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Monthly Livestream #70!

Thank you for tuning in to today's livestream! We covered A LOT today - here's a breakdown:

  • First I went over a few online educational resources that I recommend!

  • Then I played a version of Wayne Shorter's "Fall". I was excited to reveal the "secret" origin of this tune (thanks to Keegan for hipping me to this!). And from there I was happy to reveal the "secret" origin of Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance", and a discussion about the importance of compositions really "coming from somewhere".

  • Then a question about a so-called "1, 2, 5, 7" chord that Russell Ferrante talks about in his MyMusicMasterclass video. This also led to a discussion of modal playing in general, and how to use shapes to create lines. (Please see this video for a deeper dive into using shapes to create lines: Playing Lines.) (Also, quick mention of Voice Leading in 4ths, which I learned from this Russell Ferrante video, and you can watch my video about it here.)

  • Then a question about different "steps" in learning to improvise - learning scales, learning licks, and ultimately using extra musical devices for story telling. I had a question about the tune "Cyclic Episode" as well, so I used this as an example to break down the different elements in learning to improvise. In general, I would say that "story telling" can and should being right from the beginning, and can be learned and executed before you really know that much about the changes at all! (But re: playing the changes, see this video more more of a breakdown of the exercise I showed today: Playing the Changes. And here's an older video all about Motivic Development that relates to storytelling as well.)

  • A quick exercise from Geoffery Keezer about changing the qualities of a chord but keeping the root the same.

  • A question about playing melodies in our left hands while soloing, and ways to develop this technique. I demonstrated a bit on "Stella By Starlight"

  • And finally a big question about piano technique - somebody had watched my "Myths In Piano Playing" series (which I recommend if you haven't seen yet!), and had a question about how to release notes. For this, I did a very brief overview of some of the ideas that I've learned from the Taubman technique, which I recommend to all pianists!. And for further reading, please check out this material: The Taubman Approach to Piano Playing , Principles of the Taubman Technique with Robert Durso. With the Taubman material, I always say that there is absolutely nothing to lose in checking it out, and potentially a LOT to gain.

Thank you again for your support, and your questions! See you all next month!

Glenn