SHORT COURSES
PREMISES STUDIOS Hackney, London
SUMMER PIANO WEEK
JAZZ, BLUES, FUNK, LATIN
with Nikki Yeoh, Tim Richards, Zoe Rahman, Andrew Chen
27-31 August 2025
I ran this annual jazz piano course for over 25 years. Nikki Yeoh has been on board since the beginning and is now doing a great job as course director. Expect 5 days of intensive hands-on tuition + record your own trio track with an A-list rhyhtm section!
£395 (includes your master recording). 12 places only. Book early!
Premises Studios Jazz Piano Week
JAZZ PIANO PERFORMANCE COURSE
Dates for 2026 TBC
A new 3-day course focusing on comping and playing with a rhythm section.
Come and join us for intensive tuition and hands-on practice, culminating in a live performance for your friends and family. Learn how to voice chords and work on different comping styles.
On the final day there will be an open band workshop, including a Q&A. Then after a lunch break, it’ll be your turn to play with the professional band in our showcase Studio 1, for a live audience made up of friends and family (drinks and nibbles on hand).
JAZZ and BLUES PIANO at BENSLOW
Tim has been teaching at Benslow Music since 2014. These are hands-on residential courses in the relaxing setting of Benslow House, Hitchin, Herts (a short train journey from London). A range of repertoire is covered, with full use being made of the excellent facilities (pianos, practice rooms, etc). Prices includes accommodation and full board.
Beginning Jazz Piano Fri 9 - Sun 11 January 2026 - A new course based on my most recent book, 'Beginning Jazz Piano', aimed at helping intermediate pianists develop jazz and improvisation skills.
Jazz Piano Fri 12 - Sun 14 June 2026 - For pianists with previous jazz experience.
Blues Piano Basics Mon 3 - Wed 5 August 2026 - No previous blues experience necessary.
ABRSM JAZZ PIANO SYLLABUS
Short Course for Piano Teachers - NO FURTHER DATES PLANNED
Tim’s annual course for piano teachers was hosted from 1998 by Morley College and the City Lit and until 2025 online by Benslow Music. It de-mystified the mechanics of playing jazz, in a style that enabled it to be passed from teacher to pupil. The syllabus (Grades 1-5) was examined in detail, with insight into the skills required for candidates and how to teach them. Help was given with interpretation, improvisation, and the basics of jazz theory and harmony. No previous experience of jazz was required.
See Student Feedback.
TRANSCRIBING JAZZ SOLOS
CITY LIT, Covent Garden, London
Six classes on Sunday afternoons (2-5pm) at approx monthly intervals:
Sun 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 7 Dec 2025.
Sun 18 Jan, 15 Feb, 15 Mar 2026.
A study and sharing group for experienced jazz players with a good working knowledge of harmony and experience of improvising. We will focus on in-depth listening and transcription of recorded examples by well-known jazz musicians. Sessions will include demonstration and performance opportunities. This annual class enrols in September.