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It Had To Be You – Challenge 1

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Instructor
John Proulx
Challenge
Beginner
01:23:50

This course will help you master It Had to Be You at the beginner level.

First we’ll learn the right hand melody and left hand chord shells. Next we’ll embellish the melody with harmony notes and learn a pre-written solo. Finally, we’ll put the hands together and play a beautiful final arrangement!

Course Objectives
  • Memorize the lead sheet melody
  • Practice the left hand chord shells
  • Embellish and harmonize the melody
  • Learn a pre-written solo
  • Combine all these techniques for a final arrangement
Learning Focus
  • Songs
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Useful Soloing Ideas in the Final Lesson
I started this course a while ago and then lost track of it. I was clicking around the site and ran across a number of courses that I had started, but not finished, so I started working on them again. The challenge itself has already passed, but there was some good information about writing a solo using the G Major pentatonic scale (G-A-B-D-E) and starting each section of the solo from a different note, going in order. I think this method would be a good way to write my first solo!
Makes beginners sound great
Teacher and presentation were A1. Solo sounds terrific but is not super difficult. Solo eliminates boring repetition of the song while making it fun for a beginner to learn. Perfect song for those who like to play Swing and Jazz.
From Zero to Solo in less than 90 minutes!
John has the gift of superb teaching. Easy explanations, perfect pacing, and a soloing bonus made simple. A truly great foundation for the intermediate and advanced challenges of this same song. Plus, all concepts can be applied to other songs as well.
Beautiful course!
Great technique, amazing style of teaching. Thank you very much Professor John Proulx for explaining the material. I enjoyed the course.
Fun course to work on.
John Proulx is an excellent instructor.

Course Lessons

1
It Had To Be You – Challenge 1 – Lesson 1
22:01

Lead Sheet

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2
It Had To Be You – Challenge 1 – Lesson 2
18:38

Left Hand Chord Shells

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3
It Had To Be You – Challenge 1 – Lesson 3
16:26

Right Hand

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4
It Had To Be You – Challenge 1 – Lesson 4
26:45

Hands Together & Improv Solo

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Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Useful Soloing Ideas in the Final Lesson
I started this course a while ago and then lost track of it. I was clicking around the site and ran across a number of courses that I had started, but not finished, so I started working on them again. The challenge itself has already passed, but there was some good information about writing a solo using the G Major pentatonic scale (G-A-B-D-E) and starting each section of the solo from a different note, going in order. I think this method would be a good way to write my first solo!
Makes beginners sound great
Teacher and presentation were A1. Solo sounds terrific but is not super difficult. Solo eliminates boring repetition of the song while making it fun for a beginner to learn. Perfect song for those who like to play Swing and Jazz.
From Zero to Solo in less than 90 minutes!
John has the gift of superb teaching. Easy explanations, perfect pacing, and a soloing bonus made simple. A truly great foundation for the intermediate and advanced challenges of this same song. Plus, all concepts can be applied to other songs as well.
Beautiful course!
Great technique, amazing style of teaching. Thank you very much Professor John Proulx for explaining the material. I enjoyed the course.
Fun course to work on.
John Proulx is an excellent instructor.
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It Had to Be You – Band Accompaniment 1

If you’ve ever been interested in piano accompaniment in a band setting, then this workshop is for you! Using the great Isham Jones and Gus Kahn standard, “It Had to Be You”, we will explore various band accompanying techniques so you’ll sound like a pro!

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