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 20: Solo Piano-Progressing the Basics. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Playing solo can be extremely difficult. It's hard to move past that beginning stage of just chords in the LH and melody in the RH. This podcast will give you a couple of simple tips that you can be begin to incorporate…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 19: Introduction To The Blues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
The blues is a corner stone of jazz. You will find the blues in many traditional jazz tunes and it will also help improve your improvising as well. Listen to this episode to learn how the blues works and how you can star…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 18: How To Prepare For Gigs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
You'd be surprised how much information gets left out about gigs. This information could make or break your success at the gig or with the band leader. Do you want more gigs or don't you?
Jazz Piano School, Ep 17: How To Play Jazz Standards! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Playing jazz piano standards is actually quite easy. People tend to over think it and then end up not even trying. It only takes a couple of learned principles and you can play any jazz standard you want! Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 16: How To Swing! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Swing creates that wonderful jazz feeling we all know and love. Here's how to create it and get it right! Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 15 - What Are 7th Chords? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
Finally some jazz chords to start learning! 7th chords are the main type of harmony that create jazz. Any time you are listening to jazz you can be sure you are hearing some form of 7th chords. These chords are going to…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 13: Playing Charts Part 1 - Harmonies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Finally I talk about how to actually play charts. I know someone of you are like "FINALLY!". In this episode I talk about reading chord changes, how to decipher how many beats per chord change and what slash chords are.…
Jazz Piano School, Ep 12: Avishai Cohen Masterclass Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Avishai Cohen gives another masterclass at the reno jazz festival. He doesn't repeat anything he said in the first class, so pay attention. He has a lot of valuable insight to learn jazz. Enjoy!
Jazz Piano School, Ep 11: Avishai Cohen Masterclass Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Avishai Cohen is a leading trumpet player in the jazz scene. This masterclass was recorded at the Reno Jazz Festival. He has a lot of great insight into advancing as a student, and what to practice. Enjoy!