The Philosophy Behind Pick Up & Play Blues
One of the things that has always frustrated me about learning piano is that people often confuse ability with accessibility.
They’re not the same thing.
I don’t believe every piece of music should be easy to play. In fact, some of the most rewarding moments happen when you’re learning something that’s just beyond your current ability.
That challenge is what keeps you interested.
The problem isn’t that the music is difficult.
The problem is that it’s often taught in a way that assumes you already know the language.
A teacher might say, “Play a B♭7…”
“…then move to an E♭ minor…”
“…now add another chord…”
…and before you’ve even had a chance to work out what the notes are, they’ve already moved on.
If you already understand music theory, that’s fine.
But if you don’t, it can feel like you’ve been locked out before you’ve even had the chance to start.
That’s where the idea behind Pick Up & Play Blues came from.
I didn’t want to make the music easier.
I wanted to make it more accessible.
Every lesson is designed so that you can simply sit down at the piano and start learning.
If I introduce a chord, I’ll show you the notes.
I’ll show you the fingering.
I’ll show you how it fits together.
Then, step by step, we’ll build the arrangement until you’re playing the complete piece.
Some lessons may still challenge you, and that’s perfectly okay.
A challenge is a good thing.
Not understanding what’s happening isn’t.
Another important idea behind Pick Up & Play Blues is that every lesson is designed to become part of a much bigger musical toolbox.
An introduction doesn’t just belong to one blues form.
A turnaround doesn’t just belong to one ending.
A riff doesn’t have to stay with the arrangement it was originally taught in.
As your collection grows, you can begin to mix and match the different ideas you’ve learnt.
Maybe you take the introduction from one lesson…
…the blues form from another…
…a riff from somewhere else…
…a turnaround from another…
…and finish with a completely different ending.
As long as they’re in the same key, you’ll soon discover just how many different combinations you can create.
Before long, you’re no longer just copying what I’m playing.
You’re creating your own arrangements.
To me, that’s one of the most enjoyable parts of learning piano.
You’re not just memorising songs.
You’re building a toolbox of musical ideas that you can use again and again in your own playing.
That’s exactly what Pick Up & Play Blues is all about.
It’s not about making the music easier.
It’s about making the learning process more accessible.
So whether you’re a complete beginner looking for a challenge, or a more experienced player searching for new ideas, I hope these lessons inspire you to explore, experiment and, most importantly…
Because piano shouldn’t just be about learning songs… it should be about making music.
Ready to start building your musical toolbox?
Explore the Pick Up & Play Blues lessons and begin mixing and matching introductions, blues forms, riffs, turnarounds and endings to create your own unique blues arrangements.