Scot Ranney's LearnJazzPiano.com archive: Jazz for Beginners

LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Jazz for Beginners
japee -- 10/26/2004, 14:52:35 -- #8367
piano at sight
Hi, I'M japee and new to jazz and not very good at the sight reading any help?
Dr. John Teaches New Orleans Piano - Volume 1 (vol 2) (vol 3) (DVD 1) (DVD 2)
albetan -- 10/26/2004, 15:31:39 -- #8368

Hi Japee: Please go to search engine (upwards) and write "piano at sight" selecting "files".
ioana -- 10/31/2004, 01:05:34 -- #8479
small hands
I have small hands, what can I do?
albetan -- 10/31/2004, 05:46:41 -- #8482
Small hands
Do you reach an octave? That's enough to play the piano. If you have small hands you may do some substitutions: If you find C(2) E(3) as a chord, change it for C(2) E(2). In other words, change a 10th interval by a third. Or play it arpeggiated with left. Your extension is less than one octave? Don't worry, you may create your own style. Good luck and enjoy your piano.
7 -- 10/31/2004, 16:16:01 -- #8502

Stretching really works! But don't expect to see any results for a few months (or more!) One of my teachers was a Stride player in the 30's and he showed me the difference between the spread of his left and right hands! Unbelievable! The left hand had a spread almost an inch and a half more than the right! Although I don't play much Stride anymore, my left hand still has a spread of almost a full inch more than my right. Take your time. Don't over do it. You can stretch your hand anytime you please (at work, at home, while watching TV) and you don't need any special equipment. Just stretch your thumb and pinky out as far as they'll go. Hold it for 10 or 20 seconds. Incidentally, you're not stretching the tendons. The main part of the hand that stretches is the "web" between your thumb and forefinger. I'm not saying that you'll be able to span twelfths, but even gaining a quarter of an inch is usually beneficial. 7
Scot -- 11/06/2004, 11:30:00 -- #8678

Yeah, stretching helps. I can't walk 10ths until I stretch my hand out. even then I can't walk the "big" tenths- D-F#, Db-F. But the more you stretch, the more your reach will be. A lot of the time it's not totally based on finger length, but also on how wide your hand is. The width of your hand will also determine your reach, and that's where stretching helps. The webbing gets stretched as 7 said, but also the tissues between the base of your little finger and the base of your thumb get stretched.
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
camoon -- 11/21/2004, 13:11:31 -- #9147
squash ball
I carry a squash ball everywhere, and give it a good squeeze (discreetly!)when my hands are left without a job. It's really helped to strenghthen my fingers. Could be useful if ever left hanging on a cliff, as well as plaing the piano...
Dr. John Teaches New Orleans Piano - Volume 1 (vol 2) (vol 3) (DVD 1) (DVD 2)
bavern -- 01/25/2005, 10:27:38 -- #10691
Programs
is there any good programs where you can see notes like on a paper from a midi file?
grover -- 02/01/2005, 05:16:50 -- #10874
re: Programs
There certainly are programmes out there that you can use to convert the midi to sheet music. I use NoteWorthy Composer (http://www.noteworthysoftware.com) There is also Finale (http://www.finalemusic.com) HTH, Neil
luckydog -- 02/17/2005, 12:13:18 -- #11287
compilations 2001-2002
I bought the $7.+ compilation but did not get it. How do i download the compilation of forums from 2001-2002 I don't know If i have put this in right place but hope for an answer???
Barry -- 02/17/2005, 12:27:43 -- #11289

The best place to post queries like this is Scot's studio as Scot runs the site and is more likely to see the message there. Don't worry though, I will leave him a message there to check this room and reply to your query here.
jazzmanpiano08 -- 02/26/2005, 23:25:19 -- #11607
Stride
Waht is stride i think i have heard of it ( i think th person that taught ray charles was a stride pianist) i would like to learn???? My eamil is music.man08@gmail.com please send me emails describing stride or ways to play stride Travis Cole
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
7 -- 03/03/2005, 02:31:47 -- #11670

Get some James P. Johnson sheet music. He was the inventor of Stride. Here is one of his most famous pieces in midi:
Dr. John Teaches New Orleans Piano - Volume 1 (vol 2) (vol 3) (DVD 1) (DVD 2)
7 -- 03/03/2005, 02:32:42 -- #11671

