Q. I am an adult who wishes to take piano lessons - is their a clear concensus on piano teaching methodology? I desire to be able to play classical pieces, as well as be able to read down a jazz chart!
A. Play Piano In a Flash - Even If You Don't Know Where Middle C Is
So, you've been dying to play the piano. But you don't want to spend years learning how to read music. Of course you don't! And you won't have to IF you learn a chord-based approach to playing the piano.
Here's a method I use to get my students playing piano in a flash. First, you need to learn a few chords. But not just any chord type. No. The chord type I have my students learn first is something called the open position chord. And with it, you'll be able to create your own unique music right away!
The open position chord is exactly what its name implies. It's a chord structure that covers more than 2 octaves of the keyboard AND uses both hands right away. If you don't know what an octave is, not to worry. Suffice it to say that 2 octaves are over 16 white keys. It's a handful to play this chord structure but once you master it, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the secrets of keyboard harmony.
So, how exactly can we use this chord to create music with? Easy. Take a look at my free piano lesson "Reflections in Water" (available by clicking below.) The first thing you notice about this lesson is that it's unusual. It's not your typical piano lesson by far. In fact, you might even think it looks like an art lesson - and you'd be right! I specifically designed the lessons using a step by step approach that many art instruction books use.
The lesson contains four open position piano chords with fingering diagrams. The beautiful thing about this chord structure is that once you master it, you can easily use it to play ALL the chords in all 12 keys. The first thing I ask you to do is play the chords - first all tones together (solid chords) and then with the tones broken up (broken chords.)
Once you have this chord structure under your fingers and you've developed a muscle memory for it, the rest is easy!
In the lesson "Reflections in Water," we use this chord structure to improvise a few minutes of music. The chord progression is laid out for you and all you have to do is simply follow along. I also provide audio examples so you can hear how I used the same chords to improvise with.
If you really want to play piano in a flash and don't want to wait, try the open position piano chord. You won't be disappointed!
Any Tips on forming and being a great jazz combo?
Q. I basically have this lineup
alto/tenor sax
trumpet
bass
keyboard
drums
We're probably going to be playing jazz standards at the begining but we're gonna plan to be playing more fusion and funk.
Any tips to help make this band more successful?
A. lol I don't understand the first answer but, I'm studying jazz in college and I have to be in a jazz ensemble. Basically, buy The Real Book 6th edition, and start playing familiar song from there (Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa). Anyway, best tip I have.
When you guys decide to learn a song, make sure everyone comes into practice the next day being able to play the chord progression and melody by memory and be able to solo through at least 2 times through the form. That way, even if not everybody does that, everyone will at least be on the same page. Also work on endings. Decide how you will end each tune and keep it tight.
Because the only rhythm instument you really have is a piano, the bass needs to be pretty busy that way there is a full sound.
Well hope it helps....try to find a jazz guitarist...it will really make a more full sound
What are the different roles of certain people in a Jazz Band?
Q. What things do these instruments/ People do for the performance within a jazz band?
- Drummer/ Drum kit
- Trombone
- Cornet
- Voice
- Saxophone
- Piano
and others.
A. they are two parts of you're typical jazz band: a wind section (your saxes, trumpets, bones, etc) and rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, drum, aux percussion, etc). They both have jobs so to speak but nothing is really set in stone.
Drummer's job is obvious, he established style and acts as the bands metronome. He is to bring out certain parts to up the feel (etc accents, legatos, hits, etc). In jazz thats in 4/4, he is to use the high hat on 2 and 4 (jazz is on the off beat, classical the beat falls on 1 and 3)
The bass plays the qualities of the progression, he also is vital for style and to the progression of song
The piano and guitar "comp". They play the chord w/n the progression systematically and using certain chord voices to assist the song (shell voices are used a lot, you omit the 5th and or 1st)
In jazz the melody is usually in the sax section, and goes back and forth btw them and the trumpets. Bones get it occasionally, but never more than saxes or trumpets then are primarily harmony instruments [trombones].
Aux percussion just help w/ the style and make the band sound more full.
The solo instruments are usually 1st tenor sax and 2nd trumpet. 1st trombone, 3rd trumpet, 1st alto sax, bari sax, piano, guitar, and bass get solos as well.
Note IF theres a vocal feature, its always a solo or melody, if not they usually stand idle until the do sing.
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Title : What is the best piano method for beginning adults?
Description : Q. I am an adult who wishes to take piano lessons - is their a clear concensus on piano teaching methodology? I desire to be able to play c...