Podcast
Jazz Piano Skills
Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence · EN
A podcast introducing aspiring Jazz Pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Professional Jazz Piano Lessons by Dr. Bob Lawrence, President The Dallas School of Music
22episodes
Episodes
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Over the Rainbow, Melodic Analysis
2d ago00:29:13Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryIn this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores how to make jazz melodies sing on the piano by developing internal listening and melodic phrasing skills. He uses 'Over the Rainbow' as a case study to teach transcription, phrasing, target notes, and improvisation within jazz standards.KeywordsJazz piano, melodic phrasing, 'Over the Rainbow', improvisation, jazz standards, music educationKey TopicsThe importance of internal listening and singing the melodyTranscribing and analyzing 'Over the Rainbow'Identifying melodic phrases and target notesSupporting melody with harmonic voicingsPlaying melodies with different jazz groovesTitlesHow to Make the Piano Sing: Melodic Phrasing in JazzTransform Your Jazz Playing: Singing Through the PianoSound Bites"Your hands should take dictation from your voice""Sing the melody internally before playing it""Let your ears lead your hands, not your eyes"Support the show
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Over the Rainbow, Harmonic Analysis
1w ago00:30:42Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryIn this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the harmonic structure of 'Over the Rainbow,' emphasizing the importance of understanding harmonic function, form, and voicings to deepen jazz piano skills. He guides listeners through practical analysis and exercises to develop harmonic fluency.KeywordsJazz Piano, Harmonic Analysis, Over the Rainbow, Jazz Standards, Music Education, Piano Skills, Chord Voicings, Harmonic Function, Jazz Practice, Music TheoryKey TopicsHarmonic analysis of Over the RainbowThe seven musical facts as foundational truthsForm and structure of jazz standardsHarmonic function and movementVoicing vocabulary and practice techniquesTakeawaysHarmony is movement, not just chords.Understanding harmonic function transforms how you see lead sheets.Deep knowledge of harmonic relationships enhances improvisation.Practicing with purpose deepens musical understanding.The seven musical facts underpin all jazz musicianship.TitlesMastering Jazz Harmony with Over the RainbowDeep Dive into Jazz Harmonic FunctionSound Bites"Harmony creates movement, expectation, and emotion.""Harmony tells the emotional story that the melody sings.""Rhythm gives life to harmony and melody."Support the show
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What Does it Really Mean to Learn Jazz Piano?
2w ago00:40:20Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the fundamental principles of learning jazz piano, emphasizing the importance of understanding, connection, and mastery of core skills over accumulating information. He guides listeners through a process of discovering, learning, and playing that transforms musicianship and personal expression.KeywordsJazz piano, music education, mastery, harmony, melody, rhythm, musicianship, practice, learning processKey TopicsThe importance of organization and understanding in learning jazz pianoThe three core musical skills: harmony, melody, rhythmThe misconception of shortcuts and secrets in jazz educationThe process of discovering, learning, and playing as a growth modelThe relationship between physical command and musical creativityThe irony that mastery involves less, not more, practiceThe importance of deep practice over superficial activityHow understanding relationships simplifies learningThe lifelong journey of jazz musicianshipThe transformation from technical skill to personal expressionTitlesThe True Path to Jazz Piano MasteryDiscover, Learn, Play: The Jazz Piano JourneySound Bites"You cannot creatively play what you cannot physically command""Technique is the vehicle that allows your imagination to become audible""A Bill Evans voicing isn't another subject, it's harmony"Support the show
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Teach Me Tonight, Solo Piano
3w ago00:33:11Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryIn this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the deep connection between melody and harmony in jazz piano. He emphasizes that hearing melody harmonically transforms solo piano playing from simple accompaniment into a complete musical experience.KeywordsJazz Piano, Harmony, Melody, Solo Piano, Music Theory, Improvisation, Music EducationKey TopicsThe relationship between melody and harmonyHow to see melody harmonicallyHarmonic shapes and structuresThe role of tension tones and colorTransforming lead sheets into musical storiesTitlesSeeing Melody and Harmony as One in Jazz PianoTransform Your Solo Piano with Harmonic ThinkingSound Bites"Improvisation develops by seeing harmony melodically""The melody note is part of the harmony""Harmony and melody are not separate musical events"Support the show
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Teach Me Tonight, Improvisation