Sorry, I thought I could attach a midi file to post. I've uploaded it to the files section in this room.
7 -- 03/04/2005, 02:57:19 -- #11689
Handful of Keys by Fats Waller
What a mighty work of art! This Stride number is one of Fats' masterpieces. Everyone should hear THIS! once in their life. Click on "list files" to listen.
daisy -- 03/21/2005, 23:37:56 -- #12114
Hey i'm new in this page!
hey i barely joined. oh right now i'm taking piano classes myself but i'm still a biginer.you know my favorite instrument is the drums but lately piano has called my attention.
john1965 -- 03/22/2005, 05:06:46 -- #12124
Fake Books
I have really enjoyed all your advice but just wanted to ask how to tackle a lead sheet when playing from a fake book. I find there are so many chord changes I get lost. Can you give some examples of how you would tackle a common jazz standard like 'Fly me to the Moon' playing from a lead sheet, improvising over it using scales etc? It would be great to see how to put all the theory into practise. I don't fully understand how when sometimes there are so many chords in quick succession and modulations that you can change between scales so quickly according to the chords. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..
albetan -- 03/22/2005, 11:00:04 -- #12127

Hi John: See files these files at Albetan's Area: "Solo Piano: Peformance of jazz lead sheets" "Beginning scales, chords, modes and arpeggios".
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
nightsblood -- 04/09/2005, 19:21:57 -- #12660
Sorry to get off topic or whatever
I have a really jazzy song with absolutely awesome jazz solos, and i was wondering if i should put it here or there or somewhere. I think something you'd all enjoy (unless you hate Australian accents).
Dr. John Teaches New Orleans Piano - Volume 1 (vol 2) (vol 3) (DVD 1) (DVD 2)
dintino -- 04/15/2005, 12:21:37 -- #12880
Touch, tone.
How may I get a good chord tone...my arms and hands seem so light I cannot sink the keys unless I bang. There must be an exercise out there that will help one keep the weight of the arm and hand on the keys. It makes such a difference in the tone. Thanks
Whacky -- 04/15/2005, 13:35:16 -- #12890

Well first of all, don't bang:) Secondly, there was a heated debate here a few months ago regarding touch...poke around a bit and you may find it... The bottom line is you need to study with a few different piano teachers so you can figure out what works best for you.
Styles -- 04/22/2005, 22:16:16 -- #13152

Here's a question In the manner that modes are notes of the same major scale with different tonal centers I had a thought, that might not be new But I was improvising with the G harmonic scale with C as the tonal center. So what the hell would that scale be called? Gypsy?
Styles -- 04/22/2005, 22:16:45 -- #13153

I meant G harmonic MINOR
albetan -- 04/22/2005, 22:27:58 -- #13156

When you improvise with G harmonic scale against C bass, you are working in C11 chord. Gm/C = C11. For more info see file "Extended chords" at Albetan's Area.
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
Styles -- 04/23/2005, 12:38:40 -- #13166

No no no I'm talking about modes Using the notes from the G harmonic minor scale I constructed a scale starting on C So the scale would be C, D, E flat, F sharp, G, A, and B flat I was improvising over that scale using a conventional 2-5-1 progession after constructing diatonic chords from the notes in that "Funky C Scale" Am I making any sense? sorry
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
7 -- 04/23/2005, 16:44:58 -- #13168

I would call it "C dorian #4". But your moniker "C funky" works for me too.
Whacky -- 04/23/2005, 19:06:57 -- #13173

or C min blues/dim half/whole extravaganza:)
Styles -- 04/23/2005, 23:37:30 -- #13179

