The Keys Coach Podcast

Oli Howe - Keys Player & Producer (Final Episode of Season 1!)

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
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Nicky Brown - Music Industry Royalty! (Madonna / Earth, Wind & Fire / Emeli Sandé)

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
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/
 
 

I Need Your Help!

In this solo episode, Adam explains how the Podcast is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever before, ready for the launch of Season 2... and we need your help!
 
CLICK HERE to fill out the Podcast Feedback Survey.
 
The podcast returns for the remainder of Season 1, next Thursday with the awesome Nicky Brown.

David Bennett (Pianist & YouTuber)

David Bennett is a pianist, composer and YouTuber.
With a following of almost 1 million subscribers, his videos use music theory to analyse and appreciate some of the most revered music of the last one hundred years. David's first love is composing. His style is meditative, minimalist and, very much, piano-focused. In 2024, David is set to release a new collection of original songs.
 
In this episode Adam and David chat about:
Why finding the right teacher is so important when starting on the piano
Why it’s vital to have a creative project on-the-go
David’s top tips for getting out of familiar shapes and patterns, and ways to generate new ideas
Why The Beatles are such a huge source of inspiration
Plus we also do a deep-dive into why YouTube is such an awesome opportunity for musicians and creators.
 
David's YouTube Channel
 
 
YouTube Tutorial: 3 Secrets for Crafting AWESOME Chord Sequences
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Howard Lawrence (Disclosure)

Howard Lawrence is an incredible songwriter, producer, singer, keys player, and bass player. He is one-half of the amazing electronic music duo, Disclosure.
Disclosure are one of the biggest bands in electronic music, having collaborated with artists such as Sam Smith, Kelis, Gregory Porter, The Weeknd, and Nao, to name just a few! Their latest album Alchemy was released in July 2023.
 
In this episode Adam and Howard chat about:
Whether you actually need to know music theory...
How you can ‘tweak’ chords using Midi
How Howard got started playing by ear
Howard’s go-to albums for incredible backing vocals
They also answer YOUR questions - plus lots, lots more!
 
Howard’s Instagram
Disclosure’s Instagram
Disclosure on Spotfiy
 
YouTube Tutorial: The Ultimate Guide to Chord Charts
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Nate Williams (Steve Winwood / Jamiroquai / Joss Stone) - Listener Questions!

Nate Williams is a keys player, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He has performed with Jamiroquai, Joss Stone and Steve Winwood amongst many others. His latest EP, ‘Chapters’ was released in 2023 and features an incredible line-up of musicians.
 
In this episode, Adam and Nate chat about:
Why tension and release are crucial
The awesomeness of plagal cadences
Why Nate doesn’t care if a chord doesn’t fit in the key
Nate’s top tips for learning sound design
Why Nate always gravitates towards Upright Pianos over Grand Pianos
The significance of developing a relationship with an acoustic piano, even for synth enthusiasts... plus lots, lots more!
 
Nate's Instagram
Chapters - Nate Williams
 
YouTube Tutorial: The Ultimate Guide to Chord Charts
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Bryn Bliska (Jacob Collier / Olivia Rodrigo / Maggie Rogers)

Bryn Bliska is an LA-based keys player, composer, producer, and MD who frequently collaborates with artists & producers across many genres, including Jacob Collier, Karol G, Maggie Rogers, Olivia Rodrigo, Rozzi, Lawrence, Sofi Tukker, Jackson Wang, Tegan & Sara, YUNGBLUD, Ruth B., and ford.
 
In this episode, Bryn and Adam chat about:
Why adding a ninth to a major chord is the ‘Secret Sauce’
Bryn’s process for how to learn a large amount of repertoire when you’ve got a tour or gig coming up
Why Bryn has to go into full ‘Octopus’ mode when playing in Jacob Collier’s band
Why so often the best things that happen onstage are unplanned
Plus a deep-dive breakdown of Bryn’s practice routine… and lots, lots more!
 
Follow Bryn on Instagram
Bryn's Website
 
YouTube Tutorial: How to Improvise with Chords on Piano (in 8 Steps!)
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Dani McGinley - LA Keyboard Player & Vocalist (Niall Horan, Marina, James Bay)

Dani McGinley is a keyboardist and vocalist with over 12 years of professional experience. Originally from London and now based in LA, she has worked with a wide range of artists, including chart-toppers such as MARINA, Daya, Rachel Platten, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, James Bay, and Bea Miller. She is currently on tour with Niall Horan.
 
In this episode, you will learn:
Why the Korg Kronos is Dani’s go-to keyboard
Why recording yourself can be a complete game changer for speeding up the learning process
What Dani practices when she has a rare day off from touring
PLUS we talk all things Keytar… and lots, lots more!
 
Dani’s Instagram
 
The Keys Coach YouTube Channel - 'Don't Practise Scales... Do This!'
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Julian Velard - Songwriting, Humour and Piano Bars

In this episode, Adam sits down with singer, songwriter and pianist, Julian Velard, best known for his unique blend of music and comedy. Based in LA, Julian has a decade-long presence in the US music and comedy scenes and has also become a cult sensation in the UK and Europe. He has received notable accolades from The Guardian, Time Out London, and The Sunday Times which propelled him to a major label record deal.
Julian has toured internationally with Jamie Cullum, Paul Carrack, and Goldfrapp, and shared stages with comedians like Will Ferrell, Reggie Watts, and Paul Scheer. He served as the artist-in-residence at Joe’s Pub at the Public New Theatre in NYC, and his live show was recognized as one of the best by Broadway World.
 
In this episode, you will learn:
The lessons Julian has learnt from performing in piano bars across the US and the world!
Why understanding Music Theory helped unlock Julian’s songwriting
Why Julian’s go-to process for learning a song is by reading the ‘songbooks’
Why all the musical elements of a song, should be there to serve the lyric… and lots, lots more!
 
‘In The Middle of Something’ Kickstarter Campaign
 
The Keys Coach YouTube Channel - 'Don't Practise Scales... Do This!'
Follow the Keys Coach on Instagram
 
Hosted by Adam Saunders
Music - https://www.davidcuttermusic.com/

Happy New Year! Plus a quick reminder...

The Keys Coach Podcast is currently on a short-break, and gearing up for its return on Thursday 18th January with an incredible episode featuring the talented Singer-Songwriter, Julian Velard. See you then!