Practicing a jazz tune

Arpeggiate every chord in all inversions. Play the modes relative to each chord, including possible ‘alternate’ modes. – Improvise on chord tones only. – Add scale/mode tones as *passing* notes (always resolve on chord notes) – Add chromatic passing notes in the same fashion. – Play the ‘big scale’. This means, play a continuous stream…Continue reading Practicing a jazz tune

Practice Time

The questions that often comes up from parents and students are “how often, and how for how long” should one practice between lessons. As I often remark to parents and older students, that practice is not the issue. It is when one does decide to practice, whether it is in an everyday disciplined routine, or…Continue reading Practice Time

Transitioning from classical piano to jazz piano

Many classically trained pianists are interested in learning jazz piano. Classical training will help physically but not a lot mentally. Your ability to play notes, chords, runs, etc, will all be very useful and put you ahead of the learning curve. That said, jazz is mentally a fundamentally different way of approaching music. Some classical people…Continue reading Transitioning from classical piano to jazz piano

Wise Quotes

“The mind wanders here and there. It’s thoughts are persuasive. It’s ramblings seem impressive. But when one’s mind becomes still, ah, then the music begins!” “Our only defense in this world, which features seemingly random barriers and cruelties is to develop self love and determination from within. This is difficult, to be sure, but possible…Continue reading Wise Quotes

Jazz theory of improvisation

Jazz theory of improvising over melody, chords and structure. Some improv styles may combine elements of all three areas Improvise on the Melody Paraphrasing Adding to the Melody Changing the Rhythmic content Ornamenting or Embellishing Improvising on the Harmony Harmonic Generalization Tonic Triad Diatonic Major Blues Scale Minor Blues Scale Cliches & Quotes Harmonically Specific…Continue reading Jazz theory of improvisation