Jun 1700:41:21Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryIn this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, emphasizing the importance of harmonic awareness, shapes, motion, and rhythm. He guides listeners through a process-based approach to improvisation, focusing on harmonic shapes and melodic development from Teach Me Tonight.KeywordsJazz improvisation, harmonic shapes, melodic motion, rhythm, jazz piano, improvisation process, Teach Me TonightKey TopicsHarmonic awareness as the foundation of improvisationThe misconception that scales are the starting pointMelody flows from harmony, not scalesSeeing harmonic shapes instantly at the keyboardHarmonic arpeggios as a tool for improvisationCreating melodic motion from harmonic structuresThe importance of rhythm in improvisationThe process of transforming harmonic shapes into melodic linesThe seven facts of music as a guiding frameworkDeveloping improvisational vocabulary through processTakeawaysImprovisation is organized musical thinking, not guessing.Melody emerges from harmonic shapes, not from memorized scales.Seeing harmonic shapes instantly is crucial for improvisation.Focus on shapes, motion, and rhythm, not just notes.Harmonic arpeggios support melodic development.Transform harmonic structures into melodic lines naturally.Rhythm animates melodic motion, making it compelling.The process approach allows for creative freedom and vocabulary building.Understanding the shape and motion simplifies improvisation.Practice transforming harmonic shapes into melodic ideas.TitlesMastering Jazz Improvisation: Shapes, Motion, and RhythmThe Organizing Principles of Jazz ImprovisationSound Bites"Melody flows from harmony, not scales.""See the shape, create motion, apply rhythm.""Improvisation begins long before scales."Support the show
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Teach Me Tonight, Melodic Analysis
Jun 1000:37:05Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryIn this lesson, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the importance of melody in jazz improvisation, analyzing 'Teach Me Tonight' to uncover how melody organizes musical motion, communicates story, and enhances improvisation skills. KeywordsJazz piano, melody analysis, improvisation, Teach Me Tonight, musical storytelling, melodic development, jazz education Key TopicsMelodic development in jazzAnalyzing jazz melodiesImprovisation and melody relationshipTitlesUnlocking the Secrets of Jazz Melody: Teach Me Tonight AnalysisHow Melody Shapes Jazz Improvisation: A Deep Dive into Teach Me Tonight Sound Bites"Great improvisation grows out of melody.""Melody teaches us how musical ideas breathe.""Study melody to understand musical motion."Support the show
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Teach Me Tonight, Harmonic Analysis
Jun 300:31:02Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityEvery month at Jazz Piano Skills, we begin a new tune study by doing what every serious jazz musician should do first—understand the harmony.In this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence launches a month-long study of the classic standard Teach Me Tonight with a thorough harmonic analysis of the tune. You'll explore the form, chord changes, harmonic function, common progressions, and voicing structures that provide the foundation for confident jazz piano performance.More importantly, Dr. Bob addresses a question every musician eventually faces:"How do I know when I've finished learning a tune?"The answer reveals one of the most important truths in music education: the tune is never the goal—the musician is the goal.Through this discussion, you'll discover why growth requires movement, why studying new tunes strengthens essential skills, and how every tune ultimately points us back to the fundamentals and the Seven Facts of Music.In This Episode• Why musicians should continue moving forward instead of waiting to "finish" a tune • The difference between learning tunes and developing musicianship • The form and harmonic architecture of Teach Me Tonight• Harmonic function and common chord progressions found throughout the tune• Block voicings, shell voicings, and two-handed voicing applications• The Seven Facts of Music and how they appear in every tune you study• Practical practice strategies for developing transferable jazz piano skillsEducational Materials IncludedJazz Piano Skills members have access to the complete lesson packet featuring:• Harmonic analysis worksheets• Lead sheets and illustrations• Voicing studies• Practice guides• Play-along tracks• Masterclass support materialsKey TakeawayThe tune changes. The skills remain.The goal is never to complete a tune. The goal is to become a more complete musician.Join Dr. Bob as he explores the harmonic foundation of Teach Me Tonight and demonstrates how great tune study leads directly to stronger jazz piano skills, deeper musical understanding, and greater artistic freedom.Discover. Learn. Play. Jazz Piano.Support the show
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I've Got the World on a String, Solo Piano
May 2700:30:35Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsLead SheetsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence brings the monthly tune study of “I’ve Got the World on a String” to its final and most practical stage — solo piano application. Building on the harmonic analysis, melodic analysis, and improvisation development explored throughout the month, this lesson focuses on organizing harmony, melody, rhythm, and improvisation into complete solo jazz piano performance approaches.Dr. Lawrence explains why solo piano is often overwhelming for students and reveals the key truth that simplifies the process: solo piano is not about complexity — it is about organization. Through clear and sequential instruction, you will explore four foundational solo piano approaches:• Foundational Approach — Voicings and Melody• Strum Approach — Freddie Green–style rhythmic comping• Stride Approach — Walking tenths and traditional stride movement• Bass Approach — Walking bass lines beneath the melodyUsing “I’ve Got the World on a String” as the study vehicle, Dr. Lawrence demonstrates how each approach develops independence, rhythmic stability, and musical organization one phrase at a time.In this episode, you will:• Learn why solo piano must be developed sequentially• Discover