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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out piano events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the piano events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find piano events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Piano Events Today
Join in-person Piano events happening right now
Tonight: Four Hands Piano - Nigel Clayton and Imma Setiadi
**LEXHAM CHAMBER CONCERTS**
Lexham Gardens. W8 5JR
*In aid of Parkinson’s Charities*
Tuesday 12th May at 7:20
Presents
**Imma Setiadi\* and Nigel Clayton^ - piano four hands**
\* [https://www.talent-unlimited.org.uk/imma-setiadi.html](https://www.talent-unlimited.org.uk/imma-setiadi.html)
^ [https://www.benslowmusic.org/profile/nigel-clayton/](https://www.benslowmusic.org/profile/nigel-clayton/#:~:text=Nigel%20Clayton%20is%20a%20pianist%20who%20has,Tibor%20Varga%20International%20Violin%20Competition%20in%20Switzerland)
I have long known Nigel’s playing from his accompanying at the Wigmore Hall and on radio 3, so - after hearing him rehearse with Imma Setiadi - I was delighted when they accepted my request to give a joint duet recital.
**PROGRAMME**
Rimsky-Korsakov/Scott Flight of the Bumblebee
Bizet Jeux d’enfants Op. 22
. . i. L'escarpolette – reverie (The swing)
. . ii. La toupie – impromptu (The spinning top)
. . iii. La poupée – berceuse (The doll)
. . iv. Les chevaux de bois – scherzo (Wooden horses)
. . v. Le volant – fantasie (Battledore and shuttlecock)
. . vi. Trompette et tambour – marche (Trumpet and drum)
. . vii. Les bulles de savon – rondino (Soap bubbles)
. . viii. Les quatre coins – esquisse (Puss in the corner)
. . ix. Colin-maillard – nocturne (Blindman's buff)
. . x. Saute-mouton – caprice (Leap-frog)
. . xi. Petit mari, petite femme – duo (Little husband, little wife)
. . xii. Le bal – galop (The ball)
Chabrier / Messager Espana
\-\-\-
Saint-Saëns / Garban
. . Aquarium
. . Hémiones (animaux véloces)
Faure Dolly Suite Op. 56
, , I. Berceuse
. . II. Messieu Auol
. . III. Le Jardin de Dolly
. . IV. Ketty-Valse
. . V. Tendresse
. . VI. Le Pas Espagnol
Stravinsky/Meek Firebird Suite (1945)
. . I. Danse Infernal
. . II. Berceuse
. . III. Finale
The concert will last just over an hour, followed by optional substantial buffet and drinks
Tickets (for planning purposes) from [music@adaptalog.com](mailto:music@adaptalog.com).
Please state if you will also join in the buffet
Suggested donations: Concert £25, Post-concert buffet and drink £18
Online to: [https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/donate](https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/donate)
Click “In celebration of a special occasion”
Celebration Reference = “Lexham”
Date = 12 May 2026
Or
Cash at the venue - gift-aid forms available
London Clojure Dojo at uSwitch
uSwitch is located on the first floor of the ZPG building at 5 Copper Row, London, SE1 2LH, London (Click on the map for directions)
What 3 words location: [https://what3words.com/puts.sudden.else](https://what3words.com/puts.sudden.else)
The Clojure dojo is a collaborative way to learn Clojure/ClojureScript through practice. The aim is to learn a little more than before you started. This event is for those new to coding through to more experienced developers.
We organise into small groups (2-4) people and write code to solve challenges great and small, chosen by those at the event.
We aim to ensure someone in your group has some Clojure experience, so you shouldn't feel lost (well no more than all developers do when Stack Overflow is broken).
Example challenges for the coding dojo are listed on this website: http://www.londonclojurians.org/code-dojo/
Various past exercises have been loaded to
[https://github.com/ldnclj](https://github.com/ldnclj/lisp1.5/blob/master/src/lisp1/5.clj)
# Approximate schedule:
18:40 Doors open and start collecting suggestions
18.45 Pizza should have arrived
19:00 Quick intros and vote on suggestions
19:15 Break out into groups and start practising
20:45 Gather together for a quick show and tell
# What should I bring?
We organise into small groups, so if you have a laptop with a working Clojure environment please bring it along (there are lots of online Clojure environments, so you can just use your browser too).
# How do I get in to the building?
At the glass doors press the buzzer to inform the security guard you are here. Say you are here for the event on the first floor.
