Further Lessons - Jazz Up Your Piano Skills

In the world of music, jazz is on top of the pedestal not only because of its sophisticated, upbeat, and classy style, but also because it is not very easy to learn. Not all musicians can play jazz music. But, of course, it doesn’t mean that you can’t learn it. In fact, more and more novice pianists are taking interest in jazz because of its peculiarity and versatility. It has this inherently colorful vibe that just makes a room come alive. They say that jazz musicians are happy musicians because they have the liberty to express their emotions in their own style at their own pace and rhythm.

Jazz pianists simply have the freedom to spice up their music by dramatically changing the style and speed of the song as they play it. Jazz musicians refer to this as a "dynamic newness" because they can play the same song with a different style each time. But the defining component of jazz really is piano improvisation. Improvisation because jazz does not strictly conform to accepted musical tones. Instead, this unique style thrives on musical diversity and continues to evolve, seeking new levels of musical expression.

Because of its diversity and often puzzling style, many musicians try to steer clear of jazz because it is not easy to learn. But it also doesn't mean that it's impossible to learn. Learning jazz piano can be very intimidating at first, but when you get through the hard part but when you get through the hard part it can become as easy and natural as navigating iPhones or o2 phones, you'll rise with pride and a genuine sense of accomplishment. After all, not every one can play (and has enough patience) to learn jazz piano.

A good musician should have a good sense of hearing because listening is a very important element in learning and making music. You cannot appreciate and magically learn to play a melody if you have defective hearing. Listen to as many recordings of jazz artists as you can. Don't limit yourself to the music of your generation. Go back in time and you'll be surprised at the number of very good jazz pianists and excellent jazz music out there. While enjoying the music, you may list down some of your favorite artists and music, and start focusing on their style, which you can apply later as you create your own composition.

Indeed, one effective way to learn jazz is to expose yourself to the different styles and techniques of great jazz musicians, especially the pianists. You will speed up your learning process by trying to play more or less like them. You can always incorporate your own style later and make your own kind of wonderful music. Some famous contemporary jazz pianists have proudly proclaimed their music have been influenced by great jazz artists in the past. From that influence, they gradually develop their style and even concocted their own sounds, pushing the boundaries of music.

It is also very important that you not only familiarize your mind, your ears, and your fingers but, most importantly, master all the 12 major scales. If you want to get serious with jazz piano, experts advise that you learn how to read sheet music --- although there are some really talented musicians who can play jazz piano by ear. If you know the rules of piano playing, it will be much easier for you to break them and make your own.

It would also help a lot if you buy and start "reading" a songbook of the masters of jazz piano like Cole Porter. Choose one with the chord symbols written above the melody. Then you may start looking for a song you want to play. Tip: start with one that has simple chords. You can do the complicated ones later. When you've chosen your song, study all the chord symbols first so you will be able to play smoothly later. After you've done that, start playing the melody line with your right hand and the corresponding chords with the left.

Also master your chords. Having sound knowledge and understanding of piano chords is essential in playing jazz music. When you're confident enough to play the simple chords, start learning chord inversions like (C, E, G, B), (E, G, B, C), (G, B, C, E) and (B, C, E, G). Then study the pentatonic scale of your favorite key. And add in a couple of notes from it into a song you've been practicing. To personalize the music to your own style, add some more, and take out some of the original notes and replace them with your own improvisations. Study the chord sequences in the songs you're playing. Try and merge one from one song into another. Try to experiment playing one song in different keys to create a unique, nontraditional sound that is typical of jazz music.

Jazz pianists have mastered a common technique that makes them effortlessly create spontaneous rhythmic music that is infused with passion and emotion. First and foremost, in playing jazz piano, musicians have conditioned their mind’s ears to provide a swinging rhythm. They create that pattern mimicking a combination of a cymbal ride and the walking bass. That technique is executed by striking a beat with the hand right after a weaker beat with the left. Note that it is always the right hand that plays the melody or solo improvisation. While the pianist is doing all that finger calisthenics, he or she should also be able to establish guide tones for chord changes. Not easy, is it? But experienced jazz pianists have a way of tackling everything by holding both hands together in a forklike manner with the index finger and the third finger forming a central group, while the fourth and little fingers are spread outwards. This hand positioning allows the pianist to play the bass notes with the left branch, the upper lines of the melody by the right branch, while the middle group controls the guide tones.

With all the techniques you need to master, playing jazz on the piano can be daunting. But if upbeat and offbeat rhythm thrills you, then maybe you were born to play jazz. Why not give it a try and see what type of jazz piano music you can come up with?