Jazz Blog

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…