Blues and Rock Keyboard Techniques – Dave Limina

Completion of Music Theory 101 and/or Berklee Keyboard Method is recommended.

• Students considering this course should have good basic keyboard skills
• You should be able to read notes in bass and treble clef in eighth note rhythms
• You should have basic knowledge of music theory, including major scales, basic seventh chords, and basic rhythmic notation
• You should also be able to record your performances with provided play-along tracks using recording software (if you do not own recording software, you can download and use the free program, Audacity).

Required Textbook(s)

• None required

Students are required to record video for assignments. You can use your smartphone, digital camera, or webcam to do this. If you do not already have a preferred video software, you can use the built-in recorder tool within your assignment post. You can play the backing track through your speakers as you record and the microphone will pick up both the piano or keyboard (playing out loud through built-in speakers or amp) and the track as you play along.

Software Requirements

• A recording tool is provided within the course that will allow students to record videos of themselves playing for assignment submission. Alternatively, students can use a digital camera, smartphone, or tablet to record assignments.

Hardware Requirements

• Keyboard (acoustic piano, synthesizer, digital piano, or MIDI computer keyboard are acceptable and an acoustic or electric piano sound is preferred)

Instructors

Dave Limina

Author & Instructor

Dave Limina is an associate professor in the Piano department at Berklee College of Music, where he received the Most Valuable Contribution to the Performance Curriculum Award in 2001 for his work in developing the Hammond organ program. An experienced session keyboardist, composer, and arranger, Dave has performed with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Lori McKenna, Duke Robillard, Gloria Estefan, Mark Murphy, Scott Hamilton, the first national touring company of the Broadway musical Rent, and many others. He received Boston Music Award nominations for his work with Courage Brothers, Ronnie Earl, and Mighty Sam McClain, and has played on several Grammy-nominated recordings. He played keyboards on Michelle Willson’s Wake Up Call, which won a Boston Music Award in 2001. Dave does extensive session work in Boston, New York, and LA. He is the author of Hammond Organ Complete (Berklee Press) and the instructional video/DVD Accelerate Your Keyboard Playing. His playing is featured on many TV and film soundtracks.