Jazz Blog

Would you like to learn some Art Tatum piano exercises? You’re in the right place. In the lesson below, you’ll discover some Art Tatum piano exercises I created from a transcription of “It’s The Talk Of The Town”. This transcription will help you learn how to play jazz piano like Art Tatum. These piano exercises…

Want to learn some piano hand position exercises? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Inner Circle students how to use piano hand position exercises to improve accuracy during improvisation. Using these practice technique will improve the way you navigate the piano keyboard. This improves your precision and…

Metronome exercises are a surefire way to get your jazz rhythm chops to groove on the piano. Today’s lesson will take you from having zero rhythmic sensibility to a total groove machine! These five metronome exercises are designed to make the most out of your metronome and improve your sense of time. By being able…

Would you like to learn melodic improvisation? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve explains some neat melodic improvisation tricks to a Jazz Inner Circle student. Getting your melodies to have that singing, emotional quality is necessary to captivate your audience. This lesson will help you achieve that. Take 3 minutes and…

Would you like to learn how to avoid jazz keyboard mistakes? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Jazz Inner CIrcle students one strategy to avoid errors in playing the head of the jazz standard “Georgia In My Mind”. These tips will help you avoid often overlooked pitfalls…

Want to get started learning the jazz modes? You’re in the right spot. There are lots of different scales you’ll want to learn someday. But, today lets just focus on the most important ones you need for quick jazz success. Most great solos will feature bits and pieces of these scales and jazz modes. The Major Scale…

Would you like to learn some composing music tips? You’ve come to the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Jazz Inner Circle students how to start writing a jazz tune. These composing music tips are very helpful for those who are complete beginners in composition and songwriting. Take 3 minutes…

When I began my piano career, I taught young kids. And let me tell you what: Teaching a child how to play jazz piano sometimes felt like pulling teeth! So when someone tells me, “I bet it’s SO much easier for a child to learn piano than an adult…” …I simply let them know, THAT’S…

We’re committed to transforming the musical lives of our students. How you ask?Well, It’s one thing for me to say how life changing The Jazz Inner Circle is. But, it means more when you hear from our students personally. So, I’d like to share with you stories from 3 of our students. 1. How Diane Transformed…

If you didn’t know, I LOVE NBA basketball. In fact, a friend of mine got me tickets to see LeBron and the Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets a couple nights ago. I have amazing friends. 🙂 The Nuggets ended up crushing the Lakers 117-85. And that got me thinking… How could LeBron James, one…

Would you like to learn how to apply chord substitution to your favorite tunes? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Jazz Inner Circle students a big principle in reharmonization. Chord substitution is one of the greatest musical tools in jazz. It can also be used in other…

Want to sound good with chord extensions? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches one of his Inner Circle students how to use chord extensions to create variety. Take a couple minutes and watch the video below. Steve will break down how to use chord extensions for you. 1. How To…

Hey you! We’re celebrating the release of our brand new piano course “The Play Like Ray” 2 DVD set. Today we’re releasing the official trailer! Plus, I’m recapping the free blues, jazz, & gospel videos I’ve released in the last 4 weeks. Let’s get started! First, Check Out The Awesome DVD Trailer Here Now! We’ve Done…

It’s time to learn a simple trick you can use to make any lick sound much more soulful and bluesy. You’ll love how easy this is to play. Ready to get started learning? Special Ray Charles DVD Sample Tutorial In this video Blues Hall Of Fame pianist, Bruce Katz shows you an easy way to upgrade simple licks…

Are you searching for a cool way to get started learning some Ray Charles chords? You’ve come to the right place. In this lesson you’ll find a free sample from our brand newsuper course, “The Play Like Ray” 2 DVD set. (Free sample video tutorial below) How I Went From A Piano Failure To Jazz,…

Ready to learn a new super slick gospel and bluesy piano riff? Let’s do it! In today’s video I’m going to teach you this fantastic piano riff. You can use it in blues or gospel playing to create energy & excitement. Audiences love this! Why A Free Gospel Bluesy Piano Riff Video? I’ve filmed this…

Want to learn some gospel piano chords with sweet jazz flavors? Want to learn a must know gospel chord progression? If you said yes, then this monster video & lesson is for you. Why A Free Gospel Piano Chords Tutorial? We’ve created this free lesson to celebrate the release of our brand new super course…

Would you like to learn how to use jazz blues scales to play compelling improv? You’re in the right place. In the video, Steve teaches a Jazz Inner Circle student one easy trick to improve to help her understand the jazz blues scales. In this lesson, you will learn how to apply jazz blues scales…

Want to learn a great sounding and impressive piano lick? You’re in the right spot (tutorial video below). Over the next few weeks we’re going to release some exciting new resources that will dramatically transform your piano playing. Want to get build an unstoppable arsenal of jazz, blues, gospel, country, & rock chops? Then, you’ll…

Would you like to learn how chord tone soloing works? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve teaches a Jazz Inner Circle student how to build attention-grabbing solos using chord tones. Learning chord tone soloing will help you craft beautiful melodies. These melodies will give you plenty of ideas for improv. Take…

Would you like to discover how to obtain solo piano benefits? You’re in the right place. In the video below, Steve shares a very interesting story. It’s about how a career as a solo pianist helped him pay the rent and tour the world. Steve’s story will inspire you to move from a dull day job…

Today I want to talk about a huge problem jazz improvisers all over the world face. When I have conversations with non-musicians and the use of language to describe music, one of the first things they talk about are jazz scales. The Number 1 Mistake Most People Make With Jazz Scales For some reason, it’s…

Not accomplishing your musical goals fast enough? Feel blocked? Wish you could accomplish bigger things with jazz? Model the 7 strategies Jazz Inner Circle member Greg used to go from jazz newbie to gigging pianist in less than 2 years. Watch this video now. I’ll teach you all 7 steps. If you want help getting past your own…

Would you like to learn how to play a mesmerizing jazz piano solo? You’re in the right place. In today’s lesson, I’ll teach you how to improvise a jazz piano solo in a fun and captivating way. This lesson will help you learn how to improvise like the masters. You’ll also learn how to capture…

My wife just made me watch a chick flick with her. Maybe I’m in touch with my feelings now? Since I’m feeling so emotional now I might as well roll with it right? So, today I want to share with you 4 true confessions of a world touring jazz pro. I mean, might as well…