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 30 : How To Use Diatonic Harmony [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
So you may be wondering how can you start putting these diatonic chords to use now. Well there are a number of different ways you can do it. The first benefit we now have is we can transpose music easily, and effectively…
Jazz Piano School Ep 29 : How To Use Modes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:36
I don't use modes. Who needs modes? What good are modes anyway? Modes are the building blocks of improv. Modes are the notes that correspond with a chord. Not using modes is like misspelling words.
Jazz Piano School Ep 28 : Why You Need Diatonic Harmony [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:23
We have to be able to understand how to put the puzzle pieces together in jazz. How can you expect to do this without understanding where they go? Well, you can't! This is why Diatonic Harmony is so important. Diatonic H…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 27 : Connecting Chord Changes In Your Solo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:11
To make our solo's sound good we need to be able to connect the chord changes smoothly in our right hand. This means hitting chord tones on down beats without having to think about it. The ability to play these chord ton…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 24: How To Start Improvising (Beginner) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:20
When learning how to improvise you want to make sure you have the necessary foundation to support your solo. These initial steps will make sure you get started on the right path to playing killin jazz piano solos and sou…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 23: Arranging Standards For Solo Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
Learning how to arrange jazz standards for both hands can be tough. Where do I put my left hand? Where do I put my right? There are specific techniques you can use to help arrange the standards in fake books so that you…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 22: Intermediate Blues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:09
It's tough creating variety with the blues, but with these reharms and scales you'll be able to spice up your playing in no time.
Jazz Piano School, Ep 21: Special Guest, Eric Reed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:34
This interview with Eric Reed was such a great pleasure. To be able to talk to one of the leading jazz pianists in the world and history was surreal for me. I had studied with him at the New School University and Eric wa…