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Piano & Voice With Brenda

Piano and Voice Training that WORKS.

  • Meet Brenda
  • The Versatile Musician
  • Lessons
  • Guest Artist
  • Blog
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  • Meet Brenda
  • The Versatile Musician
  • Lessons
  • Guest Artist
  • Blog
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California Dreamin’ Piano Tutorial

California Dreamin' is the 1960s hippie singalong classic by the Mamas and the Papas. In this California Dreamin' piano tutorial, you'll learn the chords, accompaniment strategy and even the flute solo. Perfect for players of different levels! Perfect for players of different levels!

Sign up for your free California Dreamin' printable.

Learn the chords, accompaniment and get ready to play this classic!

California Dreamin’ was a huge hit in 1965 by the vocal group the Mamas & the Papas.  Written by John and Michelle Phillips, the song became an anthem of the 1960s California counterculture trend.  The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and it remains a singalong staple at piano bars everywhere.

This song is in the key of E major/C# minor with 4 sharps and uses the common Pop Rock Ballad groove.  I even teach you the flute solo, with the option to improvise the end!

Let's go!

California Dreamin' Lyrics and Chords

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California Dreamin' Introduction

Carefully learn the melody in your right hand while your left hand plays the chords!

California Dreamin' Intro

California Dreamin' Chord Inversions

These are the chord inversions I use in the tutorial.  You can use whichever ones you like!

CD 3!!
California Dreamin' Verse chords

California Dreamin' Flute Solo

Did I transcribe the entire flute solo for California Dreamin'?  Why YES, I did!  Take your time and learn it slowly while you play chords in the left hand.

 

California Dreamin' flute solo
The Versatile Musician logo with website listed. Reads all inclusive membership to level up your skills. Photo of Brenda Earle Stokes owner and creator of Piano and Voice with Brenda.
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Want to level up your musical skills? Strengthen your piano skills, develop your ear training, become a rhythm ninja and learn new skills like jazz and improvisation.

The Versatile Musician is an all-in-one membership that combines video lessons, print material and live support to help you level up your skills and thrive as a musician and music teacher. 

To learn more, check out www.theversatilemusician.com and get ready to become the best musician possible!

Here is the original music video for California Dreamin'

Here is a live performance of California Dreamin' from the Ed Sullivan Show!

Category: Piano for Singers, Piano Lessons, Tutorials, Uncategorized

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