Naturally, jazz piano lessons are about mastering the basics. No less important is to help each student find the path to their own unique expression and develop an original sound and arrangements when playing well-known jazz standards. It amazes me how many times students who are just starting to play the piano come up with performances that I enjoy listening to, no less than I would, a recording by a savvy jazz pianist like Thelonious Monk or Oscar Peterson. This performance by Kai Porterfield is such an example. Besides using good chord voicing and harmonic structures, this performance embodies a unique way of delivering Ruby My Dear, often played jazz standard by Thelonious Monk.