That's All, Harmonic Analysis

That's All, Harmonic Analysis

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence August 6, 2025 Duration: 27:29

Podcast Packets

Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
jazz piano, music education, jazz skills, harmonic analysis, improvisation, music theory, jazz standards, piano voicings, learning jazz, music practice

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces the essential skills needed to play jazz piano, emphasizing a structured approach to learning new tunes. The discussion covers the seven facts of music, the importance of harmonic analysis, and common progressions found in jazz standards. The episode also addresses a listener's question about navigating chord changes in lead sheets and provides insights into effective practice strategies. Finally, Dr. Lawrence explores the voicings for the classic jazz standard 'That's All', offering practical tips for mastering the tune.

Takeaways
Skill-centric approach is key to learning tunes.
Tunes illuminate our weaknesses quickly.
Three categories govern our tune study: harmony, melody, improvisation.
Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial.
Practice common progressions in all keys.
Listening to various artists enhances learning.
Harmonic analysis is essential for understanding tunes.
Common harmonic movements aid in ear training.
Voicings should match your current skill level.
Enjoy the process of discovering and learning jazz.

Titles
Mastering Jazz Piano Skills
The Essential Skills for Jazz Piano

Sound bites
"Essential skills needed to play a tune."
"Your problem is an easy fix."
"I approach it the same way every time."

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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
Inside Outside, Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:50
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Inside Outside harmony to develop melodic jazz improvisation vocabulary. For maximum musical growth, be sure to download the Podcast Guides for this Jazz Pia…
Inside Outside, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:52