The Keys Coach Podcast

Dennis Hamm is a Los Angeles-based keys player with over 30 years of professional experience. Known for his virtuosic chops and incredible versatility, Dennis has toured and recorded with some of the biggest names in the music industry. For the past decade, he’s been the keyboardist for Thundercat and the musical director for Alice Smith. He’s also played in over 50 countries with legendary artists like Louis Cole, Chris Cornell, Babyface, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Gino Vannelli, Alan Holdsworth, Larry Carlton, and many more. Oh—and he was nominated for a Grammy for his performance on Simon Phillips’ Protocol 4.   In this episode, you’ll learn: 🎧 Why it’s so important to think like a producer when playing in a band 👂 What having "big ears" really means 🤚 How to develop rhythmic independence between your hands 🏟️ Why Thundercat doesn’t “tame down” the music for stadium gigs 🔄 Why Dennis thinks music theory should evolve with every new genre Plus: a deep dive into emotion in music, root perception, and plenty of glorious geekery.

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 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/    

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 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 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 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 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 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/

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/