The jazz piano is not a simple instrument to master, it requires a great deal of practice and self-discipline. If you already play the piano, jazz will be much easier, since you already know the basics. Otherwise, you'll need to take the time to learn the fundamentals of the piano, jazz chord progressions, piano scales and modes, chord voicings, and rhythms. Learning
jazz piano
involves a lot of memorization and consistent practice. The jazz piano is generally considered difficult because of its playing style.Unlike learning other instruments, jazz piano is less about learning to play the notes on the page and more about understanding how to create music based on chord progressions. Jazz isn't like playing classical music, where reading is essential and technical skill sets you apart from other pianists. You'll have to be able to memorize jazz progressions, read the scores and know what to play without having to write down the notes. In jazz, seventh and ninth chords are common, each of which adds additional notes to standard piano chords. Because jazz songs are so different from classical music, there isn't much more than the basics of the piano that can be translated between the two.
In addition, jazz usually uses an II-V-I progression (unlike I—V—VI—IV, which is the most common chord progression in pop music), so a jazz musician must understand how to adapt his playing to that chord progression. To get started with your jazz education, familiarize yourself with jazz music by listening to big band jazz, blues songs, western music, and artists like Duke Ellington or Miles Davis. Jazz musicians rarely use sheet music and instead rely on learning by ear or improvisation, which requires a deep understanding of jazz theory. Knowing the blues scale and how the different notes fit together to create a major chord, a minor chord and a melodic line to get that specific jazz feel is key to becoming a great jazz musician. Beginners can generally gain a basic understanding of jazz piano and play simple songs within 12 months.
However, like any other instrument, mastering the jazz piano is a lifelong journey that will require regular practice and continuous learning. Although there are fundamental differences between the two styles, knowing the classical piano means that you already understand the basic concepts of the piano such as posture, hand positions, chords and basic musical theory. Because the jazz piano is such a complex instrument with unique abilities, you'll need an even greater commitment to practice it in order to improve and get to the point where you're ready to play. Follow this class or other lessons on how to play the jazz piano for beginners until you've memorized these basic components and understand how they work together. Learning the jazz piano will require regular practice and dedication in order to learn the instrument and all of its new concepts.
Arthur Bird's class offers a deep but easy-to-follow introduction to theory and will teach you the basic components of the jazz piano. Before learning how to play the jazz piano, it's important to establish a basic understanding of jazz melodies. It can also be one of the most rewarding ways to play the piano: jazz is a social art form and you have to interact with other musicians as you pass the tune from one side to the other.
