Jazz piano advice/teacher in Manchester for a complete beginner.

[nickc]

Hi folks,

I've not posted on this part of the forum before but i hope someone can give me some good advice!

Jazz has become something of an obsession for me over the last year or so, especially jazz piano. Which i now have a mind to learn.

I have no prior piano experience bar tinkering from the alfred piano beginner book for the last two weeks. I do have some inkling of what a monumental undertaking this is as my mum plays (non improvisational) jazz piano. I'm in my forties and wish to do this for the journey it will take me on and for my own personal pleasure. I already have access to a claviola that my daughter plays (she has classical piano lessons) and my mums baby grand.

My musical background is 3 years of playing the banjo, which is going really well. I've been drawn to more progressive banjo and have taken lessons with a well known Jazz banjo player. I don't intend to give up banjo.

So in short what's my best course of action? I've a mind to learn the basics first and then try blues piano before progressing to jazz.

I'm assuming a teacher is the preferred route over just picking up a book.? If so could anyone recommend a teacher perhaps in the Manchester area?

many thanks

Nick

[Tenorman]

Presuming that this is Manchester UK

Go along to some pub gigs where there are local musicians and ask them