does learning music seem hard? things may be easier than they appear
A unique and exciting perspective on learning Jazz and Harmony.
Martial Arts and Music...?
A simplified method of learning Jazz, Harmony, and advancing your piano play.
The harmonic language of western music, starting with Bach and all the way to modern Stevie Wonder, also comes down to three principles - major, minor, and dominant seventh chords. Equally, the "language" of martial arts comes down to three principles - push, pull, and twist. That's where Kung Fu Piano was born. Vlad's teaching concept makes the complicated, simple. Curious, see for yourself.
Take Saturday Classes with The Gift of Jazz!
Jazz Piano Class with Vlad Girshevich
Spring 2023 | Saturdays 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Vlad’s teaching will guide you to approach music in a way that does not rely on calculation. Using shapes instead of numbers, you will find ways to start using advanced harmony. Through these lessons you will see things that used to seem complex in a simple and accessible way. Make time to face challenging concepts from a new perspective with Vlad.
Clases start Saturday, April 15th.
What our students say about Kung Fu Piano
Eric, Age 53 | Denver, CO
"I had been messing around with music my whole life, but jazz, especially jazz piano, seemed way out of reach for me. Vlad showed me how complex-sounding reharmonizations could be seen as combinations of simple components.
His focus on simple structures led me quickly into the intense sounds I was craving, and at the same time, the constant use of these small component shapes gave me the "basic" harmonic grounding I was missing. Along with close-up training in how to use my hands efficiently, this made a whole world of sound available to me very quickly.
At this point in my life, with a family and a job, there's no way I would have had the time and patience to get where I am today via the "normal" route. Vlad's shortcuts are a unique distillation of a lifetime of experience on stage. I run into things I learned from him in instructional jazz piano books, and they seem overwhelmingly difficult, compared to Vlad's route to the same material.
I'm grateful every day - Vlad turned me from a dabbler into a real musician."
Michelle | California
"I had been a classically trained pianist my whole life and I had always been too intimidated to enter the world of jazz. However, Vlad made everything so approachable and engaging! He showed me how basic music theory principles could be used to explain all the harmonies and melodies that made jazz seem so intimidating in the past. With Vlad's unique approach, I was able to understand the theory behind jazz so quickly and clearly!
He gave me the technique and confidence to improvise and the solid foundation to be able to play, love, and understand jazz!"
Rhoda, Phd | Colorado
"Vlad is one of those rare musicians who is both a gifted performer and a fantastic teacher. I came to my first lesson struggling to distinguish the notes I was hearing and left being able to visualize exactly how hands were moving on the piano.
In just one hour Vlad changed how I thought about the piano and my musical ears were transformed. As I listened to Oscar Peterson on my drive home, I realized I knew exactly what he was playing! If I had been by a piano, I could have played the riff myself.
I spent years looking for a teacher who could help graduate from being an intermediate player. If you want to take your playing to the next level, Vlad can show you the way."
Some of Vlad's music
Keep up with us Elsewhere
Facebook.com/vladgirshevichpiano
You'll get access to tips and tricks, fun perspectives, the ability to participate in contests for free classes and more!
Go take a listen. Vlad has live gigs, compositions, and much more on his YouTube. Not sure where to start? Here.