lol Well, it seems like the scale used as the BASIS of a song is quite innefective But it is a nice melodic capacity as a subdominant of G minor or Eb major My brain is tired..
jmderay -- 06/28/2005, 18:12:53 -- #15780
Chord substitution, please help
Hi Everyone, (excuse my English if I make mistakes, as I'm french) I'm a "rookie" in Jazz, playing "sounds" on my piano, (everyone began one day, as we say), and I'm trying, to begin, to practice usual progressions (2-5-1 ....) and to assimilate notes, chords, scales, progressions, relations between chords in usual jazz progressions ... Well, nothing new... I've read that 2-5-1 could be played adding 6-2-5-1 and even 3-6-2-5-1 and 7-3-6-2-5-1 and why not 4-7-6-3-2-5-1 to finish on a 1-4-7-3-6-2-5-1 My question is related to substitutions, as I've also read that these progressions could become : (Substitution of the Dominant 7th chord by the chord whose root is six half steps away for the 5 chord): 2-5-1 ---> 2-b2-1 (ex : in C scale Dm7-G7-Cmaj7 becomes Dm7-C#7-Cmaj7) then 3-6-2-5-1 could become 3-b3-2-b2-1 (by alterning substitutions) i.e. in C : Em7-Ebm7-Dm7-Db7-Cmaj7 (if I'm not wrong) My problem comes when tring to insert substitutions in the 4-7-3-6-2-5-1 as, it should be (in C) ?-Bdim-Em7-Ebm7-Dm-Db7-Cmaj7 as, for me, the ? should be a F7, so what, if we consider that the 4th in C is also F7 ... In other way, and more simply (sorry for the long post), my question is : what is the substitution chord for a Ddim?? Thank you to answer that question and to tell me if my way to approach all these things seems correct to you, masters (if there are any) Thanks again, and long life to LJP. JM.
jmderay -- 06/28/2005, 18:26:31 -- #15781
rectification for my previous message
....please read my previous post (just after that one) before reading this ....As I made a mistake, writing it ... ...... My problem comes when tring to insert substitutions in the 4-7-3-6-2-5-1 progression, as, it should be (in C) F7-?-Em7-Ebm7-Dm-Db7-Cmaj7 as, for me, the ? should be the substitution of the Bdim chord, a F7 (right?), so what, if we consider that the 4th in C is also F7 So again, please tell me what is the substitution for a Bdim chord ?? Thank you, all.
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
chrismarx85 -- 09/24/2005, 00:32:24 -- #19311

JMDERAY: I wouldnt worry about whats right or wrong too much, it can start to hinder your music making, especially when youre doing all that counting and what ifing... Experiment and listen, if it sounds good then you have a possible substitution. You can get a lot of good substitutions ideas from existing songs as well. In your progression, to get to Emin, the 3chord, try some of the following and see how they sound...B7 or G7b9 Your approach to Voicings can make pretty much anything sound good too
In Oscar Peterson - Jazz Exercises, Minuets, Etudes and Pieces for Piano
chrismarx85 -- 09/24/2005, 00:44:49 -- #19312

JMdeeray: I cant recall the last time I saw a 4736251 progression, especially on that was diatonic. Just worry about all the ways you can substitute a 3625, which is great for turnarounds. I think 4 would be more likely to go straight to the 3625, rather than 7.
jmderay -- 09/24/2005, 19:12:54 -- #19325

thx for these precisions ...
hieukhong -- 10/06/2005, 09:01:31 -- #19657
Jazz is a great thing!
Hello my friends! why do I say friend although we don't know together? because I think Jazz is the link that makes us be closer and we become friends without any reasons. We love Jazz and we are friends! Do you agree with me about this idea?. So now I think I have to introduce myself. I'm Hieu Khong, a Vietnamese, just a child in jazz world, so this is also the reason I get in here to learn Jazz, and Jazz piano. Because of living in Vietnam, I don't have enough jazz materials. Now Could you please give me jazz songs with notes and jazz piano lesson for the beginner? Please send me this materials to my mail box that is : duyhieu19782003@yahoo.com. Please help me this ! thank you very much for you help! I am waiting for you! God bless you all!
jhonanttan -- 11/21/2005, 12:19:23 -- #21307
deseo saber mas de jazz y sus acordes
hola neseito saber un poco mas de lo que es la jazz< los acordes su armonia y todo oo que refiera al jazz y latin jazz
Chacky -- 11/21/2005, 12:46:18 -- #21308

Hola jhonanttan, Definitivamente has venido al lugar correcto... puedes revisar los diferentes "rooms" que hay aqui. Te recomiendo los de Albertan tiene muy buen material con el cual te puedes ir familiarizando con el jazz. Es bueno tambien que revises las lecciones en la seccion de "lessons"... Y obviamente estar al pendiente de lo que hablamos en el lobby. Te recomiendo le vayas dando una ojeada a la seccion de links... En fin aqui tienes lo que necesitas...y cualquier duda solo debes preguntar... Saludos Chacky
The Standards Real Book • The World's Greatest Fake Book
johik -- 05/11/2006, 22:02:39 -- #27142
ANY RECOMMENDATION FOR JAZZ PIANO TEACHERS IN MIAMI!!!
Hey Guys- Does anyone know of any jazz piano teachers in miami florida ???? if you do please contact me at johi_kronfle@hotmail.com THANK YOU !!! Johi
albetan -- 05/12/2006, 08:38:16 -- #27151

