Testimonials – Chuck Leavell’s rock piano lessons

Kristy H

I am a long time player of many instruments … I am truly impressed with irocku. Although I have played piano for many years and have had a lot of formal training, I've always been a play it by ear and feel musician. Being able to look over the shoulder of someone playing the licks is the way I learn it..... period. So keep the song list growing! Paul B

I love the New Orleans blues by prof longhair ... thanks ! Antonio B

You guys came up with a great idea, and are executing it flawlessly. Hands down best music site I've ever seen. DaveL

Congratulations on the Grammy award. Can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. I feel honored, thankful and smart that I found your web site. I may never play exactly like you but, grateful that you’re sharing your experiences with the world. Cabu

Thanks to Chuck for this great webinar yesterday. The tips and the concepts were very good. I really enjoyed the songs and the playing techniques behind them. Furthermore, it was also good that Chuck gave some general tips about improvising and warming up. Chuck's stories about the people he had played with were also very exciting. If Chuck will do a Gospel piano webinar next time, I will definitely take part again, as I learned so much in only 1.5 hours. All in all, I enjoyed it so much and I am really looking forward to rehearsals with my band where I can apply some of the things Chuck showed. Thank you very much to Chuck, Howard and the whole irocku team! AdrianB

Your site is the best thing that happened to piano! The lessons and everything are awesome! LeeofCal

Chuck-I am enjoying the IROCKU piano lessons very much.  The arrangements sound really good and that is very motivating.  I'm learning a lot and can't tell you how much I appreciate you and your team. LoisB

Thanks Chuck Leavell! I'm having great fun with the irocku lessons. Laura D

Chuck, I'm enjoying the irocku lessons. I love the song selections and the graduated lessons which allows you to progress from one level to the next. The groove charts, lessons, and exercises are well-integrated and really help you master the fundamentals. You and the irocku team are doing a wonderful job... Charles S

Chuck, Firstly, many thanks for irocku. My son Frankie and I are really enjoying the site. We are level 4 (on a good day!) but we are still very much in the foothills... All the very best and thanks again for the music lessons!

MichaelG

Just purchased "Sympathy for the Devil" today. I just love the videos and the sheet music. Paul A

Just discovered your website a few weeks ago...its awesome!! I am getting addicted. The exercise and the lead sheet and everything about it is terrific! I am taking one step at a time on the advanced stage...and the exercise is very well put together. Video is terrific ! I know I will be requesting more of the same...I was a South Carolina teen into traveling the southeast with Soul groups and then checked out for many years...glad I am back! And on you website!  You are an inspiration! Rhett

I can't believe I'm actually playing something like Rockin' Pneumonia……Great site. Thankyou! GaryM

I have to say, irocku is the best tool I've found to improve my playing and I love the selection of music. In particular, I like the different levels. My level is about level five, but I enjoy taking the same song and working on the level 6 and 7 also. The worksheets are excellent, and streaming on the iPad works great for working at the piano. I've put together a playlist of the songs that you have on the website to listen to while slowly working through the list this next year. I'm a self-taught pianist who took about 20 years off, and just got back into playing a few months ago. It's been the best decision I've made! AaronC

I have really been enjoying the exercises and lessons.  I’m an absolute beginner to the instrument at this point, but I’m having fun using your lessons and exercises as a supplement to my early practice materials...keep up the good work! ScottG

Muito Bom seus vídeos, Deus o abençoe! Lucasi O

I'm enjoying IROCKU VERY much. I'm learning my second song this month.  I am a moderately advanced player, who has admired Chuck's playing from afar for some time. I transcribed his solo in Eric Clapton's unplugged "Old Love" performance once to learn more about his playing style and then was so excited to find he had released this course.   LeoraN

First, Congratulations on this site.... way back a few years ago I begged you to do another DVD from your site.... and indeed you have done it to the power of 10... I found irocku almost by accident via youtube... I just thought it was another talented youngster doing the gospel lesson, I am so glad I clicked over....I am so thankful for you "giving back" to the music community .... They said Oscar Peterson was taken to heaven because God wanted piano lessons... I think there is a special place for you as well..Blessing and be peaceful. TomM

Chuck-Thank you so much for your lessons! I love the instruction with video and sheet music to follow. I love this style of music and have been trying to learn on my own for many years but am making faster progress through your lessons. ColinD

Chuck- I just want to let you know that I enjoy the lessons a lot…The teachers are hugely talented and their explanations  are easy to understand.  The lessons are interesting, the music charts are clean, the exercises useful, improvisation tips well done and have a real purpose,  linked with the song we learn. The groove charts can serve to accompany a singer or another melodic player…Most of the pieces have formed the background of my teenage and young adult years. To me, those styles are flesh and bone of  what a pop-piano player has to know.  I’m a professional player and teacher. Covid-19 gave me time to refresh my rock chops and I don’t regret it….I have been a fan of yours for many years. I saw you with the Stones in 1989, 2000 and 2017! I have your DVD live at the Douglas theater, piano instruction vol.1, many Allman Brothers albums, etc. I am a fan! DenisB

I returned to rock piano as an adult after classical training as a teenager...I work with a live local piano teacher, but not every week. She's been coaching me on how to get the feel of a song first - like your groove charts! I love the exercises and the improv portions. And the .. song choices on the site look great! SusanB

I'm having a blast with the lessons. I took piano lessons from age 8-13 but they were more like the "rather eat spinach” type. Now I'm 48 and starting to play in band and have been looking for good instruction to get rocking on keyboard. I've got a gig now in a band and needed to get up to speed fast! One of the songs I needed to learn was "Southbound". Couldn't find any good music for it.....UNTIL irocku! I've been working on the level 5 version and I'm having a BLAST! Gradually adding in some of the level 6-7 material as I get a handle on level 5. This is just what I needed to make that song rock with the band! I've also been working on “Sympathy for the Devil”. Again, it has the chops I need to make it rock! Love those mixolydian thirds in the improv section! I've adapted them for the verse sections as well (as well as into other tunes to spice them up!). irocku is really helping me build up my chops for rock piano! Wayne G

I'm really enjoying the lessons and like the fact that they are on 7 levels, so that I can still play great songs even though I have so much yet to be learned... I'm an adult who never learned to read music except VERY haltingly. These lessons have enjoyable material that I can play in the intermediate level with the hope of progressing to a higher level in the future. I think I can hear myself making progress every day. They're the best online option I've found without a doubt...Thanks for making learning so much fun! MaryR

I am really diggin irocku and didn't realize that this is something that I've been looking for and needed for awhile. I've played keys in the Denver music scene for about 10 years. I've known that there are things I would like to get better at or like to learn overall. This program has really improved my playing and filled in music gaps for me that I was never able to figure out before. Having a teacher doesn't help me so much as my work and play schedule are too unpredictable to keep that going-- so this is perfect. I enjoy the songs that are provided-- some are songs I know but I've wanted to improve, like "Tipitina" or "Southbound". Some are songs that I would have never taken the initiative to learn but I'm glad I was pushed to do so as I have learned alot. Watching these lessons has me itching to go home and get back to my keys! Ethan I

I have a classical background and have found these lessons a great tool to expand my range beyond what’s just written on the page...I’d strongly recommend getting the annual membership... You get access to all the songs, and there’s not a clunker in the bunch! And no, I don’t work for irocku, I’m just a satisfied customer. Tdwils

SATISFACTION! I am using irocku for the first time and loving it! Learning Rockin' Pneumonia--was trying to learn it from my piano teacher AND on my own and your method just totally put it all together for me. Thanks a million! Jan K

Chuck,...the (zoom) lesson w Joe (Alterman) was excellent; friendly teacher, gave me great tips and direction...Thanks so much for making these lessons available and the other resources on the website…am loving getting back into piano and learning how to play in a group!..Loving the site thanks so much! SarahV

Just wanted you and all the folks at irocku to know how much I am enjoying all of the material that you have placed on your website. The songs you have made available for piano and keyboard players are just fantastic. I had my own band in high school and in those days we developed our cover songs by listening to records over and over again for hours on end to pick out progressions and lyrics and licks. Imitation is a great teacher, but what I would have given to have access to the knowledge and the 'how to' that is offered on your site. I could go on and on, but I feel blessed to have stumbled upon irocku It’s just super. John A

What a great concept and idea. I am learning my favorite song starting at my level and working my way up. Love it. Thanks!! JosettaC

Chuck, Thank you for irocku, its what I need! Stay in the groove ! Richard V

Enjoying the lessons very much.  You are providing invaluable assistance to me, and I'm sure, many others.  Thank you so much.  I will continue studying with you as long as you keep rockin'! Mark F

Today was one of the best professional development workshops I’ve ever attended. I’m still “there” and probably won’t be able to think of anything else for quite a while… The workshop was magical in every respect, and Chuck, besides being rock royalty, is just the nicest, most humble person anyone could imagine! No airs…no attitude….just a warm, engaging and brilliant musical giant. Talk about letting talent speak for itself!! I can never thank you(irocku) enough for bringing him to meet our NYC music teachers. They’ll never forget it, and neither will I. Barbara Murray- Director or Music, NYC DOE

