Lessons

Music Lessons Videos

Video 1: Introduction to Jazz Piano Study
Video 2:
Reference Performance: Avalon
Video 3: Reading a Lead Sheet
Video 4:
Scaffolding for a Solo: Jazz Scales
Video 5: Arrangement Strategies

Chris Rutkowski performs for world-renowned jazz pianist, Dr. Billy Taylor in Detroit's Orchestra Hall.
Photo by Chas Tines, Detroit NewsBillyTaylor1

Chris Rutkowski is accepting a limited number of students for private lessons in Piano, Jazz Piano and Composition. Skype lessons can be accommodated. Contact

While living in Detroit, Rutkowski began a long period of work as a professional jazz pianist, performing with legendary trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Motown recording artists The Temptations, and at several Montreux/Detroit Jazz Festivals. While studying at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University, he worked with the great jazz pedagogue, David Baker and performed in his combo. He plays extensively throughout the midwest, where his performances have been featured in two television programs produced by WTBU (Indianapolis). Each has received numerous broadcasts, including prime-time slots on the Indianapolis PBS affiliate WFYI. Recent engagements include gigs with Darmon Meader (leader, New York Voices), with singer Everett Greene at the Indianapolis Jazz Kitchen, with trumpeter Allen Vizzuti and with saxophonist Eric Alexander. He holds a Doctor of Music degree in Composition with a minor in Jazz Studies from Indiana University, and a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy from Eastern Michigan University.

Watch videos about Rutkowski's teaching below. Listen to Chris Rutkowski's jazz performance.