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
JPS Ep:160 - How To Practice Like a Pro Pt 1: "Don't Just Play" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:47
In this podcast series, we will be talking about how to optimize your routine to get the most out of your practice time. In this lesson, we're talking about what it means to really practice vs. "just playing." Follow alo…
JPS Ep:158 - Check out the "Joe Henderson Chord!" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
In this podcast lesson we take a closer look at the chord which characterized Joe Henderson during the most impactful time of his career. This chord appears again and again in Joe's well known compositions from the 1960'…
JPS Ep:157 - 3 Ways To Overcome Your Improvisation Fears [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:32
Let's face it...it's SCARY to improvise. It's a very vulnerable thing because you're opening up yourself to the world. You're expressing your true self and true emotions. Now besides all that inner stuff...there is also…
JPS Ep:156 - Find Out the Secrets to Playing a One-Chord Vamp! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:20
As jazz pianists, we often get caught up in complex chord progressions and substitutions. The question is: What happens when the chips are down, and you have to improvise over only ONE chord? Here are some secret strateg…
JPS Ep:154 - How to Reharmonize Like a Pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:22
Have you been looking for some new ways to harmonize with jazz chords? This one trick will help you reharmonize melodies like a pro! In this lesson, we will explore some new ways to move chromatically through the keyboar…
JPS Ep:152 - How To Spice Up Your Improv With Ornaments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:03
Most of the time improv will sound bland not because of the notes...but because of the RHYTHMS! I had this little epiphany back in my earlier days, and it completely transformed my soloing. In this episode, you will lear…