Cary Brown is the perfect instructor. He seems to know how to balance the piano lessons of keeping them fun and pushing hard at the same time. I'm very grateful that you have Cary on the irocku team. Brian J

Totally stoked. The irocku program is awesome! Ted E

Chuck, ...the lessons are fantastic. I thank you for coming up with the concept so that people like me can play better piano and access a wide range of music. RobertB

The (Chuck Leavell's) Blues Webinar was fantastic - I took lots of notes and can't wait to see the video when released. And, I would definitely participate in a Gospel Webinar - it's right up my alley as the organ/church lady. KatyL

KarynB

I am primarily a sax player but have been teaching myself piano for several years. I love the irocku lessons. It gives me something to strive for. Also love the Groove Charts. Keep them coming. Great Job! GlennK

I am fully enjoying the first lesson!! irocku addresses my biggest need (coordinating the left & right hand in a sophisticated manner) through a teaching style that entertains me. I vastly prefer listening to the lesson over reading printed sheet music...For me, Hannon exercises & note-by-note reading offer progress at the expense of fun. Jamming, on the other hand, is great fun but does not always stretch my ability. With irocku, there is no tradeoff of enjoyment for progress--the two are coming hand in hand! HaganR

Chuck, Thanks for creating this website. There is a severe lack of rock-piano teaching on the web. The Allman Brothers and the Stones always inspired my interest in rock piano. Consequently I've been searching for a teacher that understands the music but it's hard to find anyone qualified - most teachers come from (and stick to) a classical background...While I enjoy classical music, blues/rock piano is a different genre and it deserves more recognition. I have rarely seen this style of music properly transcribed so I shy away from buying transcriptions because it just doesn't sound right. I'm not the greatest player yet so I need some guidance. I'm definitely your target market. I've been a fan of your music, and thanks to you and your contempories this style of music is permanently on the musical map...I love the IROCKU lessons. Thanks for everything. EdS

‪The Gospel Piano Groove Chart is very nice--best demo of this style I've seen! irockumusic YouTube Channel

I am so excited to have discovered your website!! I am 42 … and I have never played an instrument before or read music and am finally realizing a lifelong dream of learning to play the piano and it's great! … I just want to rock that piano… I purchased a membership to work on fun songs I love while continuing my lessons here in Hawaii. It's hard to find sheet music and I have found the stuff online really intimidating. Your website has given me just exactly what I was looking for! I'm gonna start with one of my all time favorite songs- “Aint Wastin Time No More”- so cool. Tialapina

Chuck- I am so grateful for all your time, efforts and kindness in promoting the joys of music and playing this beautiful wonderful instrument-the piano! BrianJP

I really enjoy the 2 Professor Longhair irocku lessons. Thanks for the good work. Paul Z

I’ve been a big fan for a very long time. Hearing Chuck’s smokin’ piano was one of the reasons I wanted to play the piano. I’ve been playing for over 30 years now... irocku is GREAT stuff. Love irocku, the stories and pictures. Great Idea...Keep up all the great work! Johnny B

Good Day Chuck, Just wanted to make a happy comment. I am about to turn 71 in July and just in the past year hooked up with some old band friends. We had a few bands in the late 60’s and early ’70’s. Now in our very late years, the guys decided to give it another go, at a much slower pace of course. I have a few piano skills and wanted to polish them so I decided to give the piano a go and since taking out a membership with iRocku, I know I made a great choice. I am working hard to get my chops together and enjoying very much your approach to learning the “Right Stuff”. "The Right Way”. Jack K

Hello! ...enjoying the lessons! Wonderful site! Wonderful répertoire! Thank you! Den61

Your lesson material is really really good. I'm a big fan of Chuck's. I love that I can start out on level 5 and progress to level 7. Some of the songs I'm working on level 7 but the improv is more complicated, so, I am working on level 5 until I can progress. It's great! Thanks that you care what people think and that you give such quick responses to questions and concerns. MUSIC IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!!! DebbieW

The lessons I have downloaded are really good. The young man in the videos is ridiculously talented! The simple genius of these lessons is that the tougher pieces can be learned at a level 5 and the easier ones at 6 or 7. Charlie R

The irocku lessons are great. Thanks!---The way you guys have 7 levels with printable sheet music is particularly useful and inspiring to move to the next level. Brian P

The irocku lessons are simply super and to watch and hear them just adds the finishing touches to a well conceived methodology of teaching techniques which are simply not available anywhere else. John A

My son Jagger (age 10) was recently in a talent show at his school and performed 'What'd I Say' and 'Joy Boogie'. The crowd LOVED it! They yelled "encore." The more people hear Jagger play, the more they are inquisitive about who, how, and where he is learning how to play these songs and where this selection of songs is coming from ... Jagger's enthusiasm is tremendous and is everyday thrilled about improving and progressing on the piano. Jagger C

Many thanks to the irocku team for your great work... I am having a lot of fun (& work!) with "Hey Now". Stay in the groove ! Richard V

I just wanted to say that after years of starting, and stopping learning piano because I couldn’t find a teaching method that worked for me, I am finally making great progress even after just the sample lesson. It really helps that everything is there, the music, the groove chart, the vidoes so you can see the music, hear how it sounds and see where the hands go all in one place, and the song selection is fantastic. Thanks very much for doing this! NIgelW

The Improvisation Techniques (Piano Tips) was a great short lesson. Thanks! Jim H

Chuck-Many thanks for your excellent music site...Excellent stuff! JamesS

I just joined with an annual membership... I appreciate the groove chart, lesson, and other accompanying pieces. I am a low intermediate player so I enjoy the differing levels the irocku site provides. Thanks!!! Janice S

Really enjoying the lessons... Great course! ReidC

The lessons are fantastic … broken down in the right way for all levels combining three different ways of learning: listening, sheet music, looking at what the teacher plays (as often as I want) … it is very helpful to be able to watch his fingers. The last thing is really important to me as just from listening and reading, I would think the lessons were too difficult for me but taking all three together I can figure it out now, something I was never able to do before. Life changing. AlexanderK

I really can say that in the last 3 years I really improved my piano playing. Not just directly by the IROCKU songs, but also a lot indirectly through the direction you guys give us. I am more confident and the tools that you hand out are for me the most important. I don't want to learn songs out of my head! I want to learn tricks on scales, passing chords, shapes, gospel/blues licks, endings etc:  All material that you can use for playing solo, but more to fit musically well in my band. Thanks. Jasper R

Hey Chuck! I’m a great fan of yours and your website is very, very good and very cool stuff….Thanx!!! Jurgen W

Love the site and love the lessons! MarkH

Hello, I wish to convey my deep appreciation for irocku. After viewing my first lessons for “Let it Bleed”, I have to say I am feeling excited about trying to play the music of my heroes… I have always been deeply dissatisfied with the sheet music I could purchase, it frankly sounded nothing like the accompaniment I loved on the records. Your lessons offer me a new approach to understanding music. I feel I may eventually achieve the level of playing and understanding of music that I have until now only longed for. Thanks so much. Allen S

It doesnt matter how much you know..there is always something new to learn…thanks dissyfingers

My lesson with Bruce Katz was excellent!  He had material pre prepared, listened to an audio of my playing to help assess where I'm at, and recorded the lesson so I can review the techniques. Have a song to work on also. Great teaching style also (and inspiring playing!)Thanks again for making the lessons possible.... SarahV

This is a great program! ...Although I have been playing in bands for years, I see that I have relied on bass players, and need to strengthen my left hand and my coordination of both hands. I had two gigs this weekend and my chops are most definitely improving from the course. Thanks...! SteveT

SpacePhoeniz

I've been waiting a long time for a site like this to come on board . . .please keep innovating and producing killer training video's . . . . this site could be Iconic over time. I've been playing piano for 45 years . . . some of this comes easy . . some doesn't my fingers won't do want they used too. But I'm playing songs I did not think I would ever play . . .I thank you for that. . . . I'll play till I die and you are one of my favorites....Anyway thanks again for putting up this site . . I look forward to learning everything you put up. RonnieR

Thanks so much for these lessons...The lessons are exactly what i've been looking for. The format you have come up with is awesome. The only problem is I'm now neglecting other things I should be doing around the house because I don't want to get up from the piano! Thanks again for all the work you put into this site. EdH

irocku is fantastic baby!! Very, very good!!!! Danielle C

IROCKU is lots of fun ... you couldn't do it any better! Love the Ray Charles! EdC

I really love the lessons, ... would love more keyboard solos like the one in Honky Tonk Woman...!!! Ruth Ann

...I’m so grateful for iRockU. I’m almost 50 years old and for many years I could not find materials that taught me the styles I loved the most- blues, R&B, funk, gospel, boogie, rock. I’ve long been a fan of Mr. Leavell as one of the great masters of these forms. I bought your piano instruction DVD 15 or more years ago and found it invaluable, along with a few others- Johnnie Johnson, Dr. John, and have been on a lifelong quest for all sheet music that provided accurate transcriptions but that’s been hit and miss as I find many arrangements are like the skeletons of the song but not always giving accurate fills and details that go by quickly in the mix and can be hard to isolate by ear. IRockU is something I dreamed about- a menu of lessons on demand, video and sheet music, for the songs and styles I love. Thanks so much! Kudos to Collin on this excellent “Right Place, Wrong Time” lesson- love to see arrangements for solo piano that add in basslines or horn parts and notation that gives good ideas for how to capture the New Orleans syncopations. Frank G

