LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Comments for YourMove

Scot -- 11/10/2006, 08:58:31 -- #31053

Hi, I just watched part of your recent video blog. I notice you were practicing some scales. Some tips: 1. Use a metronome!  Scales need to be played deliberately even.  Many of the areas you should work on could be fixed simply by practicing with a metronome. 2. Your Satin Doll rendition.  You stopped many times... that means you need to practice it slower and practice the trouble spots slower until they are perfect. Don't settle for anything less than perfect when you are practicing.  Perfect notes, perfect chords, perfect time.  Once you are on stage doing a concert or a show, then don't worry about perfection so much, worry about the music. What I tell people is this, "Practice from the head, play from the heart."

YourMove -- 11/10/2006, 10:17:58 -- #31053

Thank you so much for the comments! I can't remember that my piano teacher during the 13 years I took lessons forced me to play scales, because at that time I think I just didn't see a reason to do so and I believe for keeping me at the piano she gave up. Same thing for playing with a metronome. I look forward to getting the full version of band in a box when the 2007 version comes out. I put in all the chords for Satin Doll and during recording the video blog the rhythm section was not recorded on the pc. So I didn't put that version in the blog. For now a simple metronome will do :) Whenever you find the time, your comments are most appreciated.

Scot -- 11/10/2006, 13:05:07 -- #31053

I also forgot to mention, that I enjoyed your music as well :) Keep up the good work. Practice slowly, use that metronome, and things will start clicking even more.

YourMove -- 11/11/2006, 06:25:50 -- #31053

I see you are also a motivational artist :) I put a drill together, so I know what to do. Great thread in the piano lounge called how to spend your practise time effectivly I believe. Have a great weekend.

YourMove -- 02/25/2007, 20:15:14 -- #31053

Thanks again for your hints! A while ago you wrote to practise a new scale at 60 bpm for an hour to program yourself. It worked well with 80 bpm for my Bb scale, though I didn't play for an hour at that speed. I got the fingering out of Mark Levine's Jazz Piano book, what a really good book so far.

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