How To Impress Drummers With Your Rhythmic Comping
One of my students recently asked me a great question about how to approach exploring rhythmic concepts to incorporate into his playing. Although he has played classical music for many years, he started taking jazz lessons with me about 2 years ago, and has just recently played his first gig and a couple more after […]
Jazz Piano School, Ep 15 – What Are 7th Chords?
Finally some jazz chords to start learning! 7th chords are the main type of harmony that create jazz. Any time you are listening to jazz you can be sure you are hearing some form of 7th chords. These chords are going to be the building blocks to learning all sorts of jazz standards! Practice them hard!
Improvisation For Beginners – How The Heck Do I Start Improvising?
Improvisation is one of the best parts of jazz. It allows people to express themselves how ever they like. You learn a lot about yourself when you are asked to spontaneously make music. You can create whatever you like. Lot’s of musicians will tell you it’s like therapy. You’re girlfriend or boyfriend break up with […]
Jazz Piano School, Ep 14 – Playing Charts Part 2 – Rhythms
Adding some very simple rhythms can really spice up your playing. Check out how you can immediately upgrade your playing with some up beats! Easy Easy stuff.
Jazz Piano School, Ep 13: Playing Charts Part 1 – Harmonies
Finally I talk about how to actually play charts. I know someone of you are like “FINALLY!”. In this episode I talk about reading chord changes, how to decipher how many beats per chord change and what slash chords are. There is a lot more to playing pieces, but this is the first place to start in which you will actually be able to hear the harmonies of the piece. I guarantee it will make you feel pretty good to be able to hear the tune!
What Is Diatonic Harmony and Why Is It Helpful?
Have you ever heard the term diatonic harmony before? …..Some of you are probably staring at your computer or mobile device blankly, others may be like “ehhh isn’t that when a ship comes down and…” Just kidding. Some of you may know exactly what it is, but if you don’t or you need a better […]
Jazz Piano School, Ep 12: Avishai Cohen Masterclass Part 2
Avishai Cohen gives another masterclass at the reno jazz festival. He doesn’t repeat anything he said in the first class, so pay attention. He has a lot of valuable insight to learn jazz. Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 11: Avishai Cohen Masterclass Part 1
Avishai Cohen is a leading trumpet player in the jazz scene. This masterclass was recorded at the Reno Jazz Festival. He has a lot of great insight into advancing as a student, and what to practice. Enjoy!
5 Reasons To Go To Jam Sessions, Even If They Scare the Hell Out Of You
Jam sessions have been around and helping musicians ever since jazz was created. Musicians would get together and play music for the enjoyment of playing. Most of the well known jazz musicians we know these days frequented jam sessions when they were young as well. There are many stories about musicians such as Charlie Parker, […]
How To Pay Your Band Properly, Demonstrated By Everything Not To Do
I thought I would do something different this time and tell a story that happened to be to exemplify everything you should NOT do when paying your band. Yes this really happened. Enjoy! I was hired by Mr. X to play a wedding gig. I was told I would be paid at the gig $120. […]
