Q. I play alto in my school's Jazz Band, and I wanted to replace the senior piano player at my school. I've played classical piano on and off since I was 6, but never was to serious with it. My teacher is clueless about jazz, but i have previous chord knowledge from improving on sax. What could I do to help improve my transition into the jazz piano world, reading more complicated jazz rhythms, and comping chords?
A. PRACTICE! is the short answer. As with anything musical, and especially improvisatory and spontaneous music like jazz, developing to the point of sounding competent will take time and dedication and perseverance.
Transcription and listening is important. That's something you should be doing already for the saxophone. Pay attention to pianists on your favorite records, particularly how they comp behind others, since that will be your biggest job in a large jazz ensemble. Transcribe comping rhythms that are attractive to you as well as ones you hear often; even if you don't transcribe the exact voicing, you can still practice using the same rhythms over the changes to standards.
Practice comping in time with a metronome. If you can consistently and accurately play on a steady pulse, you can decidedly play around it. Set the metronome slower and slower while increasing the beats; for example, start with 120 bpm and play one chord every two metronome beats, then decrease it to around 85 and play on every beat, then set it around 50 bpm and treat each pulse as a full bar, playing four even notes between beats. Practice playing in this way to get your time rock solid.
If you are able to get together and play with the rest of the rhythm section from the band, I'd recommend doing so. Get together and play through standards. Work together on building a communication while playing behind (supporting) a horn soloist. Aebersold play alongs are also good for practicing comping "with a band" at home.
Another vital thing for jazz pianists is effective chord voicings. Check out Dan Haerle's book on voicings and work through his exercises. Phil DeGreg also has a really nice progressive (step-by-step) book that's great for getting good-sounding voicings under your fingers. I've studied both.
The only way to get better at reading rhythms is to do it. Sight-read through a hymnal, old songbook, whatever. If you can find piano charts for big band that only have rhythmic notation with chord symbols, those are great for practicing reading rhythm and chord progressions. Start slow and methodical; remember you are striving for accuracy, not speed. Eventually, you'll recognize rhythms from having read them so many times before, and it will come easier to you.
Above all, technique is king. If you don't know how to touch the instrument and can't get around it, all the internal theory and knowledge and tasty licks won't do you much good on the bandstand. Classical lessons aren't necessary, but they challenged me in ways that I wasn't challenged in jazz lessons. Consider taking lessons regularly (either classical or jazz or both, if you have the time).
Good luck!
What mode do you solo in for jazz piano?
Q. I'm the pianist in my high school jazz band, and I'm working on my jazz piano improv (during repeat sections where people take solos in songs). However, I don't know what musical mode to solo in (ie: major, minor, mixolydian, blues, etc). How do I know which one to pick and which one do you recommend? I'm open to any other suggestions about soloing. Thanks!
A. The mode you use depends on the chordal progression. Use the mode that incorporates the notes of the chord - Cmaj7 - use Ionian or Lydian, (major scale with a sharp 11)
Cmi7 - use dorian, , (minor scale with a b6) or harmonic minor
C7 - use mixolydian (major scale with a b7)
Have you ever used any of Jamey Aebersold's books and cds? Start with his ii-V-I and one with some of your favorite standards. You can play along with them, solo for many choruses, and your rhythm section never gets bored!
Also try singing your solo line without playing. If you can sing an interesting improv melody, you will learn where to find those notes on the keyboard.
How do you improvise on an instrument?
Q. I have been playing piano for 8 years. I know all of my scales, chords, and chord progressions. I know everything a pianist should know but i can't improvise at all every time i try i start of good but then it goes badly from there..so please help...thanks in advance. I also play bass guitar and alto saxophone, I want to be able to improvise on those instruments too.
A. seems like you know enough music, scales and stuff
do you listen/play to classical?
because if you do ,it is too strict and it doesnt leave any space for improvisation
I would say listen to jazz and blues, rock and pop, listen to how they play solos and try to imitate
MW
http://miketheblacksheep.wordpress.com/
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Title : How do I get better at Jazz Piano?
Description : Q. I play alto in my school's Jazz Band, and I wanted to replace the senior piano player at my school. I've played classical piano ...