how harmony organizes sound, melody organizes motion, and rhythm organizes time• Apply the Seven Facts of Music to solo piano development• Practice solo piano through manageable musical phrases rather than overwhelming full arrangements• Develop practical left-hand approaches for supporting melody and improvisation• Gain a clear roadmap for organizing harmony, melody, rhythm, and improvisation simultaneouslyWhether you are a beginner, intermediate player, advanced musician, or seasoned professional, this lesson provides practical, organized, and musical approaches for developing authentic solo jazz piano skills.If you are a Jazz Piano Skills member, be sure to download the educational podcast packets, lead sheets, illustrations, and play-alongs that accompany this episode.Have fun as you discover, learn, and play jazz piano!Keywords: Jazz Piano, Solo Jazz Piano, Jazz Piano Lessons, I’ve Got the World on a String, Stride Piano, Walking Bass, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Harmony, Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence, Solo Piano Approaches, Jazz Piano PodcastSupport the show
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I've Got the World on a String, Improvisation
May 2000:24:18Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityMastering Jazz Improvisation: A Comprehensive Guide to Melodic MovementDiscover how to enhance your jazz improvisation skills through melodic movement and rhythmic control. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and musicians looking to elevate their performance.Improvisation in jazz is often misunderstood. Many believe it’s about spontaneous creation, but the reality is much more structured. In this guide, we’ll explore how to develop your jazz improvisational skills using melodic movement within harmonic shapes, focusing on rhythm and intentionality.Understanding Improvisation in JazzImprovisation is not random; it’s organized musical thought expressed in real-time. This structured approach is crucial for developing essential jazz piano skills. We will discuss the importance of harmony, melody, and rhythm in creating coherent improvisations.Why Structure Matters in Improvisation- Harmonic Understanding: The foundation of your improvisation lies in understanding harmony. If your harmonic knowledge is weak, your improvisation will lack clarity.- Melodic Motion: Moving melodically through harmonic shapes is essential. This involves targeting chord tones and moving with intention.- Rhythmic Control: Rhythm breathes life into your music, giving it shape and momentum. Focusing on upbeats and downbeats is key to making your improvisation sound musical.Developing Your Improvisational VocabularyTo enhance your improvisational skills, we will explore various techniques to develop your melodic vocabulary.Step 1: Focus on Harmonic Shapes- Why It Matters: Understanding harmonic shapes helps you organize sound effectively.- How to Practice: Identify common chord progressions and practice improvising over them. Use scales and arpeggios to find your way through the harmony.- Common Mistake: Don’t just memorize licks without context; instead, understand the harmony behind them.Step 2: Emphasize Melodic Movement- Why It Matters: Melody organizes motion, guiding the listener through your improvisation.- How to Practice: Use targeted notes within your melodic phrases. Practice moving between different melodic motifs to create variety.- Example: Explore melodic motifs over the chord changes of “I’ve Got the World on a String.”Step 3: Master Rhythmic Control- Why It Matters:** Rhythm is the engine of your musical phrases.- How to Practice:** Focus on controlling the placement of your notes within the measure. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns to find what feels natural.- Example:** Practice alternating between upbeats and downbeats to develop a sense of timing.Key Takeaways for Effective Improvisation1. Organize Your Thoughts: Improvisation is about clarity, not chaos.2. Practice with Purpose: Develop your skills with intentional practice.3. Listen and Learn: Immerse yourself in the music of great jazz musicians to understand how they use improvisation.ConclusionMastering jazz improvisation requires a structured approach that emphasizes harmony, melody, and rhythm. By focusing on these elements, you’ll develop a more coherent and musical improvisation style. Remember, improvisation is not about playing more notes; it’s about playing with intention and clarity.If you want to dive deeper into this topic, consider becoming a member of Jazz Piano Skills for access to exclusive content and resources.Support the show
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I've Got the World on a String, Melodic Analysis
May 1300:26:35Tap to summarizePodcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryDr. Bob Lawrence explores melodic analysis of 'I've Got the World on a String,' emphasizing the importance of melody, phrases, target notes, and musical expression in jazz piano. The episode covers practical techniques for transcribing melodies, understanding their movement, and applying different musical treatments like ballad, bossa, and swing.KeywordsJazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Musical Phrases, Target Notes, Jazz Standards, Improvisation, Music EducationKey TopicsMelodic analysis of 'I've Got the World on a String'Importance of phrases and target notesApplying different groove treatments: ballad, bossa, swingTitlesMastering Melodic Phrases in Jazz StandardsUnlocking the Secrets of 'I've Got the World on a String'Sound Bites"Melody gives a tune its identity and emotional impact""Great melodies move intentionally, not randomly""Rhythm gives the melody life and expression"Support the show
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