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
Jazz Piano School Ep. 80 - I Should Care Improv Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:08
Watch as I build a solo from scratch talking about the importance of specific and harmonic changes you should add. I also add my thought process at approaching your connections through the harmonies.
Jazz Piano School Ep. 79 - The Whole Half And Half Whole Scales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:55
Soloing over diminished chords can be tricky, but very pretty if you have some tools in your toolbox. Check out these two scales to help your improv over the diminished passing chord and dominant chords.
Jazz Piano School Ep. 76 - 8 Different Ways To Use Space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:54
Space doesn’t always have to be in your right hand, and it doesn’t always have to mean not playing. Check out these different ways to conceptualize space and add it into your playing for some tasty improvements.
Jazz Piano School Ep. 75 - The Equation Of Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:55
Improvisation is like trying to fill the gaps in a resolution. We're trying to land on chord tones but there are so many ways to resolve, mixed with rhythms...we need to figure out what fits the gap! In this video I debu…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 74 - 6 Ways To Add Passing Movements [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:39
Filling empty space in tunes can be challenging. There are a lot of different ways to do it. In this episode I go off on a small journey talking about reharms, but also give you 6 great ways to fill space in tunes. Enjoy…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 73 - Beginner Latin & Bossa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:19
Latin and Bossa tunes can be a great style to add to your repertoire. A lot of people think they are difficult to play but as I'll demonstrate in this episode there is not much difference in the way you'll approach these…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 72 - Advanced Blues Solo Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:47
This was a request from a JPS member who wanted me to play a little bit more in the episode to get some ideas. This episode covers solo piano blues styles advanced textures, and progressions to help spark some creativity…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 71 - 9 Steps To Improve Your Solo Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:20
We're releasing the brand new Solo Piano System on January 23rd at 9am. In this podcast I cover 9 steps taken directly from the course that will improve your solo piano and build a solid foundation for your solo piano fu…