Improvisation Paths: Blues, Bebop, Modern

Improvisation Paths: Blues, Bebop, Modern

Author: Brenden Lowe : Professional Jazz Pianist and Jazz Piano Educator November 28, 2025 Duration: 26:54
What kind of improviser do you want to become? In this episode, I break down the three primary stylistic paths.

Finding your way into the rich world of jazz piano can feel overwhelming, like you're missing the map everyone else seems to have. That's where Jazz Piano School comes in, hosted by professional jazz pianist and educator Brenden Lowe. This isn't about quick tricks; it's about building a real foundation. Brenden structures each episode around a clear, practical system, breaking down the journey into core pillars: developing your Technique, understanding the underlying Theory, building a solid Repertoire of tunes, and finding your own voice through Improvisation. You'll get focused lessons that translate complex ideas into actionable steps, all from a teacher who understands the common sticking points. To add depth and inspiration, the podcast regularly features conversations with well-known jazz pianists, offering a rare glimpse into their personal approaches and experiences. Tune in for a guided path that replaces frustration with clarity, turning the intricate language of jazz into something you can not only play, but truly feel and make your own. This podcast is designed to be the consistent, reliable resource you need at the bench, whether you're just starting out or looking to break through to the next level in your playing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

Jazz Piano School
Podcast Episodes
3 Ways To Play A Sus Chord [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:06
Sus chords can be mysterious but with the 3 different types of sus chords I'm going to show you today, you'll know exactly where, when and how to use them. The first sus chord will be more of a general, space sound you c…
The #1 Jazz Piano Improvisation Exercise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:10
So if improvisation is spontaneous...how do we practice the art of spontaneity? There are a couple key points that make improvisation sound good. No matter how many fancy tools you throw on top like the blues scale, pent…
3 Must Know Jazz Piano Licks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:05
The 3 jazz piano licks included in this lesson are important for a couple reasons. One, they contain both scalar motion and arpeggiated thirds. Most jazz piano improvisation contains both of these movements very frequent…
How To Improvise Over A 3-6-2-5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:02
These 5 improvisation strategies are continuations off the last tutorial on comping through a 3-6-2-5. Enjoy! To learn more about our secret Black Friday 2022 offer go to... https://jazzpianoschool.com/blackfriday2022
5 Different Ways To Play a Jazz 3-6-2-5 On Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
Progressions in jazz can get extremely boring. Especially if you're playing them the same every time. A common one that you'll see in so many tunes is a 3-6-2-5. If you're bored of playing a 3-6-2-5 the same or need some…
How To Make Friends With the Metronome to Improve Your Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:44
The metronome can either be your best friend or your worst enemy! Practicing with the metronome is an essential way to develop your own internal sense of time. In this podcast lesson, Sterling will show you some tips and…
How To Thicken Up Jazz Voicings And Arrangements in 3 Easy Steps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:35
Jazz doesn't always have to be hard. I swear. Sometimes one specific skill set can be broken down into 3 easy steps. I recently taught my special Accelerator Program students this easy 3 step process to thicken and fatte…
Use This Trick To Know What Scales To Play Over Chords In Any Key! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
When learning new tunes, it can often be tricky to know which notes to play over chords that are unfamiliar. By finding the home key and practicing improvising over chord progressions, you can be ready to play over chord…
Quickly Improve Your Improvisation With This One Exercise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
There are usually a handful of things in life that REALLY help you make some serious progress. This goes for almost everything in life. Golf, painting, riding a bike...literally anything. If you find the right drill or e…
How to Master the Art of 10ths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
It can be easy to get stuck using the same tired licks or sets of voicings. Here is a new way you can approach comping and improvising by incorporating the intervals of tenths and sixths. Sterling Cozza will show you in…