The Keys Coach Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Oli Howe is a keys player, producer and prominent figure in the UK scene and has shared stages with the likes of Yoland Brown, Omar Lyefook, Tortured Soul, Freak Power, The House & Garage Orchestra, Billy Cobham and Taylor McFerrin while drawing sold-out houses with headline shows at top UK venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Brighton Jazz Festival and most recently Love Supreme Jazz Festival. 

In 2023, Oli released, “Six”  which explores high-energy live band performances, and extreme feel-good vibes blurring the lines between jazz, fusion, RnB, gospel and hip-hop.

In this episode Adam and Oli chat about:

• The difference is between playing piano and playing keys
• Oli’s process for teaching himself jazz piano and why the Internet has completely transformed education
• Oli’s top tips for starting out with social media and how to build a following online
• Secrets for developing your chords and finding interesting reharmonisations

This is the final episode of Season 1! Season 2 will be dropping later this year - keep an eye out on social media for more info.

Oli Howe's Instagram

'Six' on Bandcamp

YouTube Tutorial: How to Master Inversions

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Hosted by Adam Saunders

Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Nicky Brown is a keys player and producer, and a highly respected figure in the music industry, known for his exceptional talent as a Musical Director. He has worked with artists, including Emeli Sandé, Michael Bolton, Tom Jones, Earth Wind and Fire, and Madonna, among many others.

In this episode, Adam and Nicky chat about:

• Nicky’s incredible career in the music industry
• Why it’s so important to have mentors to help you along the way
• Why playing keys in church is the best learning ground
• Why it’s not about the amount of notes you play, but how meaningful those notes are
• Why as keys players, we need to play the song, rather than just the groove.

Nicky's Instagram

YouTube Tutorial: The Ultimate Piano Warm Up

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Hosted by Adam Saunders

Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Join Adam Saunders and Simeon Smith for Part 2 of the The Keys Coach Podcast Xmas Special. Get in the festive, pre-New Year mood as they round up the year and chat all things Piano, Harmony, Practice and lots more!

Plus special guest appearances from Fraser Churchill, Pete Churchill and Joe Webb.

In this episode, discover:

• Simeon's secret routine for keeping in shape on the piano
• Why the chord symbol 'add9' can be problematic
• Why Adam practises modes from Bright to Dark
• A sneak peek of the guests lined up for 2024... and much, much more!

Lastly, the podcast will be taking a short break at the beginning of 2024 and will be returning on Thursday 18th January. In the meantime - Happy New Year!

Join Adam and Simeon Smith for a special edition of The Keys Coach Podcast. Get in the festive mood as they round up the year and chat all things Christmas, Piano, Keys, Chords, Gear and much, much more! 

Plus special guest appearances from Janette Mason and Oli Rockberger.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why perfect pitch can be both a blessing and a curse
• How Simeon learned to play classical piano pieces by ear
• Why Adam and Simeon both share a love for Nord keyboards
• Adam's hidden aspiration of becoming a local radio DJ, and lots, lots more!

Join us for Part 2, dropping on the 28th of December!

Adam Dennis has performed with Noel Gallagher, Robbie Williams, Tony Christie and Freya Ridings amongst many others. He’s a regular in the West End, the BBC Radio 2 Piano Room, as well as the house band for live TV shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and the Royal Variety Performance.

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of being adaptable and versatile as a keyboard player
• How Adam stays ‘in-shape’ on the piano and how he prepares for live gigs
• How he practices with a metronome while still maintaining fluidity
• What advice Adam would give anyone wanting to enter the session world… and lots, lots more!

Adam’s Instagram

Recreating Iconic Sounds with the Mellotron V

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Phil Merriman is a pianist, keys player and arranger. He is equally at home playing classical, pop and jazz and has a huge love for Gospel music. He has performed with artists such as Andrew Small, Brendan B. Brown, CeCe Peniston and Polly Gibbons amongst many others!

In this episode you will learn:

• Why John Taylor was such a huge influence on Phil
• Why Phil records every gig he does, and then listens back and makes notes!
• How Phil developed a love for gospel music and synth bass
• Why tone production on the piano, is so important and why it often gets overlooked
• How ‘Transcribing’ can mean various things to different people… and lots, lots more!

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ANGEL OF THE PRESENCE - JOHN TAYLOR

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Conor Albert is a South London-based keys player, guitarist, songwriter and producer. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist he started making beats at the age of 8, finding an audience for his early demos on SoundCloud. It was listening to FKJ and Jordan Rakei whilst learning piano in his teens that encouraged him to make soulful, jazz-influenced, beat-driven music.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Conor taught himself keys, and why discovering jazz harmony helped fuel his passion for songwriting
• What a typical writing day looks like and how he approaches creating new music
• Why Conor decided to take a break from social media
• Why Conor and Adam share a mutual love for the 1975… and lots, lots more!

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CONOR ALBERT & JAMES SMITH - CRESCENT MOON (LIVE)

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Louis Querelle is a piano and keys player who has performed with Niall Horan, Olly Murs and Amy Macdonald amongst many others.

In this episode you will learn:

• What it’s like touring the world in Niall Horan’s band
• What Louis practises to keep match-fit on the piano while on the road
• Why the Nord Stage is Louis’ go-to keyboard
• What it was like playing for President Biden at the White House… and lots, lots more!

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George Moore is a keys player, MD and songwriter, based in London. George has played on numerous records including projects with Kwabs and Mura Masa. As a songwriter he has worked with Stormzy, Clean Bandit, Yebba, Bren Joy and Cat Burns amongst many others.

In this episode you will learn:

• What it was like to write ‘Firebabe’ for Stormzy’s latest album
• How George keeps in shape on the piano
• Why hanging out with an artist before a session, ultimately leads to a better song
• Why learning the drums is so useful as a keys player… and lots, lots more!

George's Instagram

George Moore Discog - Spotify Playlist

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Hosted by Adam Saunders

Music - dcuttermusic.com

Joe Webb is a highly regarded pianist, jazz musician, and composer, originally from Wales. He has emerged as a leading force on the U.K jazz scene today, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and rockstar-like persona. Joe is known for his work with the acclaimed Webb City, Kansas Smitty's, Adrian Cox & Rob Luft, and has collaborated with artists like Jamie Cullum.

In this episode you will learn:

• What drew Joe to the piano in the first place
• How to practice stride piano while watching TV
• What it was like performing on Jamie Cullum’s Christmas album
• Why Joe’s first album was described as the soundtrack to an imaginary 60s pool party… and lots, lots more!

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🔗 CONNECT WITH JOE

Instagram

Website

Stream ‘Munchin’ In Munchen’

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⭐️ LEAVE A REVIEW

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps support the show and grow our community.

If you have any guest suggestions or would like to get in touch, you can do so by emailing adam@thekeyscoach.com - we reply to every email!

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Hosted by Adam Saunders

Music - dcuttermusic.com