Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
harmony, music theory, musical notes, subjective experience, good harmony, bad harmony

Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the concept of harmony in music, explaining that it is defined as the sound produced when two or more notes are played together. He emphasizes the subjective nature of harmony, noting that what one person may consider good harmony, another may find unpleasant. The discussion touches on the complexities of musical harmony and the potential for deeper exploration in future conversations.

Takeaways
Harmony is defined as the sound of two or more notes played together.
The perception of harmony can vary from person to person.
Good harmony is subjective and can differ based on individual taste.
Musical harmony can be a complex topic worthy of deeper discussion.
The exploration of harmony can lead to discussions about music theory.
Understanding harmony is fundamental to music composition.
The relationship between notes can create different emotional responses.
Musicians often debate what constitutes good versus bad harmony.
Harmony can be both a technical and an artistic concept.
Future discussions could delve deeper into the nuances of harmony.

Titles
Exploring the Essence of Harmony
The Subjective Nature of Musical Harmony

Sound bites
"Harmony is the sound of two or more notes played together."
"What constitutes good harmony versus bad harmony?"

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
jazz piano, improvisation, musical facts, harmonic analysis, melodic analysis, improvisation trees, jazz skills, music education, tangerine, jazz vocabulary

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the intricacies of jazz piano improvisation, focusing on the concept of improvisation trees. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the seven musical facts, harmonic and melodic analysis, and intentional practice to enhance improvisational skills. The episode includes practical demonstrations and encourages listeners to engage with the material through listening and structured practice.

Takeaways
Improvisation should not sound like running scales.
Intentional practice incorporates essential musical elements.
Music is a balance of sound and silence.
Listening to various artists enhances learning.
Constructing improvisation trees aids in developing jazz vocabulary.
Understanding harmonic and melodic analysis is crucial.
Rhythmic variation adds interest to improvisation.
Melodic direction should be intentional in improvisation.
Practice routines must be structured and intentional.
Engagement with the material leads to musical growth.

Titles
Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills
Mastering Improvisation in Jazz

Sound bites
"Stop running scales."
"Intentional practice is key."
"You will learn something from everyone."

Support the show

Keywords
Jazz, Piano, Music Education, Jazz Piano Skills, Musical Journey, Influences, Practice, Learning, Community, Listening

Takeaways
Lisa's mother was a significant influence on her love for music.
She grew up in a musically rich environment with classical and jazz influences.
Lisa's journey into jazz began in college with a history of jazz class.
She moved to New York to pursue her passion for music and art.
Practicing consistently is a challenge for many musicians, including Lisa.
Listening to various musicians is crucial for understanding jazz.
It's important to start where you are in your musical journey.
The Jazz Piano Skills community is supportive and welcoming.
Curating a listening list involves careful selection and consideration.
Lisa emphasizes the importance of making beautiful sounds on the piano.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Lisa shares her profound journey through music, highlighting the significant influence of her mother, her experiences in jazz education, and the challenges of practicing jazz. She emphasizes the importance of community in learning and the joy of making beautiful sounds on the piano. Lisa also discusses her role in curating the listening list for the Jazz Piano Skills community, showcasing her dedication to sharing music with others.

Titles
From Classical to Jazz: A Musical Journey
The Influence of Family in Music

Sound bites
"I love jazz piano skills!"
"I want to make beautiful sounds."
"I wish she was here to see this."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jazz Piano Skills Community
01:33 Lisa's Musical Background and Influences
11:18 Journey into Jazz Education
17:06 Moving to New York and Musical Growth
28:50 Challenges in Jazz Practice and Learning
35:23 Advice for Jazz Beginners
51:49 Curating the Listening List for Jazz Piano Skills
57:51 Conclusion and Reflections on Musical Journey

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Music Education, Jazz Standards, Practice Strategies, Improvisation, Music Theory, Jazz Techniques, Learning Jazz, Piano Skills

Takeaways
Establish a well-structured practice strategy for success.
Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial.
Listening to jazz is essential for developing musicality.
Transcribing melodies by ear enhances learning.
Melodic interpretation allows for personal expression.
Practice phrases and target notes for better melody execution.
Utilize various voicings to enrich melodic playing.
Experiment with different tempos and styles.
Engage with the jazz community for support and feedback.
Continuous learning and exploration are key to mastering jazz.