Love the irocku site. --- there's always been a huge void of quality piano tutorials on GOOD music out there on the web, and your website was a breath of fresh air. Don't change a thing about what you're doing… Love the irocku format, love the 7-level breakdown, love the irocku jam chart and the improv charts, terrific stuff. Dave V

I LOVE these lessons! I play in a rock covers band, and these have really helped me add new cool licks to some pieces, and more importantly teach me how to make them part of my playing vocabulary. JamesS

I couldn't be happier with what am learning from your web site. First of all I am 71 years old and have been playing music all my life on guitar and piano. I have been playing mostly by ear and chords, but frankly I have limited myself by this method. Nothing like a video combined with the sheet music to really learn a piece. I have been working on "Right Place, Wrong Time" and "Southbound". I started the Dr. John piece at lesson 3 and went to lesson 5. I've got it just about totally smoothed out... on Southbound, I decided to go right to lesson 5 instead .... With a lot of practice... it has come together except for the triplets over 1/4 notes at the end. But I know that will come shortly with more practice. You guys have opened up a new musical chapter in my life, Thanks. Thanks. KenM

JavedB

Your lessons are great. I'm 62 and have been playing piano since I was 8, but have a lot to learn. Your lessons, groove charts improv and everything are great and help an incredible amount! Lorne

Hi! Love everything you guys do! Chuck got me into playing with his Statesboro blues tutorial on youtube, so when I discovered this I had to subscribe…..Thanks for maintaining such a great site! JC

I have been able to access the irocku site and have easily loaded up several lessons onto my iPad. It fits great on my music stand, making this a fantastic way for me to learn! I can read music, but not fluidly, so watching and listening is the quickest way to learn. A couple of years ago, I purchased Chuck’s instructional DVD and have enjoyed it, although it has been a bit out of my league. irocku is great for getting back into the basics like blues scales, the different rhythms and groove charts, then progressing from there. Pretty exciting stuff! Charlie R

Gentleman you’re all so generous with your hard earned knowledge. I will do all I can to take all of this and use it, but also I'll share it and keep this skill alive and rockin. AnthonyG

Dear Chuck, I have been a fan of your work for 20 years buying your old DVDs when I was in college as an amateur piano player. So excited that you are sharing your knowledge on  this online platform. I am looking forward to practicing and learning more...You did an amazing job creating this website  😊

KaiT

I think the irocku lessons are great for teaching, and great for performing! Cal D

Chuck-Everything you need to know about Rock n Roll piano is contained in measures 50 and measure 56 in the level 7 transcription of “Jessica”. If you master those motifs in as many keys as possible, and use them as springboard ideas to develop and extend, then you have something to work on for a lifetime. Thanks!!! RussS

I think the lessons are really great. Very well done, with the increasing levels of difficulty. Great choice of tunes. Keep 'em coming. AaronZ

hey man, hope y'all are doing fine. i'm real satisfied with everything i've seen so far...i'm really thankful for dr john and y'all for doing this. i hope irocku lasts forever...like you say keep rockin' man. LannyW

Chuck -Thanks for putting IROCKU together.   I’ve made occasional attempts at keyboard learning over the years (I’m 67), but am making more progress and having more fun with your materials than any others… starting with Alberta level 3 and working my up :) ..Just been listening to the Honky Tonk Women video from 2006.  From what I can tell this is from the Copacabana concert to over a million people.  Must have been one hell of an experience… wish I’d been there.. All the best. JimM

Love it(irocku) you guys. Ain’t Wasting Time No More is one of my favorite AB songs having lots of fun with it and making great progress... Should keep me busy for a while! Ed C

PaulaG

I love you guys. There is no other place on the planet where you can get this type of stuff! I’ve been working hard on blues riffs and comping with the mixolydian mode – and this will really help me! ...I just purchased the Alberta lesson. I’m really looking forward to it. Lee B

I have to tell you guys what a great delight your lessons have been to me over the last year. Although I lead a very busy life I try to make a little time each day to play the piano and it's been an enormously rewarding and joyful experience to get some of these pieces under my fingers! Thank you so much for the whole concept, and the care and skill with which you have managed to share it with the rest of us. MatthewP

This is SO Awesome, thank you so much! Can't wait to start the Blues trip. Thanks y Muchas Gracias for leading me to this website. AbiR

DS

Couldn't be happier with the site and lessons..... from someone who is self taught this was much needed and glad I have started from lesson one and two....I find it a slow process but eventually slow leads to faster if done right....the left hand is even at this level better understood.... thank you and have a great New Years BillS

I’m thrilled about the material you provide on your site and I am very happy about the several individual lessons I have purchased…Although music is a true love for me, I am the founder and CEO of a tech startup and struggle to find time daily to practice or play. I occasionally get out to play in some rock bands, but not as much as I would like to. Although I was classically trained growing up, I struggled with sight-reading. I have found that your video lessons are a quick way for me to learn a tune and then have time to “play” with it...your lessons have become a valuable resource for me. Thanks for all you do. DavidO

I am enjoying my lessons quite a bit...I play all of the main instruments guitar, Drums and Keyboards Bass etc...so I 'm quite busy. But your lessons have helped me play Rock keyboards where I was pretty clueless before despite having played professionally for a few years...I'm a singer so I always just played accompaniment ...But now I can jam on the keyboards ... Thanks Guys...I really like the way you package each song and cover all the different aspects... TommyS

I enjoy the lessons a lot!...great piano lessons and répertoire! DennisB

I absolutely love the lesson selection and I think its awesome the way that you have organized the levels progressively! Altmx

Chuck-You deserve to be sainted. I wish I could reclaim all the money I've spent on on-line lessons to redirect that all to you and your site. I can play Tipitina!!! That's a miracle of gargantuan proportions. Please submit that miracle to the Vatican when the consistory takes up your sainthood...(You only need one miracle more...). Your prices are ridiculously modest and your lessons are so rewarding, rich, and complete that you’ve earned sainthood many times over. (I now put Professor Longhair's C Major 'bugle call' softly into Chopin's Piano Concerto in F minor, second movement.) Steve R

Love your site! GeorgeS

This(IROCKU) is great, thank you so much! Elias M

Love the site. StefanM

First I'd like to say I think the irocku  site and program are awesome! Exactly what I've been looking for to play the style and songs I love. Probably like many of the players using this site, I took piano lessons when I was younger for several years, and my playing fell by the wayside due to other commitments and now am able to get back in to it. I'm a pure hobby pianist and really do need to read music to play, but I am trying to get more in to putting things together by ear... Thanks again for everyone who is contributing to this site, I definitely see it as a lifelong investment! AdamH

...enjoying the lessons! Great songs, great teachers, good charts, great site!   DB

Hello Chuck!! I love the lessons at irocku! Thank you for creating this website. WayneD

I am a 38 year old music teacher. I have played piano in bands for my entire life ... I have tried for a few years now to find a way to learn your solos because you and Johnnie johnson are my favorite piano players...I just found your irocku website and I do not know if I have been this excited for a long time. So just wanted to say THANK YOU and I can't believe that I finally get to figure out what you were doing on Jessica!! JenB

Chuck, I’m very happy with the IROCKU lessons. I’m working on Southbound level 5, and having a lot of fun. ..it takes work like every classical piece I ever worked on, but I’m loving it...your playing has always been a tremendous source of wonder and inspiration for me...Thanks for all you do, wishing you the best. KentW

I am very excited to delve deep into these lessons. I have been playing your solos for about 20 years and have always been "missing" a few notes. Although, I am steeped in the blues, the blues and jazz books don't really cover the classic rock songs in the way that they infuse blues, rock and gospel . I'm very excited to hone these solos and get back out there to perform them. Frank S

Damn. You guys are the real deal. I came across a 1-4 blues vamp on the site and it was close to what took me hours to figure out on my own. This is exactly what I'm looking for! CletusF

Thanks Chuck and everyone involved, these lessons are beautiful, just what I wanted. Thank you all so much for sharing your gifts providing so much incredible material and inspiration. ... it'll be a while before I get through the current repertoire. Awesome, btw. First one I'm learning's Ain't Wastin' Time No More. It's my new theme song since I found your site...  I wore out my Hot Rocks tape for the first time in sixth grade. Now I'm gonna wear out this here piano! PatrickQ

Hi Chuck and team... Enjoying the lessons and appreciate the work you all put into them! JonM

I have been enjoying your Stride Blues course.  When I learned about blues boxes for guitar I was trying to figure out how to apply that same concept to the keyboard.  When Alfie went over thinking of blues scales as little segmented clusters of keys instead of a full scale it was a real ah ha moment for me when I related how that concept is sort of like a blues box can be applied on guitar making the blues scale more practical and digestible. Cheers, Leah LeahY

