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. 60 - Rootless Voicing Expansion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:51
Rootless voicing are a great building block to start learning true jazz sounds but how do we expand upon them? In this episode I show you how to take rootless voicing further by altering the natural extensions they conta…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 59 - My Favorite Blues Reharm Progressions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:02
I absolutely love playing the blues and I'm sure a lot of you do as well. There are certain progressions and movements I've picked up that I absolutely love and almost always use while playing the blues. These reharm pro…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 58 - Left Hand Voicing Approach (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:19
In this episode we take our voicings from last week and start to use them to create different environments, atmospheres, and sounds. When we shift or focus from our RH improv to the support our LH provides, you will star…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 57 - Left Hand Voicing Approach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
As you become more advanced, your LH becomes equally if not more important than your RH improv for certain sounds and atmospheres you can create. With this voicing approach you’ll have more than enough information to bre…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 56 - The Basics Of Stride Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:31
Stride is an extremely fun style of jazz piano to play! Simple to explain, but technically difficult. Learn how to tackle this fun and impressive beast with these podcast tips! Have fun!
Jazz Piano School Ep. 55 - How to Improvise Over Odd Changes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
This is a fantastic episode that will benefit a lot of people out there. I specifically go over what is the most important aspect when connecting your improv together through odd changes and even more common progressions…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 54 - 6 Steps to Thoroughly Learn Tunes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:26
Memorizing & learning tunes throughly is tough! Trust me I've been there. After using this 6 Step Learning Tunes process I never forgot another tune again. It's due all the practice of the fundamental elements of the tun…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 53 - How to Harmonize Melodies Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
We open the flood gates to harmonization with this podcast as I show you that one note can fit and be used in any type of chord you wish in a tune. There are a substantial amount of options so take your time and realize…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 52 - How to Harmonize Melodies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:58
Harmonizing melodies can be very tricky. What chords do we pick for each melody note and when do we place them. In this harmonization beginner's podcast, I go over how to use diatonic chords as well as some substitutes t…
Jazz Piano School Ep. 51 - Tips on Playing Fast Tempos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
Learning how to play at fast tempos can be quite frustrating. Why can't we play faster?! We see or listen to the monsters do it effortlessly yet when we try it comes out as a moshposh of jumbled up mess. Well here are 7…