I’m assuming that many of you are reading this alongside my Learn Jazz Piano online video course and I trust that you have already learned a great deal. However, your studies also need to run alongside other activities in order that your playing evolves.
Here is a 3-point checklist:
1 Listen: In these days of Spotify, iTunes and Internet radio, you have access to jazz in all its forms. When listening to the masters, it’s not always necessary to analyze, or even understand what’s taking place. Just let the music wash over you and I can guarantee that it will subconsciously influence your playing. I’ve provided you with an in-depth, recommended listening list in book 3, chapter 10.
Don’t confine your listening to pianists. You’ll learn just as much from other instrumentalists. I would particularly recommend those other front line players such as sax and trumpet players that play beautiful melodic lines. Here’s a brief list:
• Lester Young
• Louis Armstrong
• Coleman Hawkins
• Ben Webster
• Stan Getz
• Miles Davis
2 Play with others: Improvising should not be just a solo activity. Similarly, playing to backing tracks will only get you so far. So much of jazz is about listening and responding to what is happening in the moment. There is no substitute for this interaction with other musicians.
3 Find a teacher: If there are no private teachers in your area, investigate evening classes, summer schools etc. Just see what’s out there. I can assure you that there are a growing number of like-minded musicians on the same path.