I love the lessons!...Each lesson is so deep given the improvs and exercises. It takes time to dig into each one fully... I like how each level has new things in the improv sections. Your approach for providing online video lessons is very good. You keep making lessons and I will keep buying them! Drohm

I am very much enjoying the lessons! I can tell a huge difference in just two weeks of practice! Everything is very easy to navigate....Thank you! KeithD

Hi Chuck, Good stuff. Really appreciate the arrangements ... They sound great the way you put them together. TheDuke

Purchased Southbound ... and wow it’s the real thing nice work

ChristopherM

IROCKU-Love the site and have really learned a lot with the many lessons purchased over the past year…Thanks for all the good work. Michael M

Loving your lessons, I have a lifetime job now of mastering the music! Zana

Thank you for the great lessons at a reasonable price.  This is a good format to learn in.  I appreciate the piano scores for different skill levels, the groove chart is a great idea. Rock on. Brother Floyd

Chuck-I was very excited to discover irocku since I spend a lot of time scouring the Internet for note-for-note rock keyboard lessons and transcriptions. I am a former classical piano player who is now transitioning into rock keyboards. Brian M

Thanks for the Improvisation Exercise tip. At first it seems a simple idea but when practicing it, I realized it is so important !!! RamonD

I think the site is fantastic... These lessons are quite good. The best that I've seen for rock&blues. I think your concept and web design is excellent and well ahead of anything else that has ever been produced. The musician who does the instruction does an excellent job too. Congratulations to all of the work that obviously many people have done. Michael S.

I think the lessons are great, and exactly what I've been looking for - great bluesy rock. I love the song selection and the tiered approach. Thanks! GregP

I've been an avid student for 3 years now and I really enjoy the lessons. They've expanded my playing and I've even incorporated some of the songs and licks into a classic rock/R&B band I play in. My biggest challenge has always been rhythm and timing, and a lot of these songs help with that by making me work on cross rhythms and a solid left hand. Tom W

Chuck,thank you, you ARE the man!!! MarkB

I write some of my own songs, sing and muddle through a bunch of chords I memorized as a kid. I chanced upon your website when someone mentioned your name. I'm thrilled with all the information you have to offer... I'm excited about it all and will keep moving forward note by note. Thanks for sharing! CherylS

So cool just love you guys…Workin on Jessica now…Wow what a great song! BrianO

Chuck- I love your site! KeL

Awesome! TomA

Chuck and team, I'm having great fun with the lessons. Thanks mandolinttimes

I absolutely love this site! Thanks for the great service. EliasG

The sample lesson sold me. irocku is a wonderful way to move ahead musically!!! CarolS

Chuck and team., Love the lessons and site! JonL

Dear Mr. Labes, ...I am moved by your work. I find myself following the piano on most of Van Morrison albums and realizing it's you who has been guiding me through. Thank you for such pleasure. You are the reason I listen to It's Too Late to Stop Now on repeat. AnitaM

I LOVED the irocku Gospel Rock Rhythm video. Exactly what I've been looking for. It's really great feeling like I'm getting in on the ground floor of what y'all are doing. Thanks again. Loving the “Let It Bleed" lesson. Dave V

Dear Chuck, I love the irocku lessons, they are so well done. RickyF

Hi Chuck, Wow! You’ve really done a great job putting this program together... So many little tricks in there that are so neat, even at level 3...  My only complaint is that you didn’t create it before the internet 20 years earlier! ... I’d have sold my left leg to learn this stuff 20 years ago. Well, maybe a foot...Lol. AaronF

irocku is the greatest thing since sliced bread for me. I've been working on all of the lessons for all of the songs that have been posted thus far. Keep on rockin'! John A

I am enjoying the lessons very much. The amount of possibilities in each lesson is amazing, and so is the material. It is both challenging and approachable. This is a very motivating lesson method. JohnB

Thanks for the excellent site! I've been practicing like crazy after I got the membership. I especially like the New Orleans type piano lessons like Prof. Longhair and Dr. John...Best wishes! MikaJ

Your site is AMAZING! I like all the others am loving your site – so incredibly helpful! MarkH

Just want to thank you for this site. It’s extremely useful. I do the levels 5-7, and they’re great. The whole idea of moving from simple to complex, and the idea of the groove charts – brilliant. Also very nice that you include fingering. I personally get a lot out of the lessons and transcriptions of the improvisations. For example, the Level 7 improv of "Come and Go Blues", especially when it breaks into the triplets at measure 5. Wow, I have practiced that now in every key until I can do it at speed, and what an addition to my playing. Same for the Level 7 Improv of "Southbound", and several others. Anyway, thanks for the site. And congrats on the Stones tour! GabrielR

I tried a sample irocku lesson and was quite impressed. That kid is pretty good! Thanks!! Duke

I am enjoying the lessons with Cary Brown. He is a clear communicator, very helpful on tips to become bettor and pushes my progress. I am enjoying the piano playing experience in general particularly given that it’s rock music which I love... JimR

Thanks for a cool learning program. Mike D.

Enjoying Honky Tonk Women. The licks I’ve picked up have breathed new life into my band’s cover of this song. Soureel

Keep up the good work, your lessons are excellent ! NIcoR

I'm very excited about the irocku service. Chuck is absolutely my musical inspiration and hero. I was happily surprised when it worked, and beautifully so, on my iPad! Jeff K

Just want to let you know that I am loving the lessons. I really enjoy how they are broken up into different levels that become more and more interesting as you progress. Keep up the good work. JoeH

Thank you so much...love the site. RIchC

Greetings, Chuck, I stumbled across irocku a few days ago. What an awesome website! Great song selection with very helpful lessons and authentic arrangements, particularly the note-for-note transcription of the solo on Jessica. I’m currently working my way through four songs and I’m sure there will be many more. MattA

Chuck, THANK you for developing irocku-- the levels are particularly helpful for those of us floating somewhere between beginner and intermediate. Keep it comin'! AF

Well dadgum! I've dun an lernt somethin' t'day and the sun ain’t yet up. Thanks irocku. I'm making progress. Stan C

I think irocku is a great idea because in Italy the piano courses are for classical music; very few teach jazz. The irocku course is really good and you've chosen great music. Antonio B

Enjoying the site very much so.   The song selection is great, some are pretty challenging! Look forward to learning these songs, keep up the good work guys! RAMM

I’m loving these lessons. The videos and sheet music are very clear and extremely well done!! Thank you for this offering. Chuck, you are my favorite keyboard player!!! TomK

I am greatly appreciative of the irocku program.  Incredibly well-structured and designed.  Currently, I have focused on COME AND GO BLUES because I once played it in a band and was never satisfied with how I had figured it out or performed it. So along with a great piano study, it's rewarding to go back to a song you've always loved and learn it right. I'm getting great joy from it -- and tons of happy practice. Thanks, again for the program. JohnF

...the Stride Blues series - I'm loving it, I feel like it's showing me what I've needed to know for the longest time!   I'm currently focused on left-hand portion and will move to the right hand after.  I'm fully committed to learning this series as I think it can take my playing to the next level - nice work, this type of lesson is a huge value. DanS

The site is really fabulous. For some time I was very frustrated trying to learn “What I'd Say” from Ray Charles…I decided to purchase the intermediate version of the song which turned out to be a great idea. It makes it much easier on you when you can go from easier to more complex. The videos, coupled with the PDF music sheet versions, are fantastic... you can play whatever you want at half speed, making viewing chord inversions much easier on you. I dived in running the videos of the groove chart and the lesson on level 3 (for starters) many times until it became ingrained. I went to the piano and it happened quickly. Honestly, I am really happy because this has breathed new life into my playing. I was getting bored and frustrated trying to eventually play the music (like the songs on your site) without these tools. Now I can really progress. My complements to Chuck, and the Team - you put together a really fabulous site. It was very well thought out and inspired! LeeB

Chuck, congratulations on your web site ! It is very professional, accurate, and easy to use. Rock 'n' roll music is rarely written for keyboards on sheet music and amateurs like myself do not have time to search the songs by ear. I really appreciate the groove charts and sheet music that you provide for the lessons. I can't wait to get the next lessons! Bruno L

I love what you guys are doing and how you're doing it- there's lots of tutorials out there but no one is doing it as well is you guys - Thanks again! MarcusR

