Jazz Blog Posts

Have you ever wondered, what’s nu jazz? What’s so special about it? Well then, let’s discuss and learn more. What’s Nu Jazz Anyway? Have you heard some sophistically produced electronic dance music with real heavy elements of jazz? This is a simplistic explanation of Nu Jazz. End of story? Not quite. Check this out: There’s…

How useful are diminished and augmented chords? They are very, very useful. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use diminished and augmented chords to take your playing to the next level. Let’s get started. What Are Diminished And Augmented Chords? In basic piano chord theory, diminished and augmented chords are considered dissonant triads. At…

Would you like to learn how to play in unusual time signatures? You’re in the right place. Here’s a lesson on how to play with a very different feel from the usual fare. This tutorial will give you the same skills that legends like Dave Brubeck and the Mahavishnu Orchestra use to navigate odd time.…

In today’s lesson, we’ll celebrate the life of Ramsey Lewis. What would be more proper to honor his legacy than by learning some of his piano vocabulary? Let’s get started. Listen To Ramsey Lewis Play Love’s Serenade Before we dive deeper, let’s listen to Ramsey Lewis playing the entire tune in this studio recording: Now,…

Are you looking for a walking bass line tutorial? It’s a good thing you stopped by. In this tutorial, you’ll learn an effective approach to playing a walking bass line. Learning how to write them helps you add interest to your jazz comping. Let’s get started. Why Should You Start Your Walking Bass Line With Roots…

Would you like to learn some Rocket Man Piano Solo licks by Elton John? You’re in the right place. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play 2 Elton John licks from a live version of “Rocket Man”. These licks will help you develop chops for awesome piano soloing. Let’s get started. Elton John’s Rocket…

Would you like to learn how a Bruce Hornsby The Way It Is piano solo is made? You’re in the right place. Incorporating some of Bruce Hornsby The Way It Is piano licks will spice up your playing. Let’s get started. Bruce Hornsby The Way It Is Piano Solo Example Before you explore some Bruce…

Are you having a hard time achieving piano hand independence? Would you like to discover great exercises to develop that important skill? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, we’ll take a look at plenty of piano hand independence exercises. These tricks will give you the confidence to play independent left and right…

Want to learn some “Fallin’” Alicia Keys Piano Licks? You’re in the right place. In this lesson, you’re going to learn some licks and techniques from a live performance of “Fallin”. These techniques will get your solo piano playing in great shape and wow your audience. Let’s get started. How To Play “Fallin’” Alicia Keys…

Would you like to learn some Billy Joel piano licks? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you will learn a couple of licks from live performances by the Piano Man himself. These licks will help you take your soloing to another level. Let’s get started. How To Play A Billy Joel Piano…

Would you like to learn how to solo like jazz legend Mary Lou Williams? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you’ll learn awesome licks from the missionary of jazz. These will help you learn how to improvise awesome solos. It’s the stuff of legend that helped mentor legends like Miles Davis, Bud…

Do you want to learn some Ben Folds piano licks & techniques? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, we’re going to breakdown 2 of Ben Folds piano licks. These licks will upgrade your improv skills in rock, pop, blues, and even jazz. Let’s get started. Here’s How This Ben Folds Piano Lick…

Are you a  beginner jazz piano player who needs advice on where to start? You’re in the right place. In this lesson today, we’re going to teach you the basics of what every aspiring jazz pianist must know to sound great playing jazz. You’re going to explore 2 great songs to start your beginner jazz…

Tired of the uninspiring music during the holidays? Want to learn a fresh-sounding Frosty The Snowman piano arrangement? Let’s get you inspired. Take a look at how Lewis learned a tasty and jazzy Frosty The Snowman piano arrangement below. Frosty The Snowman Piano Demonstration Before you start exploring Frosty The Snowman piano reworks, listen to…

Would you like to learn some practical piano chord theory. If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you’re going to learn some piano chord theory principles that you can use to make better music. Let’s get started. How To Learn Practical Piano Chord Theory Basics With piano chord theory, you can…

Would you like to learn how to sound like Marian McPartland? You’re in for a treat.  In this lesson, you’re going to discover some Marian McPartland piano jazz moves through her tune “A Delicate Balance”. These piano techniques will help you be as expressive as the first lady of jazz. Let’s get started. Marian McPartland…

Would you like to learn how to play piano by ear?You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to start picking out tunes by listening You’ll also learn common patterns and techniques to speed up the process. Let’s get started. 1. The Most Important Skill To Learn How To Play Piano…

