88 Creative Keys Piano Camps

88 Creative Keys is an innovative program designed to integrate improvisation and creativity into traditional piano education. Co-founded by Bradley Sowash and Leila Viss, this initiative encourages pianists of all levels to go beyond the written page, combining the structure of classical training with the freedom of improvisation.

Through camps, workshops, and clinics, 88 Creative Keys empowers students and teachers to explore the full potential of music.

Project goals and mission

The mission of 88 Creative Keys is to inspire creativity at the keyboard by:

  • Integrating improvisation into traditional piano lessons.
  • Encouraging both students and teachers to explore music beyond written scores.
  • Providing tools and techniques to balance classical training with creative freedom.
  • Building a supportive community of educators and pianists.

By blending modern technology, time-tested teaching methods, and innovative practices, 88 Creative Keys equips pianists with the skills to develop their unique musical voices.

Founders and teachers

Bradley Sowash

Bradley Sowash

A celebrated jazz pianist, educator, and author, Bradley Sowash specializes in teaching improvisation and creative musicianship. He has written the popular nine-book piano method, That’s Jazz, and serves as the Pop/Jazz Chairperson for the Music Teachers National Association. Bradley’s engaging teaching style encourages pianists to embrace creativity while building technical skill.

Leila Viss

Leila Viss

A classically trained pianist and innovative educator, Leila Viss brings a tech-savvy approach to piano teaching. She is the author of The iPad Piano Studio and incorporates off-bench activities to inspire creativity. Leila’s dedication to integrating technology and improvisation into her lessons makes her a leader in modern piano education.

Together, Bradley and Leila bring decades of experience to 88 Creative Keys, combining their unique expertise to offer transformative learning experiences.

Programs and camps

Explore a range of offerings tailored to both students and teachers, designed to unlock creativity and enhance musicianship.

For students: Beyond the Page Clinic

88 Creative Keys Piano Camp

Designed for intermediate pianists aged 12 and older, this clinic helps participants rediscover their natural creativity. Led by Bradley Sowash, the program provides hands-on techniques to explore improvisation and create music beyond written scores. Participants leave with practical tools to enhance their musical expression.

For teachers: Teaching Creativity Workshop

88 Creative Keys for educators

This workshop equips piano teachers with strategies to integrate improvisation into their lessons. Recognizing the importance of both music reading and improvisational skills, the program offers actionable methods to inspire creativity in students. Teachers learn how to balance tradition with innovation, broadening their students’ musical horizons.

The Eye Ear Revolution

The Eye Ear Revolution is a teaching concept that integrates two fundamental approaches to music education:

  • Eye players: Those who excel at reading and interpreting written music (traditional classical training).
  • Ear players: Those who improvise, play by ear, and create music without reliance on written scores.

To broaden their musical creativity and stylistic range, contemporary musicians need instruction in both areas. The Eye Ear Revolution is a consortium of like-minded educators established by Bradley Sowash and Leila Viss to help students, musicians, and fellow teachers achieve this balance.

By blending traditional skills with creative music-making, this concept underpins the philosophy of 88 Creative Keys, promoting a holistic and engaging approach to music education.

Testimonials

Hear from those who have experienced the transformative impact of 88 Creative Keys firsthand.

Loved that all the instruction was exciting for me and something I can bring to students while continuing to grow my own jazz/improv skills.Janet K.
I have implemented so many wonderful ideas from the 88 Creative Keys Camp I attended last year. My studio has greatly improved in improvisation, creativity, and technology. Thank you for the continuous stream of insight and creativity you share with all of us. You help keep teachers motivated and fresh. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your hard work and efforts.2014 attendee
Bradley and Leila give clear direction in the workshop without making classically trained teachers feel like they somehow missed the boat. Instead of walking away from a workshop on improvisation frustrated, I left ready to meet the challenge. I hope you are able to attend one of their workshops. It is certainly worth the time and expense.Jodie
Loved the collegial atmosphere – I’m quite sure everyone felt comfortable with the process.Karen
I have been having an absolute blast working on the things I learned at camp and showing my students the video of our little trio that was posted online! I’ve told several people about the camp, and they are really excited about attending whenever it becomes available again. I’m planning to attend as well, simply because I can always work on my skills.Mona
Thank you for three days of learning. That was an incredibly eye-opening experience for me. Looking forward to more.Ryan
Finally, an educator who offered just enough to make it exciting and interesting, but not enough to overwhelm. You have a beautiful spirit and a gift for making each student believe they will succeed at something that can be easy but sometimes feels hard. You and Leila make a great team.Sally
Thank you for making the camp challenging for all abilities and, especially, not intimidating. The variety of topics was very valuable.Linda
I’ve been to a Big Band Camp and a Combo Camp. I was very excited to find one just for piano. This one was definitely worth my time and expense.John
I was just telling a group of my fellow teachers that your workshop this summer was the best teacher workshop I’ve ever been to and that they should all go when you come back. I have definitely been using the skills you taught us with my students. Thank you so much for taking the wonderful art of improvising and breaking it into teachable little chunks that allow me to put it into the hands of my students! Planning to come again this summer if I can!Jan
I have so much respect for you as an excellent musician, teacher, and person! You’re the best there is, and I’m honored that you reach out to us ‘old fogies!’Karen
Thank you for all the nuts and bolts – they were needed!Jennifer
I thought that I would be worn out and bored after being there all day, but it was very, very good. Bradley has really thought this through. It was great to have someone who knows how to approach all of this with people who read music.M.
Leila and Bradley are two pioneers of the current wave of creativity at the keys.Tim Topham

Stay inspired (and tuned)

88 Creative Keys continues to inspire pianists and educators to embrace the creative side of music. Stay tuned for announcements about future camps and workshops, which will be shared on Pianist’s Compass.

To stay updated, subscribe to our newsletter or reach out directly to Bradley Sowash or Leila Viss for more information.

Visit Pianist’s Compass to explore more about this project and discover resources that can transform your musical journey. Together, we can reimagine what’s possible at the piano.

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