Mastering the unexpected

The English idiom "out of the blue" describes the occurrence of a completely unforeseen event. While improvisation inherently involves the unexpected, this work equips musicians with the skills to respond to the unforeseen in an open, creative, and confident manner.

Regardless of specific stylistic considerations, this book conveys a timeless and well-founded approach to musical parameters.

Confident improvisation

Each chapter provides structured improvisation templates that enable direct and practical application of what has been learned.

The templates contained in the appendix promote the meaningful and creative synthesis of the acquired elements into an individual, modern tonal language.

In short, didactically sequenced steps, supported by numerous musical examples, readers are guided toward independent, skilled improvisation and creative accompaniment.

Target group

This work is aimed at all musicians who are professionally or ambitiously involved with the piano and keyboard instruments. It is particularly appealing to piano students with basic musical knowledge, piano teachers, pianists, school musicians, and organists. Classically trained musicians looking for high-quality material beyond classical jazz will find this a valuable resource.

The book is also very useful for beginners, as sound improvisational skills are not necessarily linked to formal training, but can be developed in a targeted manner using the methodology taught here.

The second edition of this book is currently out of stock at Amazon and JPC Verlag.

A new digital version of the book will be published in the near future. If you are interested, please contact me now!

Coming soon in English!

Playing the piano with Thilo Plaesser - iBook (German/English)

Your start in piano playing – interactive and get started right away!

This iBook is the ideal multimedia companion to get you started. Not only does it introduce you to the basics of playing the piano, it also gets you playing right away!

Video tutorials: Clearly structured instructions for a quick start.

Master chord playing: Learn professional accompaniment using chord symbols (leadsheets).

Integrated practice: Detailed musical examples and instantly accessible audio samples accompany each learning step.

Although this is an older version, the content is still relevant.

A classic

This teaching material may be a classic:

The recordings are from earlier years, but the musical principles are universal and timeless. Focus on the enduring relevance of the content—it is 100% current and unbeatable in its depth.

Target group

For YOU, if you want to play right away

This iBook is aimed at all beginners and keyboard musicians who are looking for direct and intuitive access to the instrument.

Forget the feeling of tedious, dry "practice": we focus on musical results that can be experienced immediately. The goal is to enable you to act freely and creatively musically from the very first note.

The book not only teaches techniques, but also the essential musical principles that allow you to quickly and melodiously play accompaniments based on chord symbols. The focus here is on developing your musical expressiveness—for immediate enjoyment while playing.