Is there way to talk with the Clojure community?
Why yes. The Clojurians Slack channel is full of friendly people who love to try and help. People based in London are often in the #clojure-uk channel. Sign up for a free account to the Clojurians Slack community via http://clojurians.net/
What is Clojure?
Clojure is a JVM language that has syntactically similarities to Lisp, full integration with Java and its libraries and focuses on providing a solution to the issue of single machine concurrency.
Its small core makes it surprisingly easy for Java developers to pick up and it provides a powerful set of concurrency strategies and data structures designed to make immutable data easy to work with. If you went to Rich Hickey’s LJC talk about creating Clojure you’ll already know this, if not it’s well worth watching the Rich Hickey “Clojure for Java Programmers” video or Stuart Halloway “Radical Simplicity” video .
TUESDAY of tango: Beginners, Improvers classes + Practica in Islington
**JOIN OUR FRIENDLY & WELCOMING WEEKLY TUESDAY EVENING TANGO CLASSES!**
**Still haven't tried tango? Start Tango today:** Our tango group classes follow a carefully structured curriculum to quickly give you the skills and confidence to express yourself on the dancefloor. We not only teach tango steps, but also tango music, culture and etiquette. To become a well-rounded dancer, don’t miss out on our regular classes and themed workshops in London.
**Already an experienced dancer?** Join the 8pm class to enhance your technique, learn exciting steps and the secrets behind to know how to lead and follow them, and have fun making friends.
Practica after the lessons.
**COSTS: PAY BY CASH AT THE TILL**
\- Beginner class: normally £15 but RSVP with Meetup and we offer you £10 for your first lesson :\-\)\.
\- Improver class at 8pm: £20 and practica afterwards is FREE\!
**YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY HEAVILY DISCOUNTED SUBSCRIPTIONS, please enquire.**
At: Unity, 277A Upper street N12TZ, in Angel, London
Details and packages:
[https://tanguito.co.uk/tuesday/](https://tanguito.co.uk/tuesday/)
Free Jazz Night🥁🪕🎷🎻🎹🎸🎤🎶🎉🎊
Come and listen to some live jazz this Tuesday, the 12th of May in a nice pub with a friendly atmosphere and it's just 3 minute walk from tube station, music will be in the room upstairs All instrumentalists and vocalists welcome.
Music starts 8pm onwards. (You can even make new friends!!!)
Free entry.
House Band:
Marcus James - Piano
James Royan - Double bass
Alex Ellerington
LONDON HUMANIST CHOIR REHEARSAL
New members welcome. We are a 4 part choir with a life-affirming, humanist focus.
We're a friendly bunch, and the singers in your section will help you get started and feel welcome. New members will be able to borrow printed music.
We do perform both formally and informally, and our varied repertoire supports this.
For regular attendees, please print out your music, which is available in the [members section of our site](https://london.humanistchoir.org/groups/library/buddydrive/). If you need access, contact Laurence. ([members@london.humanistchoir.org](mailto:members@london.humanistchoir.org)).
For more information see the [Join Us](https://london.humanistchoir.org/join/) page , or listen to the choir on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@LondonHumanistChoir).
We always allow potential members to try us out for a couple of weeks. We do not hold auditions. By all means message with any queries.
**Term Dates (6 a year) SPRING/SUMMER 2026**
*
* THIS TERM - Tuesday 14 April until 19 May
* TERM AFTER THAT - 2 June to EARLY JULY
Current repertoire:
Yesterday (Beatles)
Gold (from Once)
Think About Things
Obladi Oblada (Beatles)
Too Sweet
When the Earth Stands Still
more to come
Art Appreciation - Leonardo da Vinci
This week we'll be looking at the life and work of **Leonardo da Vinci**!
Come and learn with us as we discover more of this legendary figure.
All welcome!
*If you come after 6.30pm ring the doorbell*
The grand theater of attention
Toastmasters Polish Your Polish zaprasza na wyjątkowe spotkanie pod hasłem:
“The Grand Theatre of Attention”
„Od Szekspira do TikToka: Wielki Teatr Atencji”
Przez wieki chodziliśmy do teatru, by celebrować chwilę. Potem kino nauczyło nas kochać perfekcyjne cięcia. Dziś naszą sceną jest 15-sekundowy Reels, a reżyserem — algorytm Netflixa.
