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The ability to play different musical parts in each hand is a common challenge for pianists of all genres. Indeed, hand Independence may be one of the biggest barriers to playing our instrument well but it’s also why people want to learn piano in the first place! Listeners hear all those different notes and rhythms coming from one musician on one instrument and think, "How do they do that?"
Read MoreDiscover the differences between practicing written and improvised music.
Read MoreEvery year around this time, I ask ask students to come up with personalized arrangements of Christmas tunes. The idea is to get them to apply previously-learned creative concepts…
Read MoreHere is my favorite process for getting first-time improvisers to take the plunge.
Read MoreWatch my 12-year-old student tear up a classic blues tune in this throwback video. Notice how he throws in riffs, kicks, an improvised solo, and even a key change along the way without reading music (the music on the stand is a different piece).
Read MoreAs a jazz educator, I am often, “How do you know what notes to play in an improvisation?” Given the many possibilities, it’s tempting to over explain this with overly detailed concepts such as modes, jazz scales, blue notes, chord tones and the like.
Read MoreMy formula for learning or teaching pop tunes by ear is...
Read MoreWhen the shorter days of October turns our minds toward pumpkins, costumes and spooky fun, it's time to make some do-it-yourself scary music.
Read MoreAdd one last touch to your lead sheet masterpiece with a stylish ending.
Read MoreA good musical introduction creates anticipation for the listener by suggesting the key and style of a tune about to be played.
Read MoreAdd improvised pizzazz to the easy rhythms found in beginner tunes by identifying “dot spots.”
Read MoreEliminate the problem of pitch choices by improvising a solo using just one note.
Read MoreHere’s a an easy way to start down the road toward personalizing music with touches of improvisation.
Read MoreTo rhythmically enhance a plain melody, try using the natural rhythms of language.
Read MoreImprovisation begins simply by merely embellishing which means you decorate or enhance a tune you already know.
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