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Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Embraceable You, Jazz Harmony, Music Education, Jazz Techniques, Improvisation, Music Analysis, Jazz Standards, Piano Skills, Music Practice

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces a new tune study focusing on the jazz standard 'Embraceable You' by George Gershwin. The discussion covers the importance of intentional study, the seven facts of music, and a deep dive into harmonic and melodic analysis. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the significance of movement in jazz harmony and provides practical techniques for voicings and improvisation. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the material and continue their jazz piano journey.

Takeaways
A new month signals a new tune study.
The study system allows for a huge return on investment.
Real practice involves exploring essential jazz skills.
Jazz harmony is defined by the movement of notes.
Listening to various artists is crucial for learning.
Understanding harmonic function enhances musicality.
Common progressions are foundational in jazz standards.
Voicings can be simplified for clarity and movement.
Two-handed voicings are essential for ensemble playing.
Engagement with the material leads to meaningful growth.

Titles
Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: Embraceable You
The Art of Jazz Harmony: Movement Over Notes

Sound bites
"Incorrect thinking leads nowhere."
"Movement gives us music."
"Listening is so important."

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Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Solo Piano Techniques, Music Education, Jazz Standards, Improvisation, Harmonic Analysis, Melodic Analysis, Jazz Skills, Piano Practice, Music Theory

Takeaways
Solo piano requires a commitment to mastering essential skills.
The study of jazz piano is organized into four key areas.
Time, harmony, and melody are the three non-negotiables in solo piano.
Strum, stride, and slide are foundational techniques for solo piano.
Listening to recordings is crucial for developing musical skills.
Clear and intentional voicings are more important than complex ones.
Melody should be treated with expression to convey jazz effectively.
Practice should focus on small phrases rather than entire songs.
The left hand's role is to support time and harmony, not fill space.
Progress in jazz piano comes from consistent practice and application.

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the essential techniques for mastering solo piano, focusing on the three non-negotiables: time, harmony, and melody. The discussion includes practical applications of strum, stride, and slide techniques using the jazz standard 'Stars Fell on Alabama.' Listeners are encouraged to practice small phrases and emphasize listening to recordings to enhance their skills. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of consistent practice and the joy of discovering jazz piano.

Titles
Mastering Solo Piano Techniques
The Essentials of Jazz Piano Skills

Sound bites
"Melody should be treated with expression."
"The left hand supports time and harmony."
"Progress comes from consistent practice."

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Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence dives deep into the art of improvisation, focusing on the classic tune "Stars Fell on Alabama." He outlines a structured approach to jazz piano that spans over three weeks, emphasizing harmonic and melodic analysis before honing in on improvisation skills. Dr. Lawrence introduces the concept of melodic pathways, which serve as a framework for improvisation, allowing musicians to create meaningful musical phrases that build upon the melody rather than stray from it. He stresses the importance of understanding the melody as a continuous thread throughout the improvisational process, encouraging players to think of improvisation as an extension of the melody rather than a departure from it.

Keywords
jazz piano, improvisation, melodic pathways, Stars Fell on Alabama, jazz skills, music education, Dr. Bob Lawrence, jazz analysis, piano techniques, music theory

Takeaways

• The melody never ends; improvisation is a continuation of it.
• Improvisation without direction is just doodling.
• Melodic pathways provide a structured approach to improvisation.

Titles

• Unlocking Jazz Improvisation: Melodic Pathways Explored
• Continuing the Melody: Mastering Jazz Improvisation

Sound Bites

• "The melody never ends."
• "Improvisation without direction is doodling."
• "Melodic pathways teach you how to think like a jazz musician."

Support the show