Czy w dobie niekończącego się scrollowania wciąż potrafimy słuchać historii, które trwają dłużej niż minuta?
Czy teatr i kino nadal są awangardą rozrywki, czy może zostały wyparte przez kulturę natychmiastowej uwagi?
Na najbliższym spotkaniu Toastmasters będziemy mówić o sile opowieści, uwadze, współczesnej komunikacji i o tym, jak zmienia się sposób, w jaki odbieramy świat.
🎬 Kurtyna w górę!
📅 Data: Wtorek 12 maja
🕖 Godzina: 19:15
📍 Miejsce: Ognisko Polskie
Spotkanie odbędzie się w języku angielskim.
Serdecznie zapraszamy
Do zobaczenia 🎤
Jeśli jednak wolisz uczestniczyć online, to będzie też możliwość uczestniczenia przez Google Meet https://meet.google.com/sxz-jkqp-ihp
Więcej informacji o klubie na naszej stronie:
http://www.polishyourpolish.org.uk/
www.facebook.com/pyplondon
www.instagram.com/polishyourpolishlondon
www.linkedin.com/company/polish-your-polish-toastmasters
Strona Ogniska Polskiego: www.ogniskopolskie.org.uk
Piano Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Gig & Drinks🙂🍻 @ Piano Smithfield - Shared Space (Ticketed)
👀 Something is happening…
The best way I can describe it is like one member said to me:
‘Tim - It’s like freshers week, every week, but better, with bands and stuff…’
and that’s how it’s been over the last 7 years since we created this group. It’s honestly the most fun we’ve had and I’m inviting everyone of you because something’s been happening for a while now and you just don’t know about it…It’s a Showcase of some of the Best London bands playing their music in London - and it’s also a MEETUP group, so you can watch the gig with a mix of regular members and newcomers. Feel free to come on your own or bring your friends and meet new people. Look for the ‘MEETUP SIGN’ or ask the Host on the Door when you arrive. It’s an awesome line-up and at one of the Top Venues in London - Great place for a beer, meet new people and see some amazing unsigned bands! 🔥🔥🚒🍻
\*
**‼️ THE ULTIMATE LONDON GIG MEETUP! ‼️**
**LONDON MUSIC SHOWCASE Presents:**
**Piano Smithfield in Barbican**
May 14th THURSDAY
[SHARED SPACE](https://open.spotify.com/artist/2TiRoySTuCGx55XuZF1Mwm) \- Headliner
[CORALIA](https://www.instagram.com/coraliast/)
[TOM PLATTS](https://www.instagram.com/tomplatts__/)
[FREDDIE PURPLE](https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Bhqgka7MnuDNPNY293mBw)
\*
There aren’t enough emojis for this, so I’ll keep it simple: BE THERE.
If you’ve been to the MEET-UPS over the last 7 years, you’ll know what it’s all about so come down, bring your friends, bring your foes, cancel your wedding, book Granny out of the retirement home. Whatever it takes, she won’t want miss it 😄🍻
\*
WHATSAPP GROUP:
We’re a friendly mix; English, French, Australian, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese people so I’m sure you will meet someone that shares a passion for Rocking Music. Don't worry if attendance looks low, we are meeting other Meetup / WhatsApp / Facebook Groups and a lot of my friends don't RSVP. I can also add you to the Event’s WHATSAPP GROUP if you are interested in joining - Just message me your number.
\*
\*\*\*IMPORTANT\*\*\*
This is a TICKETED EVENT:
If you would like to come, simply message me directly through this Group and I will send you the details on how to download a DISCOUNTED TICKET (Click my profile - there is an icon at the top for Private Messages)
\*
DISCLAIMER:
I work for the Venue / Promoters. It’s just for fun nights and meeting people. We are not responsible for you or your belongings. By attending this event you agree to waiver liability for the Host :) Please bring ID to events as some are 18+. You may appear in photos/videos of the gig. Thank you
\*
All Gig Meetups here 👀‼️👇
[https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3](https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3)
[https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/](https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/)
[https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/)
[https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase](https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase)
Saint Saens, Sibelius, Ravel & Premasada
I Maestri present:
**New Horizons**
Sunday 19th May 7pm
St. Stephen’s Gloucester Rd, Kensington, SW7 4RL
https://wegottickets.com/f/18721
Saint Saens . . . . Morceau for horn
Sibelius. . . . . . . . Violin Concerto
Ravel. . . . . . . . . . Tombeau de Couperin’
Premadasa. . . . . Symphonic Movements
Achilles Premadasa, horn
George Hlawiczka, violin
Vlad Bourceanou, George Hlawiczka, Apollo Premadasa, conductors
Novice | 12-2pm May 16 Vortex upstairs
full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals)
**Please use this link to sign up and pay**
https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-12-2pm-may-16-vortex-upstairs
(Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled)
**Note the Vortex rehearsals will be starting at 10am and 12pm in the coming weeks.**
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
**What is it**
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex upstairs
**Who's it for**
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining.
