NUVO Jazz

MASTER the art of Jazz with Kian Jafari

Videos featuring Kian Jafari, Instructor for NUVO Jazz Piano Lessons

In this video, NUVO’s jazz piano instructor Kian Jafari performs "Monk’s Dream" by Thelonious Monk — a bold and iconic jazz piece known for its quirky rhythms and adventurous harmonies. This performance showcases the kind of expressive and creative skills our students develop in jazz piano lessons.

In this performance, Kian Jafari brings a unique and expressive interpretation to the piece, showcasing both his technical finesse and deep connection to the jazz idiom. Through lush voicings, fluid phrasing, and creative improvisation, Kian highlights the haunting beauty and timeless elegance of “Stella by Starlight.”

Enjoy the elegance of Waltz for Debby by Bill Evans, performed with warmth and subtlety by Kian Jafari. Through rich harmonies and expressive phrasing, Kian brings this beloved jazz waltz to life, capturing its gentle swing and emotional depth.

EXPLORE IMPROVISATION

Summary:

This hands-on course guides participants from the basics of improvisation to more expressive and advanced forms. It emphasizes creativity, theoretical understanding, listening skills, and collaborative playing.

Target Audience:

Musicians of all levels interested in improvisation, jazz, or expanding their musical expression.

Lesson Duration:

90 minutes per session, once or twice weekly (based on demand). All sessions are conducted online via Zoom.

Course Objectives:

  • Build strong theoretical and technical foundations for improvisation.

  • Learn to transcribe, analyse, and improvise over lead sheets and charts.

  • Encourage spontaneous and expressive music-making.

Lesson Structure:

  1. Theory & Technique (20 mins) – Scales, arpeggios, chords, and patterns

  2. Ear Training (10 mins)

  3. Study the Masters (10 mins) – Transcriptions, voicings, solos

  4. Rhythm Practice (10 mins)

  5. Blues Focus (10 mins) – Simple structures, phrasing, feel

  6. Chart Study & Analysis (20 mins)

  7. Break & Q&A (5 mins)

  8. Learning the Chart (15 mins)

  9. Chord Tone Improvisation (10 mins)

  10. Free Improvisation (5 mins)

  11. Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 mins) Materials:

  • Zoom platform

  • Supplementary materials (charts, recordings) shared via Google Drive or email

  • Read the book (customised handouts and assignments provided)

Final Project:

  • Group and solo improvisation performances at the end-of-year online recital.

HARMONY AND COMPOSITION: BEGINNER

Summary:

This course introduces the foundational elements of harmony and composition, guiding students through a journey from tonal to atonal music. Through composition-based assignments and regular presentations, students will develop practical knowledge in music theory and composition techniques.

Target Audience:

Beginner to intermediate musicians and composers.

Lesson Duration:

90 minutes per session, once or twice weekly (based on demand). All sessions are conducted online via Zoom.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the building blocks of pitch and rhythm.

  • Learn diatonic harmony and chordal functions.

  • Apply theory to creative composition assignments.

  • Explore both tonal and introductory atonal techniques.

Course Topics (Month-by-Month Breakdown):

  1. Elements of Pitch & Rhythm

  2. Introduction to Triads and Seventh Chords

  3. Diatonic Chords in Major and Minor Keys

  4. Voice Leading & Root Position Part Writing

  5. Harmonic Progression

  6. Triads in First and Second Inversion

  7. Cadences, Phrases, and Periods

  8. Non-Chord Tones (Parts 1 & 2)

  9. The V, II, and VII Chords; Other Diatonic Seventh Chords

  10. Introduction to Jazz Harmony & Lead Sheets

  11. Secondary Functions (Parts 1 & 2)

  12. Modulation Using Diatonic Chords

  13. Introduction to Atonal Music

Materials

  • Tonal Harmony with an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music by Stefan Kostka and Dorothy Payne

Final Project:

  • At least 5 original compositions submitted and performed or presented during the year-end recital. 

HARMONY AND COMPOSITION: ADVANCED

Summary:

Designed for intermediate to advanced musicians, this course dives into complex harmonic concepts, part-writing, and arranging for various ensembles. Students will compose in diverse styles, including classical chorales, jazz lead sheets, and chamber music.

Target Audience:

Students with a working knowledge of harmony who are ready to tackle advanced compositional techniques.

Lesson Duration:

90 minutes per session, once or twice weekly (based on demand). All sessions are conducted online via Zoom.

Course Objectives:

  • Deepen harmonic understanding and explore extended tonal techniques.

  • Compose and arrange for multiple settings: solo, band, chamber ensemble.

  • Develop fluency in both classical and jazz idioms.

Course Topics:

  1. Modulation Techniques

  2. Binary and Ternary Forms

  3. Modal Mixture

  4. The Neapolitan Chord

  5. Augmented Sixth Chords (Parts 1 & 2)

  6. Enharmonic Spelling and Modulation

  7. Expanding the Harmonic Vocabulary

  8. Jazz Harmony: Voicings, Progressions, Lead Sheets

  9. Tonal Harmony in the Late 19th Century

  10. Introduction to 20th Century Practice

Materials:

  • Tonal Harmony by Kostka & Payne

  • The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine

  • Jazz Theory Resources by Bert Ligon

Final Project:

  • Multiple compositions and arrangements to be performed live or digitally presented at the year-end recital.

Kian jafari - Jazz piano teacher in Surrey, langley, White Rock & delta BC

Bachelor of Applied Music, Jazz, and Contemporary Piano

(Vancouver Community College)

Kian Jafari is an award-winning performer and composer with over ten years of teaching experience. Born and raised in Iran, he began his musical journey with classical piano, earning recognition for his theatre compositions Khuneh bad and Khan e Hashtom, which won awards for Best Musical Composition in 2010 and 2012.

After moving to Canada in 2016, Kian began studying Jazz music. He holds a bachelor's degree in Applied Music with a focus on Jazz and Contemporary Piano from Vancouver Community College, as well as a master's degree in English Language Teaching. His studies include piano with Sharon Minemoto and Dr. Emily Morgan, composition and orchestration with Dr. David Duke and John Korsrud, improvisation with Laurence Mollerup and Chris Parks (a former student of the legendary Barry Harris), and conducting with Gerald Van Wyck.

Throughout his career, Kian has earned prestigious awards, including the Chris Gage Memorial Award, Kathy Kidd Award, and Vancouver Community College Jury Award. Active in Vancouver’s music scene, he is known for his lyrical playing and versatility across various styles, including Jazz, Pop, Rock, Iranian music, Prog Rock, and Prog Metal.

He has performed at notable Vancouver jazz venues such as Frankie’s, Cheesecake Etc., and The Lido, among others. His collaborations include work with renowned ensembles and musicians, such as James Danderfer’s New Orleans Ensemble, John Korsrud’s VCC Bigger Band, Vancouver Community College Choir, Josephine Choi, and the Leo Raymundo Quartet.

For more information on NUVO Jazz lessons in Surrey, Langley, White Rock and Delta BC, please call us at 604-614-3340.