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the importance of melodic analysis in jazz piano. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding the seven facts of music, establishing a solid practice strategy, and the role of listening in developing musicality. The discussion includes a detailed exploration of the tune 'Tangerine,' focusing on melodic interpretation, voicings, and various styles and tempos. The episode concludes with encouragement for continuous learning and engagement with the jazz community.

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

Sound bites
"The answer is one word: Listen."
"Listening is so important."
"Enjoy the sounds of jazz. Enjoy the tune."

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
jazz piano, music education, harmony, melody, improvisation, chord voicing, jazz standards, Tangerine, music theory, piano skills

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the essential skills needed for jazz piano, emphasizing a structured approach to learning tunes. The discussion covers the importance of harmony, melody, and improvisation, framed within the seven facts of music. The episode focuses on the classic jazz standard 'Tangerine,' exploring its harmonic analysis, unique chord changes, and voicing techniques. Listeners are encouraged to practice harmonic motion patterns to develop muscle memory and improve their playing. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Jazz Piano Skills community for further learning and support.

Takeaways
Skill-centric is the key to learning jazz piano.
Tunes illuminate our weaknesses in playing.
Understanding music requires articulating its fundamental concepts.
The seven facts of music provide a framework for learning.
Circle motion is the most common harmonic movement in jazz.
Only two notes move in a circle motion progression.
Tangerine follows an A, B, A, C form structure.
Practice harmonic motion patterns to develop muscle memory.
Hearing tonic is essential for understanding harmonic movement.
Block voicings are effective for supporting melody and improvisation.

Titles
Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Comprehensive Guide
Mastering Harmony, Melody, and Improvisation

Sound bites
"Skill-centric is the key."
"Tunes illuminate our weaknesses."
"Tangerine has an A, B, A, C form."

Support the show

Keywords
Jazz Piano, improvisation, harmony, chords, voicings, practice, learning, techniques, repertoire, jazz standards

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores common questions related to jazz piano, covering a wide range of topics from fundamental techniques to improvisation, harmony, and repertoire. The discussion is structured around seven categories of questions, providing insights and practical advice for jazz pianists at all levels. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding musical concepts, practicing effectively, and the value of both listening and playing in the learning process.

Takeaways
The importance of engaging your ears while practicing scales.
Using backing tracks can help develop your internal sense of time.
Memorization is less effective than understanding harmonic function.
Improvisation should start with chord tones, not scales.
Inversions are crucial for smooth chord transitions.
Shell voicings are essential for jazz pianists.
Transcribing melodies is more beneficial than memorizing solos.
Practice should be structured with clear objectives.
Recording your practice sessions helps track improvement.
Listening is as important as practicing in jazz education.

Titles
Jazz Piano Skills: Common Questions Answered
Unlocking Jazz Piano: Insights and Techniques

Sound bites
"One tune is all that you need."
"Record yourself. Make it a habit."
"You need to do both."

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Harmony, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Melodic Ideas, Music Theory, Piano Practice, Jazz Standards, Music Mastery

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the intricacies of jazz improvisation and harmony. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the seven facts of music, defining improvisation, and the core elements that contribute to effective improvisation. The episode provides a structured approach to practicing improvisation, focusing on harmonic structures and melodic ideas, and highlights the significance of connecting different harmonic zones. Listeners are encouraged to embrace creativity within limitations and to enjoy the journey of discovering, learning, and playing jazz piano.

Takeaways
Improvisation is the art of creating melodies spontaneously.
Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for jazz musicians.
Your hands and ears can never go where they've never been before.
Improvisation is not an abstract concept; it's a skill that can be practiced.
Creativity thrives within limitations.
The chords provide the framework for improvisation.
Practice connecting harmonic zones to enhance improvisation skills.
Focus on mastering one harmonic shape before expanding to others.
Recording your improvisation can help track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Enjoy the process of learning and playing jazz piano.