Would you like to learn some legendary blues riffs for piano.You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, we’ll explore riffs from two amazing pros. Let’s get started. How To Play Turnarounds With Some Flashy Blues Riffs For Piano The first among our blues riffs for piano is this really flashy turnaround phrase from…

Would you like to learn how to use Middle Eastern scales in jazz piano? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you will learn 5 Middle Eastern scales. You can use these scales to come up with interesting licks and improv. These scales will be most helpful in soloing over standards like Caravan…

Would you like to learn how to create your own jazz composition properly? You’re in the right place. In this lesson, you’ll discover 7 aspects of what makes a great jazz tune. Let’s get started. How To Properly Craft A Jazz Composition Video Before going any deeper, take 7 minutes to watch how Steve discusses…

We’re excited to announce that we’ve just added superstar Ben Paterson to our 1 on 1 jazz faculty in the Jazz Inner Circle. To celebrate we’ll take a look at 2018 Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Competition winner Ben Paterson’s excellent take on a Stevie Wonder classic. Let’s get started. Isn’t She Lovely Piano Performance…

Would you like to learn some neat boogie woogie blues patterns? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you’ll learn some useful boogie woogie tricks to spice up your technique. Let’s get started. How Pine Top Smith Jump Starts Jump Steady Blues Before we dig into some Boogie Woogie blues piano techniques, listen…

Would you like to learn how to play a traditional Christian hymn in a gospel jazz piano style? You’re in the right place. In this lesson, we’re going to talk about a couple of techniques you can use to spice up the hymnal. Let’s get started. “I Surrender All” Gospel Jazz Piano Sheet Music Before…

Would you like to learn effective ways to deal with performance anxiety? Are you one of those people who sound excellent in the practice room yet fail in front of an audience? Here’s a lesson that will help you learn how to perform without worry or fear. In the video below, Steve teaches one of…

Would you like to learn some Robert Glasper piano licks? You’re in the right place for today’s Robert Glasper piano tutorial. You can perform some hip-sounding improv over minor chords with these licks. Let’s get started. Robert Glasper Piano Performance Example In the example below, let’s listen to how Robert Glasper solos over the Radiohead…

Would you like to learn some Tommy Flanagan piano licks and take your chops to another level? You’ve come to the right place. These awesome bebop licks will make you sound great over many jazz tunes. Let’s get started. Listen To Tommy Flanagan Playing “Raincheck” Before proceeding to learn 5 of Tommy Flanagan’s licks, check…

Would you like to learn some Hiromi piano licks to spice up your improv? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you’re going to learn four licks that I transcribed from a live version of “Time Out”. These jazz licks sound really great and can make your piano solos memorable. Let’s get started.…

Do you feel like you’re in a piano rut? Do you ever feel stuck or sick of the way you sound? Don’t worry it’s common.  I’ve experienced it too. But there are some tricks to break free. So, today I want to share with you 3 things I do to get out of a rut. …

Do you feel there’s not enough time in the world to do what you need to do? Would you like to learn successful time management techniques and practice jazz piano smarter? If so, this is the lesson for you. In this lesson, we’re going to explore 3 tips to make the most out of your…

Would you like to learn a fast and easy way to use drop 2 voicings? Want to move away from your ordinary triads in your comping? If so, this is the lesson for you. In this lesson, you’re going to learn a quick way to get those drop 2 voicings under your fingers. With these…

We’re going to talk simple music math. But, I promise you it will help your groove. I’ll make it easy. To get you started here’s a couple videos  I created where I talk about groove and syncopation.  ==> How To Make Your Melodies Swing Better <==   ==> 2 Syncopation Tricks For Your Left Hand  <==…

Would you like to learn how to figure out chord scales? Want to learn some neat tricks to fatten up your melodies? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you’ll learn a technique for fattening up your melodies. It works on any scale over any chord. Let’s dig in. Why You’re Having Trouble…

Would you like to learn some neat jazz pentatonic scale hacks? You’re in the right place. In this lesson, you are going to learn pentatonic scale tricks that sound great in solos. These hacks spice up improv lines. You can use them over many tunes. Let’s go deeper into these jazz pentatonic scale hacks. How…

Would you like to learn how to improvise for real? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson, you will learn all about unlocking your potential as an improviser on the piano. This lesson reveals all the essentials you need to get started with improvisation. Let’s start breaking down 5 tips to get you…

Would you like to learn how to make the most out of a jazz fake book? In this lesson, we’re going to talk about how to properly use them. We’re also going to talk about some common mistakes musicians make when using jazz fake books and how to avoid them. Would you like to learn…

Wanto to learn some simple yet sophisticated piano chord patterns? In the lesson below, I’m going to demonstrate 5 piano chord patterns. You can use these chord voicings for many jazz tunes. They are also good for pianists with small hands. Let’s get started. How To Use Simple Chord Shapes To Play A Hip ii-V-I…

