Jazz Piano Skills

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords jazz piano, learning jazz, Stars Fell on Alabama, jazz voicings, harmonic analysis, jazz education, music theory, improvisation, jazz standards, piano skills Summary In this episode, Dr. Bob Lawrence welcomes listeners to a new year of Jazz Piano Skills, introducing an exciting four-week study format centered around the jazz standard 'Stars Fell on Alabama.' The conversation covers the importance of systematic learning, understanding chords and voicings, and the significance of harmonic analysis in jazz piano. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the need for intentional practice and provides insights into the educational agenda for the month, focusing on harmonic architecture, melodic design, improvisation development, and solo piano interpretation. Takeaways The new year brings a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. The four-week study format allows for a deeper exploration of jazz standards. Understanding the difference between chords and voicings is crucial for jazz pianists. A chord defines the harmonic identity, while a voicing is how that chord is played. Listening to various interpretations of a tune is essential for learning. A systematic approach to learning tunes enhances retention and understanding. Harmonic analysis helps in grasping the structure and function of a tune. Isolating common progressions aids in ear training and improvisation. Voicings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a piece. The educational agenda includes listening, harmonic analysis, melody study, and improvisation. Sound bites "A chord is the harmonic identity." "The same chord can have many voicings." "Voicing is the way you play that chord." Support the show

Keywords Jazz Piano, Growth, Harmony, Improvisation, Melodic Design, Solo Piano, Music Education, Jazz Community, 2026 Vision Summary In this final episode of 2025, Dr. Bob Lawrence reflects on a year of growth within the Jazz Piano Skills community, emphasizing the importance of harmony, melody, and improvisation. He introduces the Four Pillars of Jazz Piano, which will guide the learning process in 2026, focusing on harmonic architecture, melodic design, improvisation development, and solo piano interpretation. The episode concludes with gratitude for the community's commitment and a vision for the upcoming year. Takeaways The final podcast of the year is a time for reflection. 2025 was marked by growth in musical and educational aspects. Jazz Piano Skills emphasizes understanding over shortcuts. Harmony is essential for creating strong melodies. Improvisation is structured composition in real time. Emotional playing stems from harmonic awareness. Harmony serves as the musical map for melody. The Four Pillars of Jazz Piano will guide future studies. Each pillar supports the others in learning jazz piano. Community commitment is vital for musical growth. Titles Reflecting on a Year of Growth in Jazz Piano The Importance of Harmony in Jazz Music Sound bites "This podcast is a special one for me." "Emotion comes from harmonic awareness." "Thank you for trusting the process." Support the show

Keywords Jazz Piano, Christmas Music, Solo Piano, Improvisation, Vince Guaraldi, Christmas Standards, Jazz Education, Music Theory, Piano Techniques, Holiday Tunes Summary In this festive episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence celebrates the holiday season by exploring classic Christmas tunes through the lens of jazz piano. He recaps previous studies, introduces new plans for solo jazz piano playing, and demonstrates various approaches to well-known Christmas songs. The episode emphasizes the importance of harmonic and melodic analysis, improvisation, and the joy of playing solo piano. Dr. Lawrence shares personal anecdotes and insights, making this episode both educational and heartwarming as he wishes listeners a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season. Takeaways The importance of a clear thought process in music. Music is a combination of sound and silence. Harmonic and melodic analysis are crucial for jazz piano. Solo piano playing requires emulating an ensemble. Backing tracks are valuable for practice. Silent Night evokes strong memories and emotions. Swinging is essential for certain Christmas tunes. Let It Snow is a classic that doesn't mention Christmas. The Christmas Song is perfect for practicing space and pacing. Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season to all. Titles Jazz Piano Christmas Celebration Exploring Christmas Classics in Jazz Sound bites "Merry Christmas!" "Silent Night is embedded into their memory." "Enjoy a Jazz Piano Christmas!" Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Christmas Time Is Here, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Melodic Analysis, Harmonic Analysis, Music Practice, Jazz Checklist, Music Learning Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence guides listeners through the intricacies of jazz improvisation, focusing on the classic tune 'Christmas Time Is Here.' The discussion covers harmonic and melodic analysis, the importance of a structured approach to improvisation, and the creation of a beginner's checklist to combat information overload. Listeners are encouraged to develop their improvisation vocabulary through melodic motifs and rhythmic variations, emphasizing the joy and process of learning jazz piano. Takeaways Week three focuses on improving jazz improvisation skills. The tune studied this month is 'Christmas Time Is Here.' Improvisation development is crucial for jazz musicians. A clear thought process simplifies music conceptually. The seven musical facts guide our approach to music. A beginner's checklist can help manage information overload. Melody is the starting point for improvisation. Rhythm and feel are foundational to playing music. Great solos are built from simple, developed ideas. Joy and curiosity are essential for progress in jazz. Titles Mastering Jazz Piano: Christmas Time Is Here Improvisation Essentials for Jazz Musicians Sound bites "We focus on improvisation development." "Improvisation begins with the melody." "Joy fuels progress in music." Support the show

