Polychords: An Introduction To Polychords – Superimposing Upper-Structure Triads To Achieve Richer Harmony
Polychords are a simple yet effective way to enrich your harmonic vocabulary and access extended or altered tones. In a basic sense, a polychord is superimposing a chord over a chord. In notation, a polychord may be used to: simplify the construction of chords clarify applications when improvising and composing imply a specific voicing As […]
Jazz Piano School Ep. 56 – The Basics Of Stride Piano
Stride is an extremely fun style of jazz piano to play! Simple to explain, but technically difficult. Learn how to tackle this fun and impressive beast with these podcast tips! Have fun!
Polyrhythms – How To Subdivide Complex Polyrhythms: A Lesson From John Riley
Last year I had the incredible fortune of taking John Riley’s rhythmic analysis class at the Manhattan School of Music. John is an incredible player and educator, with an immense knowledge of rhythm. One lesson that resonated with me was his explanation as to how to mathematically figure out exactly where to place the subdivisions […]
Jazz Piano School Ep. 55 – How to Improvise Over Odd Changes
This is a fantastic episode that will benefit a lot of people out there. I specifically go over what is the most important aspect when connecting your improv together through odd changes and even more common progressions. Enjoy!
3 Arrangement Techniques for Playing in a Jazz Trio
As a jazz pianist, a lot of times you will find yourself playing in the trio setting alongside bass and drums, where you are the only “melodic instrument”. This presents certain challenges and opportunities. After all, most of the time you will have the role of playing the melody and being the main soloist, which […]
Jazz Piano School Ep. 54 – 6 Steps to Thoroughly Learn Tunes
Memorizing & learning tunes throughly is tough! Trust me I’ve been there. After using this 6 Step Learning Tunes process I never forgot another tune again. It’s due all the practice of the fundamental elements of the tune. Enjoy!
Reflections on Bobby Hutcherson; Lessons from a Master
I had the distinct honor and privilege of being the primary pianist to jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson from 2006 until his passing on August 15th. Although I enjoyed many performances with him on the Western Coast of United States, Bobby would often take me to the East Coast; Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and often […]
Jazz Piano School Ep. 53 – How to Harmonize Melodies Part 2
We open the flood gates to harmonization with this podcast as I show you that one note can fit and be used in any type of chord you wish in a tune. There are a substantial amount of options so take your time and realize that this is more or less like composing. Find changes that please you the most! This is about self expression. If you like it, then use it!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 52 – How to Harmonize Melodies
Harmonizing melodies can be very tricky. What chords do we pick for each melody note and when do we place them. In this harmonization beginner’s podcast, I go over how to use diatonic chords as well as some substitutes to spice up a simple melody like twinkle twinkle. Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 51 – Tips on Playing Fast Tempos
Learning how to play at fast tempos can be quite frustrating. Why can’t we play faster?! We see or listen to the monsters do it effortlessly yet when we try it comes out as a moshposh of jumbled up mess. Well here are 7 tips to follow to increase the speed at which you can improvise! Enjoy!