Would you like to learn how to use modal theory to make better music? In the lesson below, you’ll discover tips and tricks to easily understand modal theory. Understanding how modes work will help you unleash your creative and expressive potential. Let’s get started. Why Understanding Modal Theory Is Actually Easier Thank You Think The…

Everyday we get very beautiful emails from students telling us how much The Zero To Jazz Piano Hero Course has helped their playing. We love to hear about student success stories! I wanted to feature a few really beautiful ones we’ve received in the last week. If you have purchased the program and enjoyed it…

Want to learn how to use the harmonic minor scale in your improv? You’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial, you’ll discover new soloing ideas, chords and everything you need to know about the harmonic minor scale.  This will make your performance more interesting for you and your listeners. Let’s get started. 1.…

Would you like to discover two classic jazz songs in Phrygian Mode? You’re in the right place. When you use the Phrygian mode in writing and performing jazz, you give your music a “Mediterranean” flavor. Start learning by discovering how masters used the Phrygian mode in their songs. The best way you can start is…

Would you like to learn some Art Tatum piano exercises? You’re in the right place. In the lesson below, you’ll discover some Art Tatum piano exercises I created from a transcription of “It’s The Talk Of The Town”. This transcription will help you learn how to play jazz piano like Art Tatum. These piano exercises…

Want to learn some piano hand position exercises? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Inner Circle students how to use piano hand position exercises to improve accuracy during improvisation. Using these practice technique will improve the way you navigate the piano keyboard. This improves your precision and…

Metronome exercises are a surefire way to get your jazz rhythm chops to groove on the piano. Today’s lesson will take you from having zero rhythmic sensibility to a total groove machine! These five metronome exercises are designed to make the most out of your metronome and improve your sense of time. By being able…

Would you like to learn melodic improvisation? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve explains some neat melodic improvisation tricks to a Jazz Inner Circle student. Getting your melodies to have that singing, emotional quality is necessary to captivate your audience. This lesson will help you achieve that. Take 3 minutes and…

Would you like to learn how to avoid jazz keyboard mistakes? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Jazz Inner CIrcle students one strategy to avoid errors in playing the head of the jazz standard “Georgia In My Mind”. These tips will help you avoid often overlooked pitfalls…

Want to get started learning the jazz modes? You’re in the right spot. There are lots of different scales you’ll want to learn someday. But, today lets just focus on the most important ones you need for quick jazz success. Most great solos will feature bits and pieces of these scales and jazz modes. The Major Scale…

Would you like to learn some composing music tips? You’ve come to the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Jazz Inner Circle students how to start writing a jazz tune. These composing music tips are very helpful for those who are complete beginners in composition and songwriting. Take 3 minutes…

When I began my piano career, I taught young kids. And let me tell you what: Teaching a child how to play jazz piano sometimes felt like pulling teeth! So when someone tells me, “I bet it’s SO much easier for a child to learn piano than an adult…” …I simply let them know, THAT’S…

We’re committed to transforming the musical lives of our students. How you ask?Well, It’s one thing for me to say how life changing The Jazz Inner Circle is. But, it means more when you hear from our students personally. So, I’d like to share with you stories from 3 of our students. 1. How Diane Transformed…

If you didn’t know, I LOVE NBA basketball. In fact, a friend of mine got me tickets to see LeBron and the Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets a couple nights ago. I have amazing friends. 🙂 The Nuggets ended up crushing the Lakers 117-85. And that got me thinking… How could LeBron James, one…

Would you like to learn how to apply chord substitution to your favorite tunes? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Jazz Inner Circle students a big principle in reharmonization. Chord substitution is one of the greatest musical tools in jazz. It can also be used in other…

Want to sound good with chord extensions? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Inner Circle students how to use chord extensions to create variety. Take a couple minutes and watch the video below. Steve will break down how to use chord extensions for you. 1. How To…

Hey you! We’re celebrating the release of our brand new piano course “The Play Like Ray” 2 DVD set. Today we’re releasing the official trailer! Plus, I’m recapping the free blues, jazz, & gospel videos I’ve released in the last 4 weeks. Let’s get started! First, Check Out The Awesome DVD Trailer Here Now! We’ve Done…

It’s time to learn a simple trick you can use to make any lick sound much more soulful and bluesy. You’ll love how easy this is to play. Ready to get started learning? Special Ray Charles DVD Sample Tutorial In this video Blues Hall Of Fame pianist, Bruce Katz shows you an easy way to upgrade simple licks…