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Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords jazz piano, essential skills, Christmas time is here, Vince Guraldi, music theory, harmonic analysis, jazz improvisation, piano voicings, music education, jazz community Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the December tune, 'Christmas Time is Here' by Vince Guraldi. He emphasizes the importance of essential piano skills for playing jazz and outlines the seven facts of music that guide practice. The episode includes a harmonic analysis of the tune, exploring chord changes, voicings, and the learning process for jazz piano. Dr. Lawrence also addresses a listener's question about learning chords and highlights the benefits of community engagement through Jazz Piano Skills membership. Takeaways Essential piano skills are crucial for playing any genre. Music is fundamentally about sound and silence. Proper practice requires a clear understanding of music theory. The seven facts of music provide a framework for practice. Listening to various interpretations of a tune enhances learning. Cycling through chords quickly prevents stagnation in practice. Chords should be practiced by type and key for better retention. Paper practice is essential for mastering chords away from the instrument. Understanding harmonic function is key to improvisation. Voicings can significantly enhance the sound of a performance. Titles Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills Mastering Essential Skills for Jazz Sound bites "Practice efficiently and productively." "Listen to various artists to learn a tune." "Enjoy Christmas time is here and have fun!" Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords music theory, scales, arpeggios, harmonic vision, melody, motif development Summary In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence discusses the importance of mastering scales and arpeggios in music theory. He emphasizes the connection between harmony and melody, explaining how a strong understanding of harmonic structures can enhance a musician's ability to create and develop motifs. Takeaways You need to know your scales and arpeggios well. Harmonic vision is crucial for melody creation. Melody is derived from harmonic structures. Understanding arpeggios helps in motif development. Triad shapes can be extracted from sound. Familiarity with sounds enhances musical expression. Scales are foundational to music theory. Arpeggios provide motion in music. Developing motifs requires a grasp of harmony. Musical creativity stems from technical knowledge. Titles Unlocking Musical Mastery: Scales and Arpeggios The Art of Melody: Harmony's Role in Music Sound bites "How well do you know your scales?" "Melody flows from harmony." "Applying arpeggio and scale motion." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords music practice, scales, arpeggios, technique, musicianship Summary In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence discusses the common practice of separating scales and arpeggios in music training. He emphasizes the importance of integrating these elements into a cohesive practice routine that focuses on music rather than merely treating them as technical exercises. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of music among musicians. Takeaways We all tend to practice scales in arpeggios separately. They're discussed as separate technique exercises. We don't want to separate scales and arpeggios. Practicing them as exercises is a bad idea. We should practice them as music, not exercises. A double whammy to avoid is separating them. Integrating scales and arpeggios enhances musicianship. Mindset matters in music practice. Focus on music rather than technicality. Cohesive practice leads to better understanding. Titles Integrating Scales and Arpeggios in Music Practice The Importance of Musical Mindset Sound bites "We all tend to practice scales in arpeggios." "We don't want to do that." "Another really bad idea." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords practice, objectives, focused practice, time management, skill development Summary In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence emphasizes the importance of shifting the focus from the duration of practice to the objectives of each practice session. He advocates for a more structured approach where each session is driven by a single, clear objective, allowing for more effective skill development and time management. Takeaways Stop thinking about practice time. Begin thinking about practice objectives. Practicing should be objective driven. Every single practice session should have a single practice objective. Once you have completed the objective, you're done practicing. Have a specific objective for each practice session. Your goal is to just simply complete the objective. Focused practice leads to better skill development. Time management in practice is crucial. Quality of practice is more important than quantity. Titles Redefining Practice: Focus on Objectives The Art of Objective-Driven Practice Sound bites "Stop thinking about practice time." "Practicing should be objective driven." "Your goal is to just simply complete the objective." