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. […]
What The Heck Are Modes, And Why Do I need To Learn These Weird Names?
Good morning everyone, maybe not morning for you as you read this, but it is for me so I think I’ll keep that. I’ll be talking about modes in this post, and particularly, why do they help with improvisation. Most people I come across in jazz or music say modes are useless, or yea I […]
Jazz Piano School, Ep 10: Determination | Motivation | Willpower
It can be hard to achieve goals in life. No matter what you are attempting to accomplish. There are certain things you need to know in order to keep going. That certain this is the “Why” for why you want to accomplish your goal. As long as you know that you can do anything, like play jazz piano! This podcast will help you gain confidence and believe you can connect with this music in ways you never dreamed of.
Jazz Piano School, Ep 9: Voiceleading Triad Inversions
Voiceleading triad inversions will skyrocket your playing in seconds. Once you learn how to implement this technique into your playing you will be able to play any pop / rock / triad type of chart, yes any. Work hard at this method because as I always say, these beginning steps will be a gateway into more complicated jazz voicings to come. And they are coming very soon!
