Where To Start?

• I’ve created tracker charts as part of my Roadmap Course.
• They monitor scales, arpeggios, songs by ear, and more.
• These are the same charts I use with my in-person piano students, refined over 10 years.

Tip: Print out the charts and check off each milestone as you progress.

Struggling with simple tunes like “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Twinkle”?

• Start with the Playing By Ear course course.
• Mastering simple melodies and harmonies first makes tackling jazz standards easier later.

Tip: If you can comfortably play all the songs in this course then move onto your first Jazz Standard.

Are you comfortable with the circle of 5ths?

• Knowing what it is and applying it are two different things.
• Begin with the Circle of 5ths Exercises course to build fluency.
• Try the 31-day Circle of 5ths Challenge (one exercise per day).

Ready to use the circle of 5ths in real music?

• Look at the 12-bar blues—it relies heavily on circle of 5ths progressions.
• Expand beyond I, IV, V chords by adding dominant chains in the turnaround.
• Autumn Leaves also has a diatonic cycle that’s great practice.

Having trouble improvising?

• Start with simple progression loops before jumping into full jazz standards.
• Once you’re comfortable, try something like Satin Doll or a basic blues form.

Tip: Improvisation builds over time—keep a small notebook or recording app handy to capture new ideas.

Want to play tunes in different keys?

• Practice transposing simple songs by ear first.
• Start with 4–5 keys (Bb, F, C, G, D).
• Once that feels natural, put the circle of 5ths to work and challenge yourself with more keys.

Don’t know much about chords or theory?

• Book learning alone won’t help if you can’t apply it—try working on theory concepts alongside actual tunes.
• Check out my free theory app at www.knowyourtheory.com for introductory videos and terms.
• Transposing simple tunes is a practical way to “feel” how theory works in real music.