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords harmony, music theory, musical notes, subjective experience, good harmony, bad harmony Summary In this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the concept of harmony in music, explaining that it is defined as the sound produced when two or more notes are played together. He emphasizes the subjective nature of harmony, noting that what one person may consider good harmony, another may find unpleasant. The discussion touches on the complexities of musical harmony and the potential for deeper exploration in future conversations. Takeaways Harmony is defined as the sound of two or more notes played together. The perception of harmony can vary from person to person. Good harmony is subjective and can differ based on individual taste. Musical harmony can be a complex topic worthy of deeper discussion. The exploration of harmony can lead to discussions about music theory. Understanding harmony is fundamental to music composition. The relationship between notes can create different emotional responses. Musicians often debate what constitutes good versus bad harmony. Harmony can be both a technical and an artistic concept. Future discussions could delve deeper into the nuances of harmony. Titles Exploring the Essence of Harmony The Subjective Nature of Musical Harmony Sound bites "Harmony is the sound of two or more notes played together." "What constitutes good harmony versus bad harmony?" Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords jazz piano, improvisation, musical facts, harmonic analysis, melodic analysis, improvisation trees, jazz skills, music education, tangerine, jazz vocabulary Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the intricacies of jazz piano improvisation, focusing on the concept of improvisation trees. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the seven musical facts, harmonic and melodic analysis, and intentional practice to enhance improvisational skills. The episode includes practical demonstrations and encourages listeners to engage with the material through listening and structured practice. Takeaways Improvisation should not sound like running scales. Intentional practice incorporates essential musical elements. Music is a balance of sound and silence. Listening to various artists enhances learning. Constructing improvisation trees aids in developing jazz vocabulary. Understanding harmonic and melodic analysis is crucial. Rhythmic variation adds interest to improvisation. Melodic direction should be intentional in improvisation. Practice routines must be structured and intentional. Engagement with the material leads to musical growth. Titles Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills Mastering Improvisation in Jazz Sound bites "Stop running scales." "Intentional practice is key." "You will learn something from everyone." Support the show

Keywords Jazz, Piano, Music Education, Jazz Piano Skills, Musical Journey, Influences, Practice, Learning, Community, Listening Takeaways Lisa's mother was a significant influence on her love for music. She grew up in a musically rich environment with classical and jazz influences. Lisa's journey into jazz began in college with a history of jazz class. She moved to New York to pursue her passion for music and art. Practicing consistently is a challenge for many musicians, including Lisa. Listening to various musicians is crucial for understanding jazz. It's important to start where you are in your musical journey. The Jazz Piano Skills community is supportive and welcoming. Curating a listening list involves careful selection and consideration. Lisa emphasizes the importance of making beautiful sounds on the piano. Summary In this engaging conversation, Lisa shares her profound journey through music, highlighting the significant influence of her mother, her experiences in jazz education, and the challenges of practicing jazz. She emphasizes the importance of community in learning and the joy of making beautiful sounds on the piano. Lisa also discusses her role in curating the listening list for the Jazz Piano Skills community, showcasing her dedication to sharing music with others. Titles From Classical to Jazz: A Musical Journey The Influence of Family in Music Sound bites "I love jazz piano skills!" "I want to make beautiful sounds." "I wish she was here to see this." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jazz Piano Skills Community 01:33 Lisa's Musical Background and Influences 11:18 Journey into Jazz Education 17:06 Moving to New York and Musical Growth 28:50 Challenges in Jazz Practice and Learning 35:23 Advice for Jazz Beginners 51:49 Curating the Listening List for Jazz Piano Skills 57:51 Conclusion and Reflections on Musical Journey Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords Jazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Music Education, Jazz Standards, Practice Strategies, Improvisation, Music Theory, Jazz Techniques, Learning Jazz, Piano Skills Takeaways Establish a well-structured practice strategy for success. Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial. Listening to jazz is essential for developing musicality. Transcribing melodies by ear enhances learning. Melodic interpretation allows for personal expression. Practice phrases and target notes for better melody execution. Utilize various voicings to enrich melodic playing. Experiment with different tempos and styles. Engage with the jazz community for support and feedback. Continuous learning and exploration are key to mastering jazz. Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the importance of melodic analysis in jazz piano. He emphasizes the necessity of understanding the seven facts of music, establishing a solid practice strategy, and the role of listening in developing musicality. The discussion includes a detailed exploration of the tune 'Tangerine,' focusing on melodic interpretation, voicings, and various styles and tempos. The episode concludes with encouragement for continuous learning and engagement with the jazz community. Titles Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Melodic Journey Mastering Melodies: The Art of Jazz Interpretation Sound bites "The answer is one word: Listen." "Listening is so important." "Enjoy the sounds of jazz. Enjoy the tune." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords jazz piano, music education, harmony, melody, improvisation, chord voicing, jazz standards, Tangerine, music theory, piano skills Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the essential skills needed for jazz piano, emphasizing a structured approach to learning tunes. The discussion covers the importance of harmony, melody, and improvisation, framed within the seven facts of music. The episode focuses on the classic jazz standard 'Tangerine,' exploring its harmonic analysis, unique chord changes, and voicing techniques. Listeners are encouraged to practice harmonic motion patterns to develop muscle memory and improve their playing. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the Jazz Piano Skills community for further learning and support. Takeaways Skill-centric is the key to learning jazz piano. Tunes illuminate our weaknesses in playing. Understanding music requires articulating its fundamental concepts. The seven facts of music provide a framework for learning. Circle motion is the most common harmonic movement in jazz. Only two notes move in a circle motion progression. Tangerine follows an A, B, A, C form structure. Practice harmonic motion patterns to develop muscle memory. Hearing tonic is essential for understanding harmonic movement. Block voicings are effective for supporting melody and improvisation. Titles Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Comprehensive Guide Mastering Harmony, Melody, and Improvisation Sound bites "Skill-centric is the key." "Tunes illuminate our weaknesses." "Tangerine has an A, B, A, C form." Support the show

Keywords Jazz Piano, improvisation, harmony, chords, voicings, practice, learning, techniques, repertoire, jazz standards Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores common questions related to jazz piano, covering a wide range of topics from fundamental techniques to improvisation, harmony, and repertoire. The discussion is structured around seven categories of questions, providing insights and practical advice for jazz pianists at all levels. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding musical concepts, practicing effectively, and the value of both listening and playing in the learning process. Takeaways The importance of engaging your ears while practicing scales. Using backing tracks can help develop your internal sense of time. Memorization is less effective than understanding harmonic function. Improvisation should start with chord tones, not scales. Inversions are crucial for smooth chord transitions. Shell voicings are essential for jazz pianists. Transcribing melodies is more beneficial than memorizing solos. Practice should be structured with clear objectives. Recording your practice sessions helps track improvement. Listening is as important as practicing in jazz education. Titles Jazz Piano Skills: Common Questions Answered Unlocking Jazz Piano: Insights and Techniques Sound bites "One tune is all that you need." "Record yourself. Make it a habit." "You need to do both." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Harmony, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Melodic Ideas, Music Theory, Piano Practice, Jazz Standards, Music Mastery Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence explores the intricacies of jazz improvisation and harmony. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the seven facts of music, defining improvisation, and the core elements that contribute to effective improvisation. The episode provides a structured approach to practicing improvisation, focusing on harmonic structures and melodic ideas, and highlights the significance of connecting different harmonic zones. Listeners are encouraged to embrace creativity within limitations and to enjoy the journey of discovering, learning, and playing jazz piano. Takeaways Improvisation is the art of creating melodies spontaneously. Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for jazz musicians. Your hands and ears can never go where they've never been before. Improvisation is not an abstract concept; it's a skill that can be practiced. Creativity thrives within limitations. The chords provide the framework for improvisation. Practice connecting harmonic zones to enhance improvisation skills. Focus on mastering one harmonic shape before expanding to others. Recording your improvisation can help track progress and identify areas for improvement. Enjoy the process of learning and playing jazz piano. Titles Mastering Jazz Piano Improvisation The Art of Jazz Improvisation Sound bites "How do I practice improvisation?" "Creativity is a product of limitation." "Enjoy improvisation and have fun!" Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Harmonic Analysis, Melodic Analysis, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Blue Bossa, Music Practice, Jazz Learning, Music Theory Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence guides listeners through the essential components of jazz piano improvisation, focusing on the tune 'Blue Bossa.' The conversation covers harmonic and melodic analysis, the importance of a structured practice plan, and the ten signs of trouble in learning jazz. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the significance of improvisation development, the seven musical facts, and the necessity of making music beyond just playing tunes. The episode concludes with practical techniques for improvisation using harmonic shapes, encouraging listeners to explore their creativity within structured constraints. Takeaways Improvisation skills are essential for jazz musicians. Understanding harmonic and melodic analysis is crucial. The seven musical facts guide our musical thought process. A structured practice plan prevents feelings of overwhelm. Neglecting foundational skills leads to frustration. Making music involves more than just playing songs. Active listening is key to learning jazz tunes. Creativity thrives within self-imposed constraints. Recording oneself is vital for growth and assessment. Jazz learning is a journey that requires patience and planning. Titles Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: A Comprehensive Guide Mastering Improvisation: The Key to Jazz Piano Sound bites "A plan must be in place." "Your musical growth is inevitable." "Melody flows from harmony." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords Jazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Blue Bossa, Jazz Education, Practice Strategy, Improvisation, Music Theory, Jazz Skills, Learning Jazz, Piano Techniques Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence delves into the importance of melodic analysis in jazz piano, focusing on the standard 'Blue Bossa.' He discusses the foundational skills necessary for effective practice strategies, the seven facts of music, and common pitfalls that jazz learners should avoid. The episode culminates in a detailed melodic analysis of 'Blue Bossa,' exploring various treatments and interpretations of the piece. Takeaways Melodic analysis is crucial for understanding jazz standards. A proper conceptual understanding of music is essential for effective practice. Many jazz learners fall into the trap of information gathering without a plan. Practice sessions should be focused and not overly long. Playing songs alone is not enough to improve jazz skills. The seven facts of music are foundational to jazz learning. Understanding target notes in melodies enhances performance. Different treatments of a tune can lead to greater improvisational skills. Membership in Jazz Piano Skills offers valuable resources and support. Consistent practice and a structured approach lead to success in jazz piano. Titles Mastering Melodic Analysis in Jazz Piano The Seven Facts of Music Explained Sound bites "Music and skills shake hands; they are partners." "People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan." "Neglecting the grunt work leads to frustration." Support the show

Podcast Packets Illustrations Lead Sheets Play Alongs Forums Jazz Piano Skills Community Keywords Jazz Piano, Blue Bossa, Jazz Skills, Music Education, Piano Techniques, Improvisation, Harmony, Melody, Jazz Standards, Music Theory Summary In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence celebrates the 300th episode and emphasizes the importance of skill-centric learning in jazz piano. He introduces the new tune study of 'Blue Bossa' and discusses the essential skills needed to play jazz, organized into three camps: harmony, melody, and improvisation. The episode also covers the seven facts of music, the benefits of membership in the Jazz Piano Skills community, and answers a listener's question about embellishing melodies. The episode concludes with a harmonic analysis of 'Blue Bossa' and a reminder to enjoy the process of learning jazz piano. Takeaways Celebrating the 300th episode of Jazz Piano Skills. Skill-centric learning is essential for mastering jazz piano. Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for practice. Each month, a new tune is studied to enhance skills. The three camps of jazz skills are harmony, melody, and improvisation. Embellishing melodies is a foundational aspect of improvisation. Practicing fragments of a tune can lead to faster results. Making music should be the goal, not just practicing techniques. 'Blue Bossa' is a simple yet beautiful jazz standard to learn. Engagement in the Jazz Piano Skills community enhances learning. Titles Celebrating 300 Episodes of Jazz Piano Skills The Key to Skill-Centric Learning in Jazz Sound bites "We're just getting started!" "Skill-centric is the key." "Music is the production of sound and silence." Support the show

Keywords Jazz Piano, Music Education, Teaching, Learning, Jazz Skills, Piano Skills, Music Journey, Jazz Episodes, Music Theory, Jazz Improvisation Summary In this celebratory 300th episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence reflects on his musical journey, the importance of effective teaching and learning, and highlights favorite episodes from listeners. He emphasizes the significance of focusing on music rather than self, and provides guidance for new listeners on navigating the extensive library of episodes. Dr. Bob expresses gratitude for the community built around Jazz Piano Skills and looks forward to future episodes. Takeaways Dr. Bob celebrates the 300th episode of Jazz Piano Skills. He shares his personal musical journey and experiences. The importance of good teaching and learning is emphasized. Listeners' favorite episodes are highlighted and discussed. Dr. Bob encourages focusing on music rather than self in learning. He provides guidance for new listeners on where to start. The significance of the blues in jazz is acknowledged. Dr. Bob expresses gratitude for the supportive community. He reflects on the evolution of his teaching approach over the years. Future aspirations include reaching 1000 episodes. Titles Celebrating 300 Episodes of Jazz Piano Skills Dr. Bob's Musical Journey and Insights Sound bites "I want to begin today just sharing with you my thoughts." "There is such a thing as good teaching and bad teaching." "The blues are so important to jazz." Support the show