Hi Johi: Click on piano teachers (upwards) Write Miami on "Search term", selecting "city"
7 -- 05/14/2006, 03:13:45 -- #27193

I found this guy through http://musicstaff.com He specializes in Jazz Piano: Rick Bloomquist Mikey's Music, Inc. Miami (Bordering Kendall), FL 33156 786-512-2729 E-mail: RBloom5547@aol.com Teaches: Piano, Keyboard, Theory, Recording, Ear Training, MIDI, Finale, Performer, Synthesizer Styles: Heavy metal, fusion, techno, rap, R & B, Pop Rock, Classical, Jazz, Broadway, Folk, Blues, Country, Ethnic World Instruction Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Rates: $25 per Hour $15.00 per half-hour & 2 hour sessions for $45.00
elle_elle36 -- 11/21/2006, 05:33:07 -- #31344
Please help extending the reach of fingers
Despite I have really normal size hands, I experience difficulties when practicing for example II,V,I in some (musical) keys: thumb and/or pinkie clash with unwanted (piano) keys. Could anyone suggest exercises proven to extend the reach of fingers? Thanks, Luca
gandydancer44 -- 01/07/2007, 01:41:38 -- #32226
listen & learn
In Levine's Jazz Piano Book, he recommends listening to jazz performers and transcribing their music by ear. I am a newcomer to Jazz, though I have been an avid fan all my long life. I would much appreciate comments on how this listening and learning is accomplished. I have about1 &1/2 yrs. informal study and perhaps not too well organized. But I am determined to learn as much as my capabilities permit. Comments if you please. Gandydancer 44.
JoeyBootz -- 01/19/2007, 08:40:56 -- #32514

i hate this website!?!?!!!!! i really want to learn jazz, and this website is the perfect example of how i see jazz. lots and lots and lots and lots of stuff allll over the place. nothing makes sense. gahhhhh!!!!
The Standards Real Book • The World's Greatest Fake Book
wdennissorrell -- 01/19/2007, 09:29:05 -- #32516

Please do not get frustrated. For me jazz is similar to a different method of thought. Try immersing yourself in some jazz pieces and just let it flow. Read some instructional jazz material much of which is readily available on the internet. Digest Albetan's offerings here. Go to Jeff Brent's site and see what he has to offer. Try to make close approximations of jazz music that you have heard. Try and find someonew who can instruct you in jazz. If you will do any or all of these things, I promise that you will begin to make "sense" of it. Peace out.
Whacky -- 01/19/2007, 10:13:19 -- #32521

What a nice way to introduce yourself. It's no wonder you're frustrated. Why should anyone here help you with that attitude? Now, let's turn that "hatred" into some useful passion. Lesson one, get a Bill Evans record, and just listen to it - over and over again - then close your eyes, put your hands on the piano, press a key, any key and just listen to it...try another one and do the same...then play them together... What's my point? Ya gotta start listening. Jazz is not something you're gonna learn from a book or website. Books and Websites can help you understand what you are hearing, and jerks like me can make suggestions, but it all has to come from you. Peace off :)
sdm -- 01/19/2007, 12:42:25 -- #32523

Nice off -- man, it's nice having you back!
Whacky -- 01/19/2007, 12:58:39 -- #32526

heh heh - thanks:)
battlekla -- 09/11/2007, 08:24:13 -- #37008
Cantaloupe Island
Hi, Im having a really hard time playing the left hand part and the melody at the same time. Any tips on how to practice it? Also I was wondering how everyone else played the Db in the bass with the left hand part, i can't seem to fit it in my hand. Hope thats clear, thanks! Kenneth
Sandy B -- 11/14/2007, 14:13:20 -- #38381
Oscar Peterson inspired me to play jazz piano. Who inspired you?
Thinking over today why I want to learn to improv jazz piano. Oscar Peterson is the jazz pianist I really admire so much and his style of jazz is my very favorite. Oscar Peterson has very strong melody and I always feel grounded with him as a listener. I play jazz standards from sheet music. I improv popular piano from fake sheets and studied under two jazz professionals for a year total. I did learn jazz scales all that time. Anyone have an idea where to go from here to learn to sit and improv without the fake sheets? Study jazz sheet music and go from there? Help... Any mentors out in our forum to help guide me. Lessons are out of the question at this time. Budget for now to tight. Sandy B
The Standards Real Book • The World's Greatest Fake Book
rocafella3g -- 12/17/2007, 02:03:24 -- #39016
hi
plz can ne body hook me up on any video file on beginning jazz piano as well as the best fingering for jazz piano
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