I love these lessons and the website. What a fantastic learning resource! CLD

Well, I’m SOLD. Hook line and sinker. What a great website and cool tunes to boot! I am most impressed. What I love is that these tunes are most like the original songs, in that it’s not some sheet music with a tapped in “melody line” (like typically seen in a music book). This encourages real learning- not just sight reading or sounding out notes in chords etc... I don’t think I have ever seen music being taught and presented in such a way- so as to allow the student to learn that the chords/notes are set out in a way that is so conducive to improvisation! That is truly a new and exciting way of piano instruction, to my mind. What is so beneficial and enlightening is that the student is challenged and encouraged to explore the music through progressions/riffs and improvisation with various levels of difficulty. For a pianist to be able to take those skills and improvisational ideas into other music pieces is a crucial and enlightening “a-ha” mind shift. The tunes are also geared toward playing along in a band type situation. Not straight melody lines. I love that aspect... I have had the benefit of many years of classical music piano training, and while I still love the genre, when I get playing in our band on our modern music (rock and roll, country, blues, folk & some jazz) I wish I had managed (years ago) to somehow get beyond playing the “music” on the page (sight reading), to be able to find a place where I would feel more comfortable and confident to work on improvising. That isn’t really taught well in classical music instruction. Perhaps things have changed now, but years ago, this was not the focus of piano lessons. It is this aspect of teaching piano that is the hardest to do. I have looked for a long time to find the “right” teacher who could assist me to do this, with not much luck, I’m afraid. This website allows me to try it out- and it’s just plain FUN! I am so happy I found your website!. That’s it from me for today. I am over the moon playing “Such a Night” Level 5. Dr John...I love it!! Some very interesting moves in that tune that I love. Good challenges and I love the change up in the tempos and the riffs. Wow. It’s a great one. It’s been a ton of years since I played piano like I love it. How unfortunate that I never felt inspired much to pursue it for so many years. I guess our band has refreshed my memory that I shouldn’t have done that! Sure is fun catching up though, and I’m on the hunt to expand my piano skills and gain confidence in playing in our band. Your website: reveille and enlightenment. Play on!! Thank you so much. LindaK

I just saw the latest IROCKU tip on improvisation.  It was fabulous! Thank you very much.

BurkL

Chuck-I just wanted to tell you how great your program is...irocku is a perfect site for me to learn piano...it will definitely accelerate my playing abilities!! Thank you so much! I love your site! CharlieM

Hi, Chuck- Great training resources. I'm an intermediate beginner. The advanced is above my head, but it's challenging me, and it's been great!! I can grow into this material and style. I downloaded the Southbound lessons. Still using them and will for awhile. They are teaching me some great blues technique. I even do some of these lessons with my piano teacher in my lessons. I play guitar and piano in a cover band, and we have been playing this song. I'm looking forward to when I can attempt some of the leads. Thanks!! AndrewB

...thank you all for the brilliant program you have put together. I'm a 61 year old classically trained piano player who hasn't had a whole lot in the way of formal lessons since high school, but have managed to keep my fingers working and learned a few random pieces along the way, with some (truthfully, less than stellar) forays into various musical avenues. For quite a while I've had a hankering to get into some New Orleans style piano and suchlike: music that is fun to play and to listen to. Imagine my delight when I stumbled on your site and found the lesson for "Tipitina". I've learned so much just from this one piece in a short time (am now playing level 7 with relative fluidity) and it has brought me enormous pleasure. The combination of videos, lessons, exercises, etc is amazingly effective and works perfectly for a motivated (if normally slow!) learner like me. I can literally sit for three or four hours working away at various aspects and still not be bored. The sense of progress and accomplishment is fantastically rewarding. In a sense I have had many of the pieces to be a reasonably competent pianist but your approach is helping me to put them all together in a unique and fun way. Of course, I still have a long long way to go! But on to "Such a Night" and "Jessica": the fun continues …Thanks again for the thoughtful and comprehensive program. Keep it coming! MatthewP

“What’d I Say” is absolutely AMAZING. irocku’s arrangement is spot on. All the existing sheet music for this song is horrible….Keep up the good work!!! Paul Y

I wanted to let you know that I'm very satisfied with the lessons and I enjoy the way it is explained, with the videos and music sheets. It's easy to understand. Thank you! DanielA

While listening to Southbound the other day, I started searching the internet to find something that would help me learn the groove of the song on the piano, and I stumbled onto your website. I watched the sample lesson and whipped out my credit card and immediately bought the advanced subscription. I've been playing piano all my life, but I've always had trouble finding good, true arrangements of songs. But the quality of the songs on irocku is excellent, and so is the instruction. Collin does a great job breaking songs down and explaining some of the theory without getting bogged down. Having a Classical background, I've always struggled with left-hand rhythms of rock songs, and the groove charts have made a huge difference. I play in a local classic rock band, and I'm looking forward to incorporating some of these riffs into my playing. Chuck, I've been a huge fan of yours for a long time... You're blessed with a remarkable talent...Thank you for sharing your talents and these songs on irocku with other piano players like me. I'm looking forward to learning all of these songs as well as seeing what new ones y'all come up with. I wish you much success with the website! TomW

"Chuck Leavell's Stride Blues", Rock Essentials. Simply the best. I’ve been trying to play that bounce type gospel music and boogie woogie blues and this really helps me. If you have some more lessons like that please don’t hesitate to add on. If you have any tips on doing walking bass lines with rh solos come on with it pleeze! Nolan C

"Alberta". Thank you! I love that song. SuzanneA

I'm enjoying the lessons very much. Starting up again after a number of years my main challenges have been getting the left and right hands to work independently of each other, especially with some of the more challenging rhythms in a lot of the songs. But, the suggestions in the videos are very helpful with this. I have a tendency to want to jump right ahead to level 7 right away and it's definitely better to work up to that level...I'm really very happy with everything. ChrisM

irocku team, I love this course. Great tunes you’ve supplied and a very helpful approach to learning at different levels.... I have been a member for less than a month, but am really lovin this site! I've probably spent more time at the piano this month than any over the past 40 years or so that I've played. I can play a decent level 6 on three of the songs so far and can't wait to get into more. After playing the same types of songs for what seems like forever, these lessons have added a whole new perspective to my music. I've tried other self-help jazz and blues piano books/CDs, but haven't been able to really progress with them.Thanks BruceF

I'm really loving the lessons. It's really difficult to find a piano teacher out here that will specialize in rock piano. Coming across your site was a blessing. I'm learning so much so quickly and I've never been so motivated to learn scales! The format of the lessons and scales are great…I love it - can't wait to see what songs will be added next!! Thank you! MarcusR

Just found your site and it is the best I've seen and I've been a member of quite a few. A great instructor too. I'm genuinely amazed at the levels offered and the sheet music, etc. "Jessica" is a fantastic tune which I am learning now. Dr John, Ray Charles are next on my list to download. Keep up the good work. GarethB

Your service is unbelievable! HaraldS

The Gospel Piano Lesson is Fantastic! Really, amazing ideas. Jailbreaker

Hi Chuck and Team, I really totally love what you are doing...I am still waking up my old piano abilities (which were not ever so advanced)  using levels 2-3 — hope to get to 4! ... I think what you guys are doing in simply brilliant and incredible. I love the approach! Best, John

JohnD

Love what you guys are doing, I am a CEO of an Ed Tech company so I am always intrigued with how tech is leveraged... Love the tech you guys are providing MarcZ

I am 55 years young and out of the blue decided to take up tickling the ivories. I have talented instructor who accommodates my curiosities and encourages my growth. He asked me if I had heard of Chuck before and I had not. But since he was a big fan I started looking into Chuck and I bought into the irocku course. It’s helping me to read music and work on timing. Thank you for how you have the songs broken down to the various levels. I have my favorites picked out and after I master one I plan on moving to the next. I’m slow but love hearing how with this course I’m making music. If only the whole world could just slow it’s roll and let the music soothe the soul. TimothyEG

Thanks Chuck and team. I’m really enjoying & learning from the lessons I’ve tackled so far. KeyPlayer26

The irocku lessons are great (and understandable) and the sheet music is fantastic…the lessons are the only ones (to me, that is) that feel good as a solo piece. Thanks for the music ConradC

Great stuff, thank you….You have a great website, fine offers and perfect lessons! DiderikG

Thanks for the excellent piano tutorials, I enjoy them immensely. Steve R

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed my lesson with Bruce Katz. He is an amazing teacher and a great dude!

