Keywords
jazz piano, music education, improvisation, practice techniques, self-imposed constraints, learning journey, musical influences, jazz voicings, piano lessons, musician's growth, jazz piano, chord voicings, improvisation, practice techniques, jazz standards, melody, music education, learning process, musical growth, jazz skills

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence and Brad Hawbaker discuss Brad's journey in learning jazz piano over the past six years. They explore Brad's early musical influences, his transition from classical to jazz piano, and the challenges he faced along the way. The discussion highlights the importance of self-imposed constraints in practice, the learning process, and the significance of voicings in jazz music. Brad shares his structured approach to practicing and how he applies concepts from programming to his music education. In this conversation, Brad and Dr. Bob Lawrence delve into the intricacies of jazz piano, focusing on chord voicings, improvisation techniques, and the importance of foundational practice. They discuss the journey of mastering jazz standards, emphasizing the significance of melody and the role of structured practice in developing musicality. The dialogue highlights the balance between analytical practice and instinctual playing, encouraging listeners to appreciate their growth while recognizing the ongoing nature of learning in jazz.

Takeaways
Brad has been studying jazz piano for six years.
He initially played violin before transitioning to piano.
The importance of having a structured approach to practice.
Self-imposed constraints can enhance creativity in music.
Repetition in practice is essential for developing musical vocabulary.
Understanding the mechanics of music is crucial for improvisation.
Making the problem small enough is key to learning jazz.
Voicings are fundamental in jazz piano playing.
Brad's journey reflects common challenges faced by aspiring musicians.
The connection between programming and music education is significant. Fluency in voicings requires practice and exploration of sound.
Grunt work in practice is essential for mastering jazz skills.
Understanding chord-scale relationships enhances improvisation.
Melody should be the focus when playing jazz standards.
Using different voicings can enrich improvisational skills.
Passive listening aids in internalizing melodies and phrasings.
Playing melodies without accompaniment exposes areas for improvement.
The journey of learning jazz is ongoing and rewarding.
Desire and hard work are key to becoming proficient in jazz.
The melody is central to the essence of a jazz tune.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
12:35 Transition to Jazz Piano
19:19 Learning Process and Aha Moments
28:41 Self-Imposed Constraints in Practice
34:42 Voicings and Chord Relationships
42:07 The Importance of Grunt Work in Jazz Practice
51:07 Approaching Jazz Standards: Learning and Interpretation
01:01:01 Melody Focus: Playing with Left Hand Support
01:07:01 The Journey of Jazz Piano: Growth and Reflection

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Welcome to Jazz Piano Skills; it's time to discover, learn, and play Jazz Piano!

Every Jazz Piano Skills weekly podcast episode introduces aspiring jazz pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Each Podcast episode explores a specific Jazz Piano Skill in depth. Today, you will discover, learn, and play "September in the Rain." In this Jazz Piano Lesson, you will:

Discover
How to practice improvisation using the jazz standard “September in the Rain.”

Learn
How to systematically develop improvisation skills using “September in the Rain.”

Play
Five essential improvisation steps using the standard "September in the Rain"

Use the Jazz Piano Podcast Packets for this Jazz Piano Lesson for maximum musical growth. All three Podcast Packets are designed to help you gain insight and command of a specific Jazz Piano Skill. The Podcast Packets are invaluable educational tools to have at your fingertips while you discover, learn, and play September in the Rain.

Open Podcast Packets
Illustrations
(detailed graphics of the jazz piano skill)

Lead Sheets
(beautifully notated music lead sheets)

Play Alongs
(ensemble assistance and practice tips)

Educational Support
Community Forum
SpeakPipe

Episode Outline
Introduction
Discover, Learn, Play
Invite to Join Jazz Piano Skills
Lesson Rationale
Exploration of Jazz Piano Skills
Conclusion
Closing Comments

Visit Jazz Piano Skills for more educational resources that include a sequential curriculum with comprehensive Jazz Piano Courses, private and group online Jazz Piano Classes, a private jazz piano community hosting a variety of Jazz Piano Forums, an interactive Jazz Fake Book, plus unlimited professional educational jazz piano support.

If you wish to donate to JazzPianoSkills, you can do so easily through the Jazz Piano Skills Paypal Account.

Thank you for being a Jazz Piano Skills listener. I am pleased to help you discover, learn, and play jazz piano!

Support the show

Welcome to Jazz Piano Skills; it's time to discover, learn, and play Jazz Piano!

Every Jazz Piano Skills weekly podcast episode introduces aspiring jazz pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Each Podcast episode explores a specific Jazz Piano Skill in depth. Today, you will discover, learn, and play "September in the Rain." In this Jazz Piano Lesson, you will:

Discover
The classic jazz standard, “September in the Rain”

Learn
Melody, Guide Tones, Fingerings, Phrases, and Target Notes for “September in the Rain”

Play
“September in the Rain” using three different treatments, tempos, and grooves.

Use the Jazz Piano Podcast Packets for this Jazz Piano Lesson for maximum musical growth. All three Podcast Packets are designed to help you gain insight and command of a specific Jazz Piano Skill. The Podcast Packets are invaluable educational tools to have at your fingertips while you discover, learn, and play September in the Rain.

Open Podcast Packets
Illustrations
(detailed graphics of the jazz piano skill)

Lead Sheets
(beautifully notated music lead sheets)

Play Alongs
(ensemble assistance and practice tips)

Educational Support
Community Forum
SpeakPipe

Episode Outline
Introduction
Discover, Learn, Play
Invite to Join Jazz Piano Skills
Lesson Rationale
Exploration of Jazz Piano Skills
Conclusion
Closing Comments

Visit Jazz Piano Skills for more educational resources that include a sequential curriculum with comprehensive Jazz Piano Courses, private and group online Jazz Piano Classes, a private jazz piano community hosting a variety of Jazz Piano Forums, an interactive Jazz Fake Book, plus unlimited professional educational jazz piano support.

If you wish to donate to JazzPianoSkills, you can do so easily through the Jazz Piano Skills Paypal Account.

Thank you for being a Jazz Piano Skills listener. I am pleased to help you discover, learn, and play jazz piano!

Support the show