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Jazz Piano Skills

Jazz Piano Skills

By: Dr. Bob Lawrence
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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

© 2025 Jazz Piano Skills
Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Music
Episodes
  • Lady Be Good, Improvisation
    Jul 16 2025

    Illustrations
    Lead Sheets
    Play Alongs

    Jazz Piano Skills Community

    Keywords
    Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Arpeggios, Music Theory, Practice Techniques, Jazz Skills, Lady Be Good, Music Education, Piano Lessons, Jazz Community

    Summary
    In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the intricacies of jazz piano improvisation, focusing on the tune 'Lady Be Good.' The discussion covers essential concepts such as the seven facts of music, effective practice techniques, and the importance of sound in jazz. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the use of inverted arpeggios to create melodic motifs, providing practical examples and etudes to enhance improvisational skills. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for jazz piano students at all levels, encouraging a structured approach to practice and exploration of jazz music.

    Takeaways
    Improvisation skills are developed through structured practice.
    Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for jazz musicians.
    Boredom during practice indicates a need for broader skill exploration.
    Sound should be the starting point for any practice session.
    Each practice session should have a single objective.
    Inverted arpeggios can create interesting melodic motifs.
    Listening to various renditions of a tune is essential for learning.
    Jazz practice should be systematic and formulaic.
    Creating melodic motifs from arpeggios enhances improvisation.
    Membership in a jazz community provides valuable resources and support.

    Titles
    Mastering Jazz Piano: The Art of Improvisation
    Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Deep Dive

    Sound bites
    "How do you practice jazz?"
    "Boredom is a huge red flag."
    "Everything flows from harmony."

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    31 mins
  • Lady Be Good, Melodic Analysis
    Jul 9 2025

    Illustrations
    Lead Sheets
    Play Alongs

    Jazz Piano Skills Community

    Keywords
    Jazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Practice Plan, Seven Facts of Music, Lady Be Good, Jazz Education, Improvisation, Music Theory, Jazz Skills, Music Practice

    Summary
    In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the melodic analysis of the classic jazz standard 'Lady Be Good.' The discussion emphasizes the importance of a structured practice plan, the seven facts of music, and the essential skills needed for jazz musicians. The episode also addresses a listener's question about the order of learning jazz and provides insights into transcribing melodies and exploring different treatments of the tune. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the community and utilize the resources available to enhance their jazz piano skills.

    Takeaways
    Melodic analysis follows harmonic analysis in jazz education.
    A structured practice plan is crucial for progress.
    The seven facts of music serve as a compass for learning.
    Sound awareness is essential for effective practice.
    Transcribing melodies by ear is a key skill.
    Different treatments of a tune can enhance understanding.
    Engagement in a community fosters learning and support.
    Foundational skills must be prioritized in learning jazz.
    Jazz education requires both conceptual and physical mastery.
    Enjoyment in learning is vital for musical growth.

    Titles
    Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Melodic Journey
    Mastering Melodies: The Art of Jazz Piano

    Sound bites
    "The seven facts of music are essential."
    "Play the five primary sounds of music."
    "Transcribe the melody by ear."

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    35 mins
  • Lady Be Good, Harmonic Analysis
    Jul 2 2025

    Illustrations
    Lead Sheets
    Play Alongs

    Jazz Piano Skills Community

    Keywords
    jazz piano, essential skills, improvisation, harmony, melody, rhythm, Lady Be Good, George Gershwin, music education, jazz standards

    Summary
    In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the essential skills needed for jazz piano, emphasizing the importance of harmony, melody, improvisation, and rhythm. He discusses the seven facts of music that frame these skills and addresses a listener's question about improvisation challenges, particularly with the blues. The episode culminates in a detailed harmonic analysis of George Gershwin's 'Lady Be Good', providing insights into chord changes, voicings, and practice techniques.

    Takeaways
    The start of a new month means a new tune.
    Essential jazz skills include harmony, melody, improvisation, and rhythm.
    Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for practice.
    Improvisation is often misunderstood and requires a proper mindset.
    Notes without rhythm lack musicality.
    Isolate sound before tackling complex progressions.
    Keep improvisation simple to build confidence.
    Listening to various renditions of a tune is essential for learning.
    Common harmonic progressions are vital for ear training.
    Utilizing different voicings enhances musical expression.

    Titles
    Mastering Jazz Piano Skills
    The Importance of Essential Jazz Skills

    Sound bites
    "Tunes illuminate our weaknesses very quickly."
    "Keep it simple."
    "Enjoy the sounds of the voicings."

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    31 mins

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