Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, improvisation, music theory, jazz skills, piano techniques, chord tones, rhythmic vocabulary, music education, jazz community, practice tipsSummaryIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the intricacies of jazz improvisation, focusing on the tune 'That's All.' The discussion covers essential skills such as harmonic and melodic analysis, the importance of rhythmic vocabulary, and practical tips for developing improvisation skills. Dr. Lawrence addresses common challenges faced by students and emphasizes the significance of repetition and grace notes in creating a more human-like sound on the piano. The episode concludes with recommendations for practice and engagement within the jazz piano community.TakeawaysImprovisation skills are developed through a structured approach.Understanding harmonic and melodic analysis is crucial for improvisation.Membership in Jazz Piano Skills offers valuable educational resources.Improvisation challenges are common and can be overcome with practice.Rhythmic vocabulary is essential for effective improvisation.Grace notes add a human-like quality to piano playing.Repetition in improvisation is a sign of creativity, not a lack thereof.Diatonic movement is key to effective soloing.Practice should involve breaking down tunes into manageable sections.Engagement with the jazz community enhances learning and growth.TitlesMastering Jazz Improvisation: A Deep DiveUnlocking Your Jazz Piano PotentialSound bites"I cannot improvise. I find it very difficult.""It's not you. It's not a you thing at all.""Learn chords. 60 of them."Support the show
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Jazz Piano Skills Folgen
A podcast introducing aspiring Jazz Pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Professional Jazz Piano Lessons by Dr. Bob Lawrence, President The Dallas School of Music
Folgen von Jazz Piano Skills
315 Folgen
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Folge vom 19.08.2025That's All, Improvisation
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Folge vom 12.08.2025That's All, Melodic AnalysisPodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsJazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Practice Strategy, Jazz Standards, Improvisation, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Ear Training, Chord Progressions, Music TheorySummaryIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence discusses the importance of melodic analysis in jazz piano, emphasizing the need for a structured practice strategy. He introduces the seven facts of music, which serve as a foundation for understanding harmony and melody. The episode also addresses a listener's question about mastering block chords and provides insights into effective practice techniques. Finally, the session culminates in a melodic analysis of the jazz standard 'That's All', exploring fingerings, phrases, and target notes, while encouraging experimentation with different musical treatments.TakeawaysEstablish a well-thought-out practice strategy for success.The seven facts of music are essential for understanding jazz.Practice chords by family, type, key, and progression.Identify target notes to aid in memorizing melodies.Transcribe melodies by ear to develop listening skills.Experiment with various grooves and tempos for improvisation.Consistency in practice leads to musical growth.Utilize lead sheets to enhance learning and performance.Engage with the jazz community for support and feedback.Enjoy the journey of learning and making music.TitlesMastering Melodic Analysis in Jazz PianoThe Seven Facts of Music ExplainedSound bites"Success will surely follow.""Enjoy the journey of learning music.""Transcribe the melody by ear."Support the show
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Folge vom 05.08.2025That's All, Harmonic AnalysisPodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, music education, jazz skills, harmonic analysis, improvisation, music theory, jazz standards, piano voicings, learning jazz, music practiceSummaryIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the essential skills needed to play jazz piano, emphasizing a structured approach to learning new tunes. The discussion covers the seven facts of music, the importance of harmonic analysis, and common progressions found in jazz standards. The episode also addresses a listener's question about navigating chord changes in lead sheets and provides insights into effective practice strategies. Finally, Dr. Lawrence explores the voicings for the classic jazz standard 'That's All', offering practical tips for mastering the tune.TakeawaysSkill-centric approach is key to learning tunes.Tunes illuminate our weaknesses quickly.Three categories govern our tune study: harmony, melody, improvisation.Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial.Practice common progressions in all keys.Listening to various artists enhances learning.Harmonic analysis is essential for understanding tunes.Common harmonic movements aid in ear training.Voicings should match your current skill level.Enjoy the process of discovering and learning jazz.TitlesMastering Jazz Piano SkillsThe Essential Skills for Jazz PianoSound bites"Essential skills needed to play a tune.""Your problem is an easy fix.""I approach it the same way every time."Support the show
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Folge vom 29.07.2025Congrats, You're Improvising!Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, improvisation, arpeggios, melodic vocabulary, jazz education, music theory, jazz standards, musical patterns, jazz skills, music practiceSummaryIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the essence of improvisation in jazz piano. He emphasizes the importance of understanding harmony and melody, and how to create melodic vocabulary through the use of arpeggios and patterns. The episode includes practical applications of these concepts, focusing on improvisation techniques over major chords and the significance of practicing melodic motifs. Dr. Lawrence encourages listeners to embrace the learning process and develop their improvisational skills through experimentation and practice.TakeawaysImprovisation is about creating melodic lines to fit a song's chord progression.A multi-dimensional understanding of harmony is crucial for jazz musicians.Patterns and motifs should be practiced to develop improvisational vocabulary.Jazz is a language that requires preparation and practice, not spontaneity.Melody flows from harmony, and understanding this is key to improvisation.Improvisation can be simplified by using control and experimental patterns.The importance of fingerings and hand movement in improvisation cannot be overlooked.Listening for and playing to count one of every measure is essential in jazz. Experimenting with different motifs can lead to unexpected musical discoveries.The journey of learning jazz piano is about discovery, learning, and having fun.Sound bites"Congrats! You're improvising!""Melody flows from harmony.""We're learning how to improvise!"Support the show