KevinK

I am loving the lessons! MikeR

I am so excited about the things I am learning. I play country gospel for a small church in my area, and I am enjoying learning more about rock music... I love the way you teach. LindaH

"Little Martha"-This piece is actually magnificent and your site is really very well made, just like your lessons. PascalR

l have to say im lovin the course(irocku) its a real lifesaver at the moment. l read that Dave Edmunds broke a leg when he was a young guy found his brothers guitar in a trunk and got into it ! Never looked back ....Don't know if its true but anyway l discovered your course AFTER breaking my ankle so l guess being a glass half full guy there is a silver lining there... SteveL

I DO love the whole general idea of this thing and wish I had a piano teacher like this 40 years I ago — I might still be playing instead of showing up here at 52 starting at level 2/3! JDQ

Just a quick note to say how much I'm enjoying the lessons. I've bought the two professor longhair's. And anticipate moving onto the other New Orleans and blues pieces. I'm enjoying the clarity of the lessons...Well done on the site, think it's great. StevenD

Hey chuck, just wanted to thank you for these lessons, been digging into them, love the improv and exercises, this is just what I needed, thanks again Ray C

Totally love irocku…after all the hours I have spent trying to figure out the solo on “Come & Go Blues” by ear – it’s incredible to have an actual transcription! MichelleN

I’m really enjoying the music I grew up with. I lived in Atlanta when the Allman’s were starting out and they played for free in the park Sundays – didn’t miss a one. You guys have an excellent product !!! Steve R

I am loving the lessons...I think I am finally getting better at 16th notes. I am impressed with the way you teach using the different levels. All those funky rhythms are hard for me, but so rewarding when I start to catch on. Thanks! LindaH

I am enjoying the lessons very much! …This is a great site. I think Collin is an exceptionally good teacher….Maybe I will upload a video some time. That's neat that you provide feedback. Thanks! JessicaR

Hey Chuck! I tried a sample lesson and loved it! I pop around the web trying different tutorials while trying to learn specific rock piano tunes, and I must tell you that you have really separated your site from the others when it comes to learning the theory behind the song and particularly helping those who want to learn to improvise within a song. For years now, i have wondered if anyone was going to be able to teach piano this way over the internet, and I am happy to tell you that you have done it! Congratulations and thank you! WilliamF

Chuck, Thank you so much!!  I really enjoyed the (Blues Piano) webinar.  I look forward to the next webinar. Yumi

Oh my god, this is such a great site! LizM

The school is great! I’m really enjoying the multi-level lesson approach! RuthS

I'm learning “Honky Tonk Woman”. You guys have done a great job with this web site. Tom S

Hi Chuck, ...I'm enjoying learning through IROCKU. I've progressed to level 4 on the Rockin Pneumonia lesson. I like the way your lessons are organized in steps ( 7 steps) which makes it understandable. I'm not a advanced piano player,  so I started with level one. The one thing I like about your lessons is being able to start at a level I can play at and progress from there...  WayneY

I think your site is brilliant! I love the lessons that I downloaded. Your system of having written, visual, and aural teaching is the most helpful instruction that I've ever had. EllenL

Thank you for a wonderful teaching tool. I wish something like this or teachers had been available to teach like this when I was younger. I have bought the program for my grandchildren but looks like I will have to invest in a keyboard for myself as maybe I can master some of my music dreams... Pam

Stumbled across your site and am so thrilled.....I wore out vinyl listening to songs over and over with headphones to get licks down....that was many years ago...now I am inspired to play again.... I am practicing and having a blast! I am working on Alberta mostly lesson 7 but sometimes 6 if my dairy farmer cracked and bleeding fingers are too sore to play. Can't do grace notes when the sides of every finger hurt like hell! Thanks for the irocku site. I look forward to enjoying each new lesson....keep up the good work! JohannaL

Chuck, I really like the way you have set up these lessons with the downloadable sheet music and the corresponding video to show how the lesson is supposed to sound. It makes learning much easier. I was raised with a piano in the house and had to take classical lessons a good part of my childhood. I never liked classical music, to stiff and formal. Boogie Woogie, and Jazz always talked to me so that has been my avenue for the past years. I'm 71 years of age and still playing on a daily basis...Thanks for putting all this together. KenM

It's funny how long someone can want something and then magically its time comes and the right thing appears...I purchased some lessons and am already overwelmed (in a good way)...theres a lot to wade through here... it is exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks for offering all this. Elijah N

Dear Chuck, The lessons so far are great. I've only had time to work through Honky Tonk Women and Jessica @ levels 5-6. One thing that is nice for someone like me who reads music is that the lessons make it easy to transition from reading the sheet music to playing without the sheet music. Nice explanations of some theory and using pentatonic scales. Rick B

A million thanks for this site, which I fortunately stumbled upon. I've long been a fan of Professor Longhair's music and have spent countless hours trying to figure out exactly what he's doing. It was so great to find Tipitina and Hey Now Baby on your site. The lessons are structured so logically and build on each other, I'm easily able to find the level that I'm comfortable starting with and go from Well done.I look forward to more New Orleans piano tunes! Jeff M

Hi Chuck- Thanks for your great piano lessons. UlrichW

Chuck-I’m loving the irocku site and lessons. I took the years subscription at intermediate level so I have plenty to be getting on with. I now love to practice every day. ChrisM

I really enjoy the way you have broken down the piano lessons to learn blues piano.  I've been working on 'rockin' pneumonia' and 'nobody knows you when you're down and out' ...  I really like the blues style and slurring neighboring tones to get to the note you want. KeithT

I love your site .. Thank you Carl G

I signed up for a membership. I was glad to see a site like this that’s devoted to rock piano! It’s mostly jazz or classical out there. I bought an instructional DVD of Chuck’s a couple of years ago and still use it. Keep up the good work! Stephen P

Your site and pedagogy is great. Keep on with the great work. DavidC

..this(irocku) is perfect for me. ...I am carving more time for piano every day, and totally look forward to more of the stuff on your site. And, I wanted to say thanks! The site is great, and all the music you have made over all the years is really inspirational. MarkBr

I am delighted with the lessons and resources provided. Just wish I had found you folks sooner! JuliaM

My son just recently performed with the Music Honor Society and played four irocku songs. He always closes it out with What'd I Say (level 7 now) and I can't tell you the amount of enthusiastic feedback that he gets. So many ask him where he gets these songs and he is sooo proud to talk about irocku! These songs are what keeps him going. I had three people at this last show ask me if he has an agent...! Piper C

Chuck-Just wanted to let you know that I’m loving the irocku lessons. I love the format; video coupled with written music lessons and instruction. I know working with these lessons is going to fill in a lot of gaps in my rock and blues playing. Looking forward to working with your lessons and enjoying the leaps in my playing that I know are going to come. Thanks again! Jeff P

Great site! - Love the songs. Frank B

The "Chuck Leavell's Stride Blues" rock essentials series is great...the approach to pentatonic and blues scales is really useful. Ariel T

Dear Chuck,   ...I found myself at my piano again trying to figure out Wastin Time No More. So I went on youTube found your site and here I am. Really great lessons to say the least and I bought the entire package. I’m hoping to learn the piano parts then record the guitar and bass call a singer friend and I have a few drummers here at work. I’d really like to see if I can come close to re-producing the recording. I hope that’s ok, certainly not looking to make anything from it. If I have the time of course, ... Anyway…. I just wanted to tell you what a HUGE part of my life your music was and all the memories it brings. I used to live down south and the culture stayed with me to this day. I have never had an opportunity like this so thought I’d try and write... Once again, THANK YOU so much for just being you and creating that wonderful music that I have never grown tired of. Ed C

I think you guys have a great site and I really enjoy it. Great selection of songs, and I like the approach – almost like having a friend in your house showing you some great tricks of the trade. Please tell Chuck, I think he has a great thing going with his site. TomH

Your lessons are awesome! I love them! I've learned all the New Orleans stuff and I'm craving for more i.e. the likes of Dr. John, Prof. Longhair, James Booker, Jon Cleary etc. Also some soulier/funkier stuff would be great: Stevie Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and I don't resist some organ filled classics either...Thanks for the great site! MikaJ

Very cool! I used to play classical a lot when I was younger but quit in my early twenties. Picked it up again almost 15 years later wanting to play blues, pop and rock. That was over a year ago now and it's been SO much harder than I thought it would be! I randomly found this website a few days ago by searching for a video course and was really blown away by this arrangement of Corazon Espinado...Practicing and playing this is the most fun I've had behind the piano the past year ... the way you've broken down the rhythm and build on it is a real eye opener for me. Thanks so much for providing this content at such a reasonable price!... Thanks again to Chuck and to Baden! Would love to see more Latin stuff and/or more Santana! Grego

I am a huge fan of Chuck's work with the Allman Brothers and Black Crowes, so getting lessons and transcriptions from the man who created those iconic parts is a dream come true for me!!! DanT

I like your site a good deal, you approach things from a better point of view than say Pxxxx Wxxx Wxxxxx (that guy makes so many changes it's hard to follow).... I've always admired your playing / taste. BillS

I am classically trained pianist who has wandered into boogie woogie, ragtime and blues. So far, I have explored Professor Longhair's version of Tipitina; I really like the way you have done this. Many of the suggestions on the video are sound pedagogical and piano techniques. The explanation of the duple and triple rhythms and exercises of how to play them against one another is great... Good luck with your wonderful venture in musical instruction! AnneS

This is fantastic..I just wanted to say that I have been waiting for a site this like for YEARS!  I have played music in bands for years, and have always wanted to learn rock piano, especially in the style of Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, and everything...on this site. PhilK

I appreciate irocku’s tips on starting with the groove charts. My synapses are screaming, but I'm trying to groove them into submission Thanks again! Gary S

I have cheated myself over the years by not learning and using blues and pentatonic scales and all the wonderful licks and riffs that are in the printed music available through irocku. And it is really special to pick up something from one of these songs and use it in other songs that I like or want to play….now it's a whole lot more fun.. Thanks for all that you do. Rock and roll forever. John A

I recently purchased your "Let It Bleed" course and am enjoying it a ton! All the best.

