Karl Kim
Keyboardist and composer with 19 years of experience specializing in jazz, rock, and pop playing styles.
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Karl Kim
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Karl - Your piano teacher
Hello! Karl here. I've been playing piano and keyboard for over 19 years in a wide variety of musical settings, ranging from musical theater pit orchestras to rock bands to church services and more, and hold a Bachelor's degree in music from New York University. Now, I offer lessons specializing in playing keyboard in jazz, rock, and pop styles. I cover how to play chords, improvisation, ear training, and stylistic approaches to keyboard playing. My lessons are catered to keyboardists of all ages and a variety of skill levels, backgrounds, and personal goals. I also teach composition, and encourage it as a part of the way I teach, so especially if you ever wanted to write your own music, feel free to reach out to me and we can talk more! I also offer DAW music production instruction as well, both to take keyboard and composition skills to the next level.
Karl graduated from New York University


Your piano teacher skills
Music theory
Ear training
Piano lessons at a glance
Listening is a huge part of making music, so ear training and music theory are a huge part of how I teach. Not only will I teach where the fingers should go, but I will emphasize an understanding of what the music is supposed to sound like. Listening to the vast array of music that is already out there is also a core part of my teaching. One of the first questions I ask students every lesson is about the kind of music they want to play. We'll then listen to that music, I will point out what to listen for, and then apply the lessons learned from active listening to playing, both the song itself as well as through exercises that develop the technique necessary to get the sound we're looking for. That said, I do not stop at teaching how to replicate; I encourage the student to get creative with the new tools (as in techniques and knowledge) they gain along the way, and that's when I encourage the student to improvise and compose music of their own. That way, the student gains an even deeper understanding of music through experimentation.

Piano concepts taught by Karl
The Student practiced identifying key signatures, scales, and rhythms, and was introduced to harmonization. They worked through musical exercises, transposing melodies and applying tonic and dominant chords. The Tutor assigned additional harmonization exercises as homework.
B Flat Identification
F Major Hand Position
E Flat Major Key Signature
Transposition Techniques
Harmonization Using Tonic and Dominant
A Major Key
The session involved the student practicing guitar techniques, including chord transitions, strumming patterns, and sight-reading. The student worked on specific exercises and songs to improve finger placement, rhythm, and coordination. The tutor assigned practice focusing on smooth transitions between chords and melodies in preparation for the next lesson.
C Chord Finger Placement and Transitions
Fingering for Specific Notes
Avoiding Pauses and Maintaining Rhythm
C and G Chord Transitions
Wrist Motion vs. Forearm Movement
Strumming Patterns
E Minor Chord Application and Integration
The student and tutor reviewed previously assigned pieces, focusing on rhythm, note accuracy, and efficient fingering techniques. The tutor introduced new strumming patterns and a modified fingering approach for "The Star-Spangled Banner." The student was assigned specific sections to practice and encouraged to apply the new strumming patterns to older exercises.
Eighth Note Rhythm and Tempo
C Chord Shape and Finger Placement in Melodies
Down-Up Strumming Technique
Strumming Pattern Variations
E Minor Chord
The student practiced rhythm exercises in various time signatures, including 3/8, and worked on differentiating dynamic levels in a musical piece. They also learned about accent signs and slurs and sight-read pieces in F major and G major, with a brief review of transposition. The student is expected to practice the rhythm exercises and sight-reading pieces at home.
Dynamics: *piano*
*mezzo forte*
and *forte*
Review of Transposition
Slurs
3/8 Time Signature
Accent Sign
The Student reviewed musical pieces focusing on rests, eighth notes, and rhythm. The session included practicing muting techniques, playing one octave higher, and using a metronome for tempo control. The homework is to practice pieces 69, 70, and 71 with a metronome, focusing on accuracy and rhythm.
Eighth Notes
Repeat Signs
Key Signatures
Muting Techniques
Metronome Practice
Playing Octaves
Formata (Pause)
Half Rests
The session covered reviewing five-finger major patterns, an introduction to transposing music, and learning a new song with a focus on rhythm, dynamics, and repeats. The student practiced transposing exercises in different keys and worked on balancing dynamics while playing the new song. The tutor provided feedback on rhythm and dynamics, setting the stage for continued practice.
Note Duration with Dots
Repeat Signs and Dynamics
Retardando (rit.)
Musical Dynamics
Transposition
Major Five Finger Patterns
Different types of piano lessons
Digital Piano
Electric Keyboard
Types of learners for piano lessons
Piano for adults
Piano for kids
Piano for beginners
Piano for intermediate
Interactive piano lessons
Weekend lessons
Chat for quick help
Note taking
Mobile joining
Record lessons
Approach & tools used in piano classes
Metronome Apps
DAWs
PDF Sheet Music Libraries
Backing Track Libraries

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