Titles
Mastering Jazz Piano Improvisation
The Art of Jazz Improvisation

Sound bites
"How do I practice improvisation?"
"Creativity is a product of limitation."
"Enjoy improvisation and have fun!"

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Harmonic Analysis, Melodic Analysis, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Blue Bossa, Music Practice, Jazz Learning, Music Theory

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence guides listeners through the essential components of jazz piano improvisation, focusing on the tune 'Blue Bossa.' The conversation covers harmonic and melodic analysis, the importance of a structured practice plan, and the ten signs of trouble in learning jazz. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the significance of improvisation development, the seven musical facts, and the necessity of making music beyond just playing tunes. The episode concludes with practical techniques for improvisation using harmonic shapes, encouraging listeners to explore their creativity within structured constraints.

Takeaways
Improvisation skills are essential for jazz musicians.
Understanding harmonic and melodic analysis is crucial.
The seven musical facts guide our musical thought process.
A structured practice plan prevents feelings of overwhelm.
Neglecting foundational skills leads to frustration.
Making music involves more than just playing songs.
Active listening is key to learning jazz tunes.
Creativity thrives within self-imposed constraints.
Recording oneself is vital for growth and assessment.
Jazz learning is a journey that requires patience and planning.

Titles
Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Comprehensive Guide
Mastering Improvisation: The Key to Jazz Piano

Sound bites
"A plan must be in place."
"Your musical growth is inevitable."
"Melody flows from harmony."

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Blue Bossa, Jazz Education, Practice Strategy, Improvisation, Music Theory, Jazz Skills, Learning Jazz, Piano Techniques

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the importance of melodic analysis in jazz piano, focusing on the standard 'Blue Bossa.' He discusses the foundational skills necessary for effective practice strategies, the seven facts of music, and common pitfalls that jazz learners should avoid. The episode culminates in a detailed melodic analysis of 'Blue Bossa,' exploring various treatments and interpretations of the piece.

Takeaways
Melodic analysis is crucial for understanding jazz standards.
A proper conceptual understanding of music is essential for effective practice.
Many jazz learners fall into the trap of information gathering without a plan.
Practice sessions should be focused and not overly long.
Playing songs alone is not enough to improve jazz skills.
The seven facts of music are foundational to jazz learning.
Understanding target notes in melodies enhances performance.
Different treatments of a tune can lead to greater improvisational skills.
Membership in Jazz Piano Skills offers valuable resources and support.
Consistent practice and a structured approach lead to success in jazz piano.

Titles
Mastering Melodic Analysis in Jazz Piano
The Seven Facts of Music Explained

Sound bites
"Music and skills shake hands; they are partners."
"People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan."
"Neglecting the grunt work leads to frustration."

Support the show

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Blue Bossa, Jazz Skills, Music Education, Piano Techniques, Improvisation, Harmony, Melody, Jazz Standards, Music Theory

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence celebrates the 300th episode and emphasizes the importance of skill-centric learning in jazz piano. He introduces the new tune study of 'Blue Bossa' and discusses the essential skills needed to play jazz, organized into three camps: harmony, melody, and improvisation. The episode also covers the seven facts of music, the benefits of membership in the Jazz Piano Skills community, and answers a listener's question about embellishing melodies. The episode concludes with a harmonic analysis of 'Blue Bossa' and a reminder to enjoy the process of learning jazz piano.

Takeaways
Celebrating the 300th episode of Jazz Piano Skills.
Skill-centric learning is essential for mastering jazz piano.
Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for practice.
Each month, a new tune is studied to enhance skills.
The three camps of jazz skills are harmony, melody, and improvisation.
Embellishing melodies is a foundational aspect of improvisation.
Practicing fragments of a tune can lead to faster results.
Making music should be the goal, not just practicing techniques.
'Blue Bossa' is a simple yet beautiful jazz standard to learn.
Engagement in the Jazz Piano Skills community enhances learning.

Titles
Celebrating 300 Episodes of Jazz Piano Skills
The Key to Skill-Centric Learning in Jazz

Sound bites
"We're just getting started!"
"Skill-centric is the key."
"Music is the production of sound and silence."

Support the show