ChrisH

All the songs you all are putting out are great! Thanks very much. Brian P

Thank you, Chuck, for all your amazing music and the work you've done to inspire and teach your musician fans! Wayne T

I love your website.!  As a 61 year-old struggling to learn the piano for the past 10 years it is definitely more enjoyable learning songs you really want to play! ...Tell Mick and the boys that I would be available if you come down with the flu! Thanks...! LockeW

Hey man, finally had my first rehearsal playing keys with a new band I've joined. Here's our first attempt at Southbound from last night. I'm playing mostly the Level 5 version - it's a great arrangement and works well with the band! irocku defiantly made me rock!! Wayne G

Chuck,... Your music has always spoken to me, and that is what I aspire to play — at any level. I have a good start in that I have known how to read music for years. I know chords, chord inversions, 7ths, and have a good start on grooves and coordination. I am starting at Level 3. As an educator (university professor), I am impressed with your learning materials. Thanks for putting all of this together and sharing your impressive talent. Keep well and keep up the fantastic work! BrianC

Chuck, I can't tell you how much time irocku saved me in nailing “Southbound” for my 35th reunion with my old bandmates from New York, Uncle Charlies Band. irocku, keep up the great work helping rocker wanna be's sound better and better and most important sooner!!! Ed M

 I am a new irocku member and would like to applaud all of your fine work! I'm loving it. I've been working on "Come and Go Blues" and am finding it really valuable for learning licks and developing more precise timing. It has inspired me to learn more tunes from this great album... You guys are great. This site and your team’s responsiveness is excellent and way better than I was expecting...Thanks for your great website and instruction. JeffO

I just got it!!! I just got the left hand and the right hand together for the first line of Tipitina on the slowest speed on your video. I ALMOST emailed you guys when I printed out the lesson because I thought the notes were wrong as my playing was not sounding at all like the song. Now, for a few seconds, it is sounding like a New Orleans tune . Lot’s of fun. I am actually playing along with the video so I get the timing right.  I am going to keep practicing this until I get to the last note. Karyn J

Whoa!!! I just ordered 14 of these babies. They are unbelievably good. I'm so pleased to have found this site. It's a goldmine. Thanks for such a high quality product. What an opportunity to get lessons from someone of the caliber of Chuck Leavell and transcriptions of his parts on so many songs. I had no idea I was getting so much stuff… These lessons are simply fantastic, in terms of the amount and quality of material you receive. Keep 'em coming. More Chuck doing Stones songs. More anything. This is really first rate. The best value out there for learning and improving piano in this wonderful genre. Thank you very much. PaulG

I'm in heaven!   I just joined and am loving the lessons and the content. I'm looking to hone in my blues piano skills and am finding the lessons really helpful so far.  All the best GinnyL

I'm enjoying the site. I love the blues and gospel oriented pieces. I know this site will help me improve. Come to Richmond and play. I saw you here years ago with Sea Level as well with the Allman Brothers and more recently with Warren Haynes. Enjoyed every minute of it. Frank P

Great website…Really enjoy the irocku songs. Frank B

The irocku lessons are great! I've been playing the piano for 30 years, but haven't taken any serious lessons for about the last 15 years. I found that I had a talent for playing by ear, and wanted to learn how to improv better. I really like how you have seven or so different levels for each song. Even for someone like me who has been playing for 30 years, each level was very beneficial. Wesk

I am having fun with the lessons and enjoying the challenge. The combo of videos and sheet music is great. Great concept and execution. Allen C

Chuck, Just signed up for your lessons. I've been looking for something like this and I feel you're the world's best piano player for the kind of music I like. I'm rockin happy!! Zana

I love seeing the foundation and structure of the songs. Having the different levels is a great idea…It's nice to find a level that will challenge you without overwhelming you. I wish irocku was around about 40 years ago! Arthur W

I love it!! Your approach to music lessons meets my needs and then some. I really like the video as part of the lessons, it makes the lesson much easier to understand. I ordered level 7 to make sure I am challenged, I sure am, will take some time to master it. RonW

I just discovered your system and I love it! Congratulations and many thanks!  All the best! Pierre —from Paris France

PierreB

I love the lesson format and my band is much impressed with the improvement already! RosW

A happy customer!!! JeffT

Pure enjoyment. Working on Midnight Rider. Can’t wait to get that down. After that, the Doors. Charlie51

I'm really glad I came to know the irocku Project. I find the project idea amazing. Sometimes it's very hard to find good arrangements and tutorials which are really capable of teaching us how to master popular rhythms. The Groove Charts are awesome! Keep rockin' PedroH

I am enjoying the lessons very much, finding there is just the right amount of structure to give me the push I need. Syncopation no longer feels like brain damage in the making. I like it that even at the beginner's level there are some catchy riffs to learn, and I look forward to moving upward in a few months. JeannineG

I love the lessons and have learned a lot over the last few years.  I just renewed ...! TDW

Chuck, and I'm really enjoying the lessons so far. The one thing I liked about the sample lesson, and this has carried through to the others I have studied, is the amount of quality of exercises which I felt I needed to improve my dexterity. I am very happy with these and everything else .... I'm coming from a place where I have a great background in theory, and have been a bass player for years, but have finally started attacking the piano which I have wanted to do for years, mainly to improve my ear training, as far as chordal inversions and voicing are concerned, and it has helped immensely. thank you for offering such a well thought out program!! Rick C

I enjoy the lessons a lot! Thank you for making available the real components of rock music! All the best!

DenB

Thank you so much Chuck for these lessons. For me a dream comes true, because when I was 7 I saw you in Eric clapton's MTV unplugged and since this day I've never stopped playing. I'm 24 now. irocku is the perfect way to learn different kinds of music without any tension.....Thank you again. PierreM

Absolutely love the lessons. You have created a life changing, important service here for anyone who loves piano and wants to improve. I look forward to my lessons everyday and can't thank you enough for quality of the product you have created. It's far, far ahead of anyone else... I'm more than enjoying the lessons, I'm truly amazed at how great the product is. For years I've been trying to find a method of training that takes me where I'd like to go... Being able to jam with a band (like Chuck!). The whole product is very well put together from the different levels, the sheet music that accompanies them and the videos. It's perfect and I know it was a lot of work to pull it all together so thanks to you and all the members of the team. You're doing a great thing here. DanS

The irocku format is terrific and the PDF quality is the best I've seen. You guys have something great brewing. Dan S

The loop feature is the bomb! Thanks so much! Rogaromi

I love the arrangement of "Nobody Knows You". …. I really like your programme, not to tell that I have been a fan since the Rolling Stones shows back in the 80s....Best regards GregorB

I just started with irocku and I love the lessons. That guy playing the piano in the lessons is great. Nicolas A

I just think this is a great site you put together. Giving back after all these years. Fantastic! … you’ve got the best site to learn this style of playing. Very Cool Stuff! BillK

Chuck-I am having a great time learning piano, the lessons you and your team have put together for 'Hey Now' is excellent. It's awesome to have the song broken down to more manageable arrangements and with the sheet music and all the videos included it is foolproof. LukeT

I couldn’t be happier with what you are providing. As a former professional player, I’ve been a fan for years. After a 28-year hiatus, your lessons have been an unbelievable boost to my progress in reviving my piano abilities for a return to pro playing.…a big Thank You to you all. Also, major kudos to Collin for your arrangements and teaching abilities, keep it up! FYI, I saw/heard you, Chuck, with Alex Taylor’s band in Lincoln Nebraska when you were the opening act for the ABB. I was instantly a fan of your playing, and remain so. Thanks for sharing your talents through irocku. MarkF

I LOVE IROCKU. I am an advanced level pianist and this is the first time I've found a website with such good selection and arrangements. Marie E

After losing the use of my ring finger on my left hand a few years ago, (fairly polished professionally working guitarist, some keyboards, and share of vocals) I threw in the towel. There was no way I could ever play to my standards of 43 years, so I quit. Believe me, I stunk a lot of things up trying. However, I was a HUGE A.B.B fan all this time, but couldn't figure Chuck's intricacies by ear. Collin is truly a great instructor, his feel for each song, and and his gift of portraying that feel through his graceful, yet to the point comments. I may still have some gigs in me left now!! This program is truly a GODSEND! MikM

IROCKU is fabulous. Focusing on the 2 classic Professor Longhair tracks and really think this site will serve my needs for years. I've got Dr.John, the Meters,  and Huey Smith and Ray Charles to learn! Love it! Paul J

I've recently joined irocku and love it! ... Thanks! Leora LeoraN

Thank you Chuck, The lessons are great....been on the Ray Charles for now. So much music out there it’s hard to stay focused but I for one am having a blast and can’t wait to be the life of the party! EdC

I enjoy my lessons and I'm really happy I found out about irocku. My friend ... told me about the Zoom-lesson with Chuck and after that lesson I realized that I can also have an annual membership and download sheets. I love those Level 7 sheets. I've been practicing "Tipitina",  "Such a Night",  "Ain´t Wastin´Time No More",  "Alberta",  "Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out "and "You Can´t Always Get What You Want".  All the best Torsti

