A jazz piano practice routine involves a variety of exercises designed to improve technical skills, musicality, and improvisational abilities. A typical practice routine can be broken down into several categories.
-
Technical Exercises: This includes scales, arpeggios, and various technical exercises to improve finger dexterity, hand coordination, and speed. These exercises are usually practiced in all keys and can be played both hands together and separately.
-
Repertoire: Practicing jazz standards is essential for any jazz pianist. It is important to learn tunes from the jazz repertoire and practice playing them in different keys, with different rhythmic variations and styles.
-
Ear Training: Ear training is critical for a jazz pianist. Exercises such as transcribing solos, chord progressions, and melodies by ear help in developing the ability to hear and recognize musical patterns and structures.
-
Improvisation: Improvisation is a crucial aspect of jazz music. Practicing improvisation involves playing over chord changes and learning how to create melodies, harmonies, and rhythms on the spot.
-
Sight-Reading: Sight-reading is the ability to read music notation and play it instantly. It is important for jazz pianists to be able to sight-read charts, lead sheets, and other musical notations quickly and accurately.
Sources:
- Coker, Jerry. “The Complete Method for Improvisation.” Alfred Music, 2016.
- Levine, Mark. “The Jazz Piano Book.” Sher Music, 1989.
- Aebersold, Jamey. “Jazz Piano Voicings: Volume 1.” Jamey Aebersold Jazz, 1984.
