My name is John Tussey. I have been playing piano for more than sixty years. My music education includes private instruction in piano, composition, theory, orchestration, counterpoint, choral arranging, improvisation, advanced harmony and songwriting. I have played by ear since the age of six. In addition to being a keyboard recording artist, I am also an arranger, songwriter, instructor, accompanist, studio musician, speaker and a writer member and publisher member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers). Have been teaching privately for more than 28 years. Established Keyboard Artistry in 2002. Currently publishing and distributing original piano solos and piano arrangements of public domain songs through Keyboard Artistry. I have released 29 keyboard instrumental CD's since 1996. Please visit Bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon to purchase my albums.
I am now teaching Music Theory Seminars for Keyboardists and Guitarists (who understand the keyboard). I have included guitarists because they can easily benefit from this information as well as the keyboard players.
"I studied music in high school, college and Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mass. -- this brought is all together in one usable moment of revelation knowledge -- thank you John."Susan Arias
Kailua, Hawaii
"This was a practical and dynamic workshop for anyone aspiring to enhance their musicianship. John's extensive knowledge of music theory, in conjunction with his keyboard artistry and excellent teaching ability provide for a wonderful learning experience."Gina Eustachio
Kailua Community Church
Kailua, Hawaii
"Stimulating, engaging, relevant and stretching for the novice and advanced student. You will definitely learn something new to help you in your music ministry."Pastor Randy Furushima
Wellspring Covenant Church
Aiea, Hawaii
"The Music Theory Seminar gave me gemstones for my songwriting that I plan to use to glorify God."Jon Koki
Christ's Church at Kapolei
Kapolei, Hawaii
1. Chord Building in Depth
2. Methods for Creating Chord Progressions and Tools for Composition including
Diatonic Harmony, Circle of 5ths, Chromatic Harmony,
2-5-1, Extended Chords, Pivot Tones, Substitute
Chords, Altered Chords, Quartal Harmony, Etc.
3. Methods for Improvising
4. Creating the Sounds of Rock, Blues, Gospel and Jazz
5. Using Chord Charts
6. Playing Effective Background Music (Padding)
The instruction will be very practical, devoid of unnecessary technical terminology which I found through experience is not useful in day to day musicianship.
We will go into the depths of chord building and usage, for instance, using the ninth sharp eleventh (one of my favorite substitute chords) and many others as well.
My former music instructor and mentor, Albert Teoli from Wilmington, Delaware, (from whom I learned volumes over a ten year period) wrote a book entitled, "A Practical Approach to the Study of Harmony." This amazing man has put his life's teachings (45 years) into print. It is 626 pages. I will use this volume as well as my own book, "Chord Progression Ideas for the Contemporary Pianist," as resources during the seminar.
The seminar is 2 1/2 hours on a Friday night and 7 hours on Saturday, ending at 4:00 P.M. You will receive a portfolio with pen, and paper. The seminar is 9 1/2 hours long with breaks. The cost for the seminar is $150.00 per attendee. I charge between $75.00 and $85.00 per hour for private music instruction, so this is a GREAT deal!
In order to schedule a seminar, a host providing a facility at no charge to John Tussey is required and at least 12 participants are required.
Participants are greatly encouraged to bring their keyboards, guitars and amplifiers with them. The best way to learn new chord progressions, improvisation, composition, etc. is to put it into practice and play it as it is being taught. This is a practical, hands-on seminar designed to help maximize your musical potential.
Titles Include:
KA-001 - "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" - contemporary jazz arrangement
KA-002 - Cool Jazzy Blues" - blues with a technically and harmonically jazzy flare
KA-003 - "Sunrise At Kaneohe Bay" - improvisational contemporary easy-listening sound
KA-004 - Walk On The West Shore" - easy-listening with two Debussy-like sections
KA-005 - Springtime At Longwood" - contemporary with a classical influence
KA-006 - "All Jazzed Up" - contemporary jazz
KA-007 - "Groovin' Smooth" - contemporary jazz with a blues influence
KA-008 - "Gentle Wind" - easy-listening
KA-009 - "Ohia Lehua" - contemporary with an Asian influence
KA-010 - "Purple Blues" - blues with an attitude
KA-011 - Peaceful Healing" - serene and flowing KA-012 - Inspire Me" - classic romantic sound
KA-013 - "I Surrender All" - contemporary arrangement with a jazz influence
KA-014 - "Livin' Free" - pop-rock
KA-015 - "Sunny Day At Mission Bay" - soft pop-rock
KA-016 - "West Coast Cool" - contemporary jazz
KA-017 - "Pleasant Reflections" - easy-listening with a Debussy-like section
KA-018 - "Teal Blues" - groovy blues
KA-019 - "I Dreamed I Walked Through Heaven's Paradise" - easy-listening, dreamy and ethereal
My Favorite Web Sites
Purchase John's CD's Online
John's Website
Facebook Artist Page