**Tunes this week (Sat May 16)**
* Bolivar Blues (aka Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are) in Bb (warm up)
(Thelonious Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU-UjXwFi2Y
* How insensitive in Dm
(Wes Montgomery) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAoXA4IoSyE
* Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7)
(Cohen, Zenon) https://youtu.be/6kxD24KE__k?si=tNFOe16zHexe3VTZ&t=104
* Beatrice in F
(Sam Rivers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books)
**Tune preview - next novice session (Sat May 23)**
* Autumn Leaves in Gm (warm up)
(Adderley, Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpB7-8SGlJ0
Lead sheet https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2uzg5kowaah3vswd3zrsb/AGJM9FjuAr1BHdaMYDhxsPs?rlkey=i2xriyxxvio3zbk2yudwkpk9h&st=nsx003ud&dl=0
* Maiden Voyage in D
(Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWC5x9G45yo
* Too close for comfort in C
(Bobby Hackett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N0ZpcGrdAg
* Nardis in Em
(Chet Baker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziufEDFhlEA
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Playing well together**
The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group
* Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending)
* Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification)
* After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including:
\*\* Can everyone hear themselves?
\*\* Are the drums too loud?
\*\* Can everyone hear the bass?
\*\* Is the guitar comping too loud?
\*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up)
\*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs
* For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc.
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Percussion**
Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion".
**Vocalists**
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
**Observing**
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
\-\-\-\-\-
any questions do get in touch!
Scandinavian Meetup
This is our regular meetup which is combined with the Swedish and Danish groups that's been happening for many years now and as it's the most informal it's the best meet up to come along to if you're new.
This meetup starts at 7pm.
Each meetup has a mix of new and familiar faces; beginners, competent conversationalists & native speakers; as well as people who are just interested in the culture and meeting new people.
Everyone is welcome along with friends of any nationality.
Free entry and membership.
Gig & Drinks🙂🍻 @ Piano Smithfield - Shared Space (Ticketed)
👀 Something is happening…
The best way I can describe it is like one member said to me:
‘Tim - It’s like freshers week, every week, but better, with bands and stuff…’
and that’s how it’s been over the last 7 years since we created this group. It’s honestly the most fun we’ve had and I’m inviting everyone of you because something’s been happening for a while now and you just don’t know about it…It’s a Showcase of some of the Best London bands playing their music in London - and it’s also a MEETUP group, so you can watch the gig with a mix of regular members and newcomers. Feel free to come on your own or bring your friends and meet new people. Look for the ‘MEETUP SIGN’ or ask the Host on the Door when you arrive. It’s an awesome line-up and at one of the Top Venues in London - Great place for a beer, meet new people and see some amazing unsigned bands! 🔥🔥🚒🍻
\*
**‼️ THE ULTIMATE LONDON GIG MEETUP! ‼️**
**LONDON MUSIC SHOWCASE Presents:**
**Piano Smithfield in Barbican**
May 14th THURSDAY
[SHARED SPACE](https://open.spotify.com/artist/2TiRoySTuCGx55XuZF1Mwm) \- Headliner
[CORALIA](https://www.instagram.com/coraliast/)
[TOM PLATTS](https://www.instagram.com/tomplatts__/)
[FREDDIE PURPLE](https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Bhqgka7MnuDNPNY293mBw)
\*
There aren’t enough emojis for this, so I’ll keep it simple: BE THERE.
