Introduction to the Course

Hi, my name is Ross Stanley. I'm a keyboard player based in London.

I'm not originally from London; I'm actually from down on the south coast near Southampton. However, I've been living here for the past 18 or so years now.

If you've listened to any of the backing tracks, I'm actually performing on a lot of them, many years ago, I hasten to add. It has been very enjoyable for me to return to these pieces and discover different things within them the second time around.

My Background

Originally, I went to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a classical piano player and then quickly transferred to playing jazz piano. At that time, I also played classical church organ and now, bizarrely, I play jazz Hammond organ.

I graduated from there in 2004, and ever since, I've been working as a professional musician on the scene. I've been very fortunate and lucky enough to:

• Travel the world
• See all kinds of different places and continents
• Have incredible opportunities with various artists and genres

Performance Experience

My performance experience is quite diverse. I've played with:

• The great Eddie Gomez in his quartet (jazz setting)
• Modern saxophonist Seamus Blake with his organ trio
• Steve Howe in a progressive rock organ trio
• Maceo Parker (funk)
• Zigaboo Modeliste from the Meters
• Tom Jones, during a period where his band was affectionately known as the "Tom Jones Pub Band" (blues and blues rock)

I have covered many different styles, including:

• Folk music
• Country music
• Contemporary classical music

Course Objectives

My role on the course is to guide you through from grade one all the way up to grade eight.

In particular, we will be focusing mostly on:

• Blues style
• A little bit of rock
• A little bit of jazz fusion as well

All that's left for me to say is: you must have fun with these pieces! There's some great material here. I know I've had fun putting it together to teach you guys.

Best of luck, and see you on the course!