Embraceable You, Harmonic Analysis

Embraceable You, Harmonic Analysis

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence February 4, 2026 Duration: 31:54

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Forums
Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
Jazz Piano, Embraceable You, Jazz Harmony, Music Education, Jazz Techniques, Improvisation, Music Analysis, Jazz Standards, Piano Skills, Music Practice

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces a new tune study focusing on the jazz standard 'Embraceable You' by George Gershwin. The discussion covers the importance of intentional study, the seven facts of music, and a deep dive into harmonic and melodic analysis. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the significance of movement in jazz harmony and provides practical techniques for voicings and improvisation. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the material and continue their jazz piano journey.

Takeaways
A new month signals a new tune study.
The study system allows for a huge return on investment.
Real practice involves exploring essential jazz skills.
Jazz harmony is defined by the movement of notes.
Listening to various artists is crucial for learning.
Understanding harmonic function enhances musicality.
Common progressions are foundational in jazz standards.
Voicings can be simplified for clarity and movement.
Two-handed voicings are essential for ensemble playing.
Engagement with the material leads to meaningful growth.

Titles
Unlocking Jazz Piano Skills: Embraceable You
The Art of Jazz Harmony: Movement Over Notes

Sound bites
"Incorrect thinking leads nowhere."
"Movement gives us music."
"Listening is so important."

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
Stars Fell on Alabama, Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunitySummaryIn this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence dives deep into the art of improvisation, focusing on the classic tune "Sta…
Stars Fell on Alabama, Melodic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:40
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsJazz Piano, Melodic Analysis, Expressiveness, Music Education, Jazz Standards, Practice Strategies, Music Theory, Stars Fell on A…
Stars Fell on Alabama, Harmonic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:42
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, learning jazz, Stars Fell on Alabama, jazz voicings, harmonic analysis, jazz education, music theory, improvisation,…
Four Pillars of Jazz Piano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:07
KeywordsJazz Piano, Growth, Harmony, Improvisation, Melodic Design, Solo Piano, Music Education, Jazz Community, 2026 VisionSummaryIn this final episode of 2025, Dr. Bob Lawrence reflects on a year of growth within the J…
A Jazz Piano Christmas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:20
KeywordsJazz Piano, Christmas Music, Solo Piano, Improvisation, Vince Guaraldi, Christmas Standards, Jazz Education, Music Theory, Piano Techniques, Holiday TunesSummaryIn this festive episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. B…
Christmas Time is Here, Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:11
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsJazz Piano, Improvisation, Christmas Time Is Here, Music Education, Jazz Skills, Melodic Analysis, Harmonic Analysis, Music Pract…
Christmas Time is Here, Harmonic Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsjazz piano, essential skills, Christmas time is here, Vince Guraldi, music theory, harmonic analysis, jazz improvisation, piano v…
How to Start Jazz Improvising [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsmusic theory, scales, arpeggios, harmonic vision, melody, motif developmentSummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence discusse…
A Beautiful Friendship, Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
Podcast PacketsIllustrationsLead SheetsPlay AlongsForumsJazz Piano Skills CommunityKeywordsmusic practice, scales, arpeggios, technique, musicianshipSummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Bob Lawrence discusses the common prac…