If you’ve been to the MEET-UPS over the last 7 years, you’ll know what it’s all about so come down, bring your friends, bring your foes, cancel your wedding, book Granny out of the retirement home. Whatever it takes, she won’t want miss it 😄🍻
\*
WHATSAPP GROUP:
We’re a friendly mix; English, French, Australian, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese people so I’m sure you will meet someone that shares a passion for Rocking Music. Don't worry if attendance looks low, we are meeting other Meetup / WhatsApp / Facebook Groups and a lot of my friends don't RSVP. I can also add you to the Event’s WHATSAPP GROUP if you are interested in joining - Just message me your number.
\*
\*\*\*IMPORTANT\*\*\*
This is a TICKETED EVENT:
If you would like to come, simply message me directly through this Group and I will send you the details on how to download a DISCOUNTED TICKET (Click my profile - there is an icon at the top for Private Messages)
\*
DISCLAIMER:
I work for the Venue / Promoters. It’s just for fun nights and meeting people. We are not responsible for you or your belongings. By attending this event you agree to waiver liability for the Host :) Please bring ID to events as some are 18+. You may appear in photos/videos of the gig. Thank you
\*
All Gig Meetups here 👀‼️👇
[https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3](https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3)
[https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/](https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/)
[https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/)
[https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase](https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase)
Novice | 10-12pm May 16 Vortex upstairs
full for all instruments and vocals
**Please use this link to sign up and pay**
https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-may-16-vortex-upstairs
(Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled)
**Note the Vortex rehearsals will be starting at 10am and 12pm in the coming weeks.**
full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/
**What is it**
The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group.
See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending.
Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie).
Location: Vortex upstairs
**Who's it for**
Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians.
There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g.
https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics
You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing.
While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements.
Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas.
Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time.
**What it's like**
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on.
Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining.
**Tunes this week (Sat May 16)**
* Bolivar Blues (aka Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are) in Bb (warm up)
(Thelonious Monk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU-UjXwFi2Y
* How insensitive in Dm
(Wes Montgomery) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAoXA4IoSyE
* Caravan in Fm (note: the form is AABA, first chord C7)
(Cohen, Zenon) https://youtu.be/6kxD24KE__k?si=tNFOe16zHexe3VTZ&t=104
* Beatrice in F
(Sam Rivers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2lnek_Z_Zs
Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books)
**Tune preview - next novice session (Sat May 23)**
* Autumn Leaves in Gm (warm up)
(Adderley, Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpB7-8SGlJ0
Lead sheet https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2uzg5kowaah3vswd3zrsb/AGJM9FjuAr1BHdaMYDhxsPs?rlkey=i2xriyxxvio3zbk2yudwkpk9h&st=nsx003ud&dl=0
* Maiden Voyage in D
(Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWC5x9G45yo
* Too close for comfort in C
(Bobby Hackett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N0ZpcGrdAg
* Nardis in Em
(Chet Baker) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziufEDFhlEA
**Preparing for the session**
The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books.
Resource for sheet music:
https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html
http://therealbook.info/
Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc.
Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off
**Playing well together**
The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group
* Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending)
* Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification)
* After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including:
\*\* Can everyone hear themselves?
\*\* Are the drums too loud?
\*\* Can everyone hear the bass?
\*\* Is the guitar comping too loud?
\*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up)
\*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs
* For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc.
**Equipment**
there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch
**Percussion**
Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion".
**Vocalists**
Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing.
**Observing**
Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal.
**Cancellation policy**
Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible.
Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session.
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any questions do get in touch!
Piano Events Near You
Connect with your local Piano community
Adult Piano Players Meetup
Come join our welcoming, low-pressure environment where you can practice performing, build confidence, stay motivated, and connect with others who play piano.
Each session is intentionally structured and hosted to ensure everyone has time to play (if they choose), feel supported, socialize, and enjoy the experience. It’s not a class, but a thoughtfully guided space to help you stay consistent and make meaningful progress.
**Details:**
* Gatherings take place in a private home setting in the Northwest Columbus area (location to be shared after RSVPing)
* Small group (max 7–8 participants) to keep the sessions personal and ensure everyone has time to play
* Light snacks and refreshments provided
* Small fee to support hosting and keep the group high quality and motivated
Italian Conversation Hour
Ciao a tutt\*!
Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.
Christians in Tech - Meetup #35 @ Improving
Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you.
Our Website
[https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus)
Sponsors and Partners
* Improving (Venue Sponsor)
* Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor)
* Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)
The Alliance All-Voices Chorus Open Rehearsal
The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio.
**Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required.
**When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm.
**Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.




























