 minutes

  • Topics: Major/minor triads, chord construction, and root position voicings

  • Hands-on: Practice playing and singing triads in C, G, and F major across the keyboard

Module 3: Embellishment & Passing Chords

⏳ 45 minutes

  • Topics: Using passing chords, suspensions, and inversions for smoother transitions

  • Hands-on: Insert passing chords into a I–V–vi–IV progression and evaluate the harmonic flow

Module 4: Creating Chord Progressions

⏳ 1 hour

  • Topics: Songwriting workflows: choosing progressions, modal interchange, and loop creation

  • Hands-on: Compose and record a custom 4-chord progression in two contrasting styles

Module 5: Pop/Rock Rhythm Immersion

⏳ 1.5 hours

  • Topics: Syncopation, comping grooves, and rhythmic motifs common in pop/rock piano

  • Hands-on: Learn and perform three guided comping patterns under a metronome

Module 6: Accompanying Yourself

⏳ 40 minutes

  • Topics: Integrating vocals with piano: lead sheet interpretation, dynamics, and phrasing

  • Hands-on: Play and sing a simple original or cover song using learned voicings and rhythms

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Job Outlook

  • In the U.S., professional pianists earn on average $26.10 per hour (≈$54,282 annually)

  • Opportunities include session work, live accompaniment, music education, and freelance performance

  • Versatile skills in accompaniment and songwriting boost prospects for gigs in studios, churches, and live venues

  • Strong demand for singer-songwriters who can self-accompany in intimate and online concert settings

9.6Expert Score
Highly Recommendedx
A hands-on, singer-songwriter–focused piano course that empowers you to accompany yourself and craft original material quickly.
Value
9.2
Price
9.3
Skills
9.5
Information
9.6
PROS
  • Clear, step-by-step approach to harmony and embellishment for non-readers
  • Pop/rock rhythmic immersion module teaches practical comping grooves
  • Live-performance focus: integrates singing with piano accompaniment
CONS
  • Less emphasis on formal music notation and advanced theory
  • Course last updated March 2023; newer Udemy interface features may not be covered

Specification: Piano for Singer/Songwriters | Write Songs and Perform Live! Course

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • No, this course is designed for singers who want to use piano as a creative tool.
  • You’ll learn easy chord progressions and patterns to accompany your songs.
  • Technical piano expertise isn’t required.
  • Focus is on songwriting and performance, not classical skills.
  • Beginners can start writing songs from the very first lesson.
  • Yes — it includes performance mindset and stage preparation tips.
  • You’ll learn how to manage nerves and connect with listeners.
  • Exercises help develop timing and stage awareness.
  • The instructor shares strategies for confident live piano-vocal setups.
  • It bridges the gap between practice and public performance.
  • Piano reveals how chords, melody, and lyrics interact in real time.
  • It helps visualize harmonic progressions and structure.
  • You can easily experiment with mood and tone using simple chords.
  • It opens up new creative possibilities beyond vocal-only writing.
  • Many iconic songs were written with piano as the foundation.
  • You’ll learn how to arrange songs using piano accompaniment.
  • The course helps match lyrical rhythm to harmonic flow.
  • You’ll gain tools to self-accompany during live sets.
  • It teaches you to structure full songs from scratch.
  • You’ll walk away with a more polished, professional sound.
  • A simple MIDI keyboard or even a virtual piano app works fine.
  • The course focuses on chord concepts, not instrument complexity.
  • You can practice using laptop keys or tablet keyboards.
  • Visual patterns and hand shapes are easy to replicate anywhere.
  • Upgrading to a full keyboard later enhances your learning.
Piano for Singer/Songwriters | Write Songs and Perform Live! Course
Piano for Singer/Songwriters | Write Songs and Perform Live! Course
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