A professional player I know recommended your site to me....The main motivator to sign up for the membership was to gain access to the Piano Tips. Your pricing seems extremely reasonable. The quality of what you have produced, video, print, online stuff is all very high. The people that are the representatives/instructors have great presence and delivery. I have spent a number of years painstakingly working thru a book Tim Richards - Improvising Blues Piano. I have learned a lot and advanced but it has been slow going and maybe a bit too structured and I felt it was time to "get away from the book". I had considered the Quincy Jones Playground but chose irocku instead. I like the informal nature and sort of "choose your own path" philosophy of irocku versus a more structured lesson plan approach. Just my two cents. Wanted to let you know how impressed and hopeful I am to have joined irocku. MarkF

I'm thrilled to have found your site - your approach is so smart and scalable (no pun intended) ... I've been playing guitar for 30 years and recently bought my first piano. Jerry Lee Lewis, the late Nicky Hopkins and of course, you, are my greatest piano influences. Having seen the Stones 18 times since 1972, I consider myself a loyal fan. Just can't get enough and I'm so excited to have found your site. It's the closest I'll ever get to a personal lesson from "the master". ScottF

Thank you very much for the great lesson on the famous song ‘ Jessica’. The lesson instruction is excellent. I can’t wait until I have it all down to where I can play it with other musicians. Cheers! DaveS

Hi Chuck, I am enjoying the lessons. I like the way they build up through the levels and also the songs are great. PaulM

irocku is great. I like the fact that you work through a song from beginner to advanced level, giving the student an opportunity to play something that sounds good regardless of his/her level of expertise. The $4.99 for 3 lessons is also a fair price for those who can't afford annual membership or those who only want to learn a few songs. Michelle

I am surely excited at what I have found on your irocku site. It may be just the pathway I have longed for to reach higher musically…Thank you! Allen S

I just subscribed yesterday, and was able to spend some time getting familiar with all that is included with learning one of these songs. I am so pleased! Between the groove chart, the exercises, and the improv that are all included, I can see how much more insight I will gain than just learning the song itself. Great job Chuck and team...thanks so much. I've never seen such insight! I feel this is really going to help me. mendochas

I really like the (IROCKU) platform.  Thanks! LauraW

RobertC

I have loved this song(Southbound) since I first heard it. Never in my life had I expected someone with my extremely limited abilities on the piano to be able to play through 2 lessons in 5 minutes and feel confident about it - even without using the videos...You are obviously doing something right!  Also agree with other poster to your site that it is generous of you to share this especially so since it comes from the source. Then again truly great artists never mind sharing their skills. Peter S

MarkZ

I must tell you how much I have enjoyed the lessons. Chuck has always been my favorite piano player! David K

Chuck, thank you from the bottom of my heart for starting irocku. I’ve been getting by with generic style advice I glean from a few books, ... or youtube videos plus a precious few US-released transcriptions, whose difficulty and accuracy are very variable to put it nicely. So many of the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms are just completely wrong, and the ones that get it right are usually so comprehensive that they are better for museums than a gigging keyboardist. Simpler monophonic solos I can pick out by ear, but by and large I’m helpless. You guys get it right. You integrate learning and general musicianship into the lessons, provide both the specific note-by-note transcription as well as the global groove map so we know where we are in the big picture, and all in a multi-tiered structure for many ability levels. Damn!!! JimS

The series on stride blues is fantastic. Eric B

What a great website - best I have ever seen. I am an advanced player and everything I see is either 1) too basic, or 2) too "abstract" in the sense that it doesn't have application to songs that I love to play. You resolve both of these concerns. Keep it up! Dave S

Chuck-Just letting you know I have recently discovered your site and I think it is great. I love the style of music you play and transcriptions that are actually what is played, as opposed to just following the vocal melody. GregC

Your lessons are best thing that has happened to me in years; I've put in my papers and retired: I can play Professor Longhair and Ray Charles - unbelievable! SRisk

Thanks, You guys do a great job!! Edmund R

I can do so much more with my playing now.  I'm garnering a lot of positive comments when I show up at jams now, and someone actually approached me for lessons yesterday! That was pretty flattering. Thank you irocku. SamG

Bruce (Katz) is absolutely the best!! Incredible talent and a great teacher as well! PhilipE

Chuck-I was very surprised at how much your lessons offer...best content I've ever seen....it is obvious to me that whomever is involved has made an extreme effort to ensure the success of your students...I'm very excited to work on the material...!!! TomS

You have a very unique and organic platform, something that demands real talent be applied, not a fast food prize from a reality show. It's the sort of message that I believe needs to be spread further instead of the “industry is falling, the industry is falling’ rubbish we hear from manufactured artists and labels... Paul Cashmere, iHeartRadio and Noise11.com

Hi Chuck, I hope all is going well for you in preparing for Stones touring in 2020 ! I really enjoy the custom transcription, as it is accurate and detailed. Excellent work indeed from your crew! All the best! Stefan G

I really like the stuff you cover and the way your team teaches it...It's a great resource and brilliantly pitched, especially for my generation. Loads of people my age (40-something) were totally put off the piano when they were young due to the turgid lessons, and this was at a time when every second tune on the radio was a classic. A bit nostalgic but you'll know what I mean. Anyway, keep up the good work and all the best. GavinR

I have been on irocku for a week and I am HOOKED! I'm at my piano twice a day. MelonieD

Chuck, thank you for setting up this site, it's been very helpful to me and I appreciate you taking the time to put it all together, I'm sure you are hearing the same thing from many players out there. Been a huge fan for many years and so good to see this material available to all of us. NickW

Hi! I love irocku! Thank you so much. jazzka

Lessons are brilliant. thanks!! JoeH

May I first start by saying thank you - I have struggled for years to find a source of blues & rock piano for advanced players (my background is classical). I think the material on the irocku site is absolutely superb, and I have found the transcriptions, lesson & improvisation videos a tremendous help. I recommend your site to friends who are beginners and seasoned players alike as I can't think of anything else to touch it at present, beyond individual tuition. In short, I love irocku (even if I do harbour a mild hatred for the ridiculously talented pianist in many of the lesson videos). AndrewE

 I just downloaded the 'Chuck Leavell's Stride Blues' series.  What a true joy.  So much to work on – it should keep me going for a long, long time!  This is exactly what I wanted to learn. Back to the Woods is an incredible work and is consummate artistry.  The Stride series is awesome – it helps pianists with a guide to learning the style.  Chuck has brought joy to us with his playing – everyone needs more joy in their life! What a great series!  Congratulations! Lee B

YannT

Chuck… I am a longtime fan of yours through Sea Level, ABB, Stones, and on and on. The irocku method is like having an old friend show you some new songs and licks – it is a comfortable approach with a great vibe and equally great resources and tools. irocku makes it easy for any player to find a learning style that fits, whether it be video, charts, note-for-note, or exercises. You guys have some great song choices….I am enjoying your site very much – just trying to pick up whatever I can to keep improving…. Thomas H

Thanks so much for this great 'Come and Go Blues' lesson! I'm a classical piano player and am just getting started in improvisation and comp. Seeing the sheet music really helped it sink in for me - I was trying to learn the solo by ear and it was taking me weeks! With the sheet music I got it in 2 hours. :-) LindseyC

The irocku experience has been very rewarding for our son in his early piano career! He looks forward to his lessons and practicing everyday which is promising and encouraging! His classmates were so impressed by his playing that his teacher showed the irocku website to the entire class. Our son really enjoys watching the videos, which help him understand about how the pieces are constructed and the meaning behind their sound (rhythm, variations, dynamics, and an occasional historical association) Jagger C

I've been following you guys for a while and I'm enjoying every song tutorial very much. Your teaching style and piano material is the best on the web! JazzK

I am love, love, loving the video lessons!! I’ve started playing rock songs with a few guitarists over the internet and these lessons are exactly what I need to help get me where I need to be with my skills. Suddenly I am excited again to play and learn new things... Thank you IROCKU team!! MelonieW

Hi Chuck- Love the lessons! Baz T

Hello...these lessons are challenging - but they're what I've always wanted- having a ball coming up to speed with them - they sound exactly like my ears always wanted them to!!!   Hooks me in for hours!  Brilliant Chazo

irocku has helped take a big step forward as piano student. I am very impressed with your lessons, I learn more than ever. Hans R

irocku is a real gift... Thanks for sharing. DaveH

MichaelM

Chuck- I just also love the content and the way you present the IROCKU music lessons!  I've played piano since I was 7 years old, and am learning lots from your video lessons.  I combined my talents and wrote, Momentum, a music driven script in the Blues genre. You're lessons are right on time! Debra L

I am enjoying the lessons. I found the site because I have a 15 year old student who wanted to play "Shine a Light" and she is a beginner, so this is perfect. She is on level 2 and I am plugging away at 6 and 7. I really like your emphasis on rhythm and counting and I think the approach is very pragmatic and doable for the average person , not just the few elite players. SusanaF

I really liked the last weeks' webinar... It was very pure, spontaneous and musically interesting....It's the master who recalls the student to open his eyes and to work on the big picture. Chuck is a great lecturer and it's barely understandable that he is sharing this with us. An open book, how humble. Hope you you will go further with this since I definitely wouldn't like to miss the Gospel session! JasperR