Diatonic Harmonic Exercises

Diatonic Harmonic Exercises

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence February 17, 2021 Duration: 43:19

Welcome to JazzPianoSkills; it's time to discover, learn, and play Jazz Piano!

Every JazzPianoSkills weekly podcast episode introduces aspiring jazz pianists to essential Jazz Piano Skills. Each Podcast episode explores a specific Jazz Piano Skill in depth. Today you will discover, learn, play Diatonic Harmonic Exercises. In this Jazz Piano Lesson you will:

Discover
Essential Diatonic Harmonic Exercises
Learn
How to use Diatonic Harmonic Exercises to improve Harmonic Vision
Play
Diatonic Harmonic Exercises designed for developing Jazz Language

For maximum musical growth, be sure to use the Jazz Piano Podcast Packets for this Jazz Piano Lesson. All three Podcast Packets are designed to help you gain insight and command of a specific Jazz Piano Skill. The Podcast Packets are invaluable educational tools to have at your fingertips while studying and practicing Diatonic Harmonic Exercises.

Download Podcast Packets
Illustrations (detailed graphics of the jazz piano skill)
Lead Sheets (beautifully notated music lead sheets)
Play Alongs (ensemble assistance and practice tips)

EPISODE OUTLINE:
Introduction
Discover, Learn, Play
Invite to Join JazzPianoSkills

Exercise 1:
CM, D-, E-, FM, G7, A-, B-7b5
C Major Voicing, Option 1: 3-6-9
C Major Voicing, Option 2: 7-3-6

Exercise 2:
Split Scale, Variation 1
CM, D-, E-, FM
C Major Voicing, Option 1: 3-6-9
C Major Voicing, Option 2: 7-3-6

Exercise 3:
Split Scale, Variation 2
CM, B-7b5, A-, G7
C Major Voicing, Option 1: 3-6-9
C Major Voicing, Option 2: 7-3-6

Exercise 4:
II-V-I Progression
D-, G7, CM
D Minor Voicing, Option 1: 1-4-7
D Minor Voicing, Option 2: 5-1-4

Conclusion
Closing Comments

Visit JazzPianoSkills for more educational resources that include a sequential curriculum with interactive Jazz Piano Courses, private and group online Jazz Piano Classes, and a private jazz piano community Jazz Piano Forums.

If you wish to support JazzPianoSkills with a donation you can do so easily through the JazzPianoSkills Paypal Account.

Thank you for being a JazzPianoSkills listener. It is my pleasure to help you discover, learn, and play jazz piano!

Support the show


There's a certain magic in hearing a great jazz pianist, a feeling that it's both complex and effortless. Jazz Piano Skills pulls back the curtain on that magic, transforming it into a clear, practical path forward. Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence, an educator and the President of The Dallas School of Music, this series feels less like a lecture and more like a series of private sessions. Each episode focuses on a tangible skill, breaking down the theory, harmony, and technique that define the jazz language. You'll hear Bob at the keyboard, demonstrating chord voicings, improvisational patterns, and rhythmic concepts, explaining the 'why' behind every note. Whether you're deciphering a standard or building a solo from scratch, the guidance is always rooted in practical application. This podcast is designed for those who want to move beyond simply playing notes on a page and start speaking through the instrument. It’s a deep, methodical exploration of the art form, offering structured lessons that build upon each other. Tune in and find your voice at the keys, learning directly from a professional whose teaching strips away the intimidation and fuels genuine musical growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 332

Jazz Piano Skills
Podcast Episodes
Practice Scales, Correctly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:58
This jazz piano lesson will help you discover, learn, and play all musical scales (major, minor, modes), correctly. Four approaches are discussed and explored.You can listen to this Podcast Episode at JazzPianoSkills and…