Improvise in different styles
Try your own musical ideas, vary a phrase, and explore different ways to shape the music.
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Skills for the Modern Pianist
Accelerator
Build the practical piano skills traditional lessons may have skipped.
A seven-week online small-group course for classically trained adult pianists and piano teachers who want to feel more comfortable improvising, playing by ear, and using lead sheets.
October 29–December 17, 2026 · Live online
$149 USD per level for the full seven weeks.
Bring a friend at no extra cost! Materials fee may apply.
Enroll by October 23, 2026.
From the books to your playing
7 weeksIncluding the final showcase
1 hour weeklyLive online · recordings available
2 levelsChoose your starting point
Learn togetherSmall group + supporting videos
Does this sound familiar?
You can learn the piece.
But what if you want to do more with it?
You can follow a score. But a melody you want to play by ear, a lead sheet, or a request to accompany someone can leave you wondering where to start.
You want to make your own musical choices with the same confidence you bring to reading notes.
In the Accelerator, we connect theory to playing through live exploration, guided work in the books, and practice between sessions.
Make your musicianship more practical
More ways to sit down
and make music.
Explore the skills that help you move from following every note to making more of the decisions yourself.
Lead sheets & chord charts
Use melodies and chord symbols to make an accompaniment that feels like music.
Play by ear & adapt
Work out and adapt music with nothing written in front of you: no score, lead sheet, or chord chart.
Arrange & harmonize
Harmonize melodies and explore different textures and rhythms to make familiar music your own.
Bring theory to life
Fuse theory with creative musicianship. Connect the chords and patterns you study with sounds you can hear, use, and create.
Real-world playing skills
Build skills for accompanying singers (including yourself), playing in jazz, rock, or worship bands, and playing for weddings and gigs.
These are the skills we’re building toward. The depth and pace will depend on your level and the beta group.
A rhythm you can follow
Seven weeks.
A shared place to start.
Work directly with Grant in a small group, with the Skills for the Modern Pianist books giving your exploration structure.
- Weeks 1 through 6
Learn together, live online
Meet for one hour each week to explore the material with Grant and your fellow pianists. Session recordings will be available.
- Between sessions
Put it into your playing
Use supporting videos and guided work in the books to revisit ideas and try them at your own piano.
- Week 7
A Showcase Celebration
The final one-hour session includes an opportunity to perform, share what you’ve explored, and celebrate your progress.
Find your starting point
Two levels. Room to grow.
Think about your comfort with these practical skills, as well as the repertoire you play. An experienced reader can still be new to improvisation.
Level 1
Beginner–Intermediate
For pianists who are newer to improvisation, lead sheets, playing by ear, and related skills, or who want a stronger foundation.
You already play piano. You’re looking for a clearer starting point with these skills.
$149USD · founding beta tuition
Six one-hour live online learning sessions, recordings, self-paced videos, and a Week 7 Showcase Celebration.
- Dates
- October 29–December 17, 2026
- Meets
- 9 am PT · 12 pm ET
Required books: $50 per person if needed.
Level 2
Intermediate–Advanced
For pianists who already have some experience with these skills and want to develop them further.
You’ve started exploring beyond notation. You’re ready for more possibilities and greater fluency.
$149USD · founding beta tuition
Six one-hour live online learning sessions, recordings, self-paced videos, and a Week 7 Showcase Celebration.
- Dates
- October 29–December 17, 2026
- Meets
- 10 am PT · 1 pm ET
Required books: $50 per person if needed.
Bring a friend. Learn together.
Your registration can include one friend in the same level at no extra cost. So bring a friend for free or split the cost.
Already have the books?
There’s no materials fee if you own the required Skills for the Modern Pianist books. Otherwise, add $50 per participant, including a buddy who needs materials.
Why a founding beta? You’re joining the first round and helping shape the program. Along with participating, you’ll be asked for honest feedback about the experience.
Not sure which level fits? Ask Grant before registering. The best starting point depends on your experience with these skills.
Enroll by October 23, 2026.
Learn with the author
Hi, I’m Grant.
Grant Kondo, NCTM · Pianist, teacher & author
I’ve worked with many pianists who can learn and perform pieces, but want more ways to make music their own.
I wrote Skills for the Modern Pianist to connect classical foundations with improvisation, arranging, and creative musicianship. The Accelerator gives us a place to work on those skills together.
I’ll be teaching the live sessions and learning from your feedback as we shape this first cohort.
How much time should I set aside?
One hour for the live session each week, plus time at your piano between meetings. Supporting videos and work in the books give you material to revisit and practice.
What if I can’t attend a live session?
Recordings of the live online sessions will be available. You’ll also have asynchronous videos to watch at your own pace.
Do I have to perform in the showcase?
The Showcase Celebration offers an opportunity to perform and share what you’ve been exploring. Performing is optional.
I’m a strong reader, but new to these skills. Is this for me?
Yes. This course is for adult pianists and piano teachers with a classical or notation-based background. Level 1 can be a starting point even if you play advanced repertoire. You should already have some piano experience.
Is this a teacher-training course?
The focus is on developing your own musicianship. Teachers are welcome as pianists who want to build these skills themselves.
How does the buddy option work?
One $149 registration can include one friend in the same level. You can invite them as your guest or split the cost yourselves. The $50 materials fee applies separately to each person who needs the required books.
What if I already own the books?
If you already own the books required for your level, there is no additional materials fee. If you’re unsure whether you have the right books, check with Grant before registering.
What does joining the beta involve?
Take part, try the material, and share honest feedback about what helps and what could be clearer. This is the first cohort, so your experience will help shape future rounds.
Can I share this invitation?
Yes. Teachers are welcome to invite a student, colleague, or other pianist who would be particularly interested and able to give thoughtful feedback during the beta.
Skills for the Modern Pianist Accelerator
You’ve learned to play the notes.
What would you like to do next?
Seven weeks of live online learning, exploration, and creative musicianship with Grant and a small group of fellow pianists.
October 29–December 17, 2026.
Founding beta: $149 USD per level · Bring a friend at no extra cost!
$50 materials fee per person if required books are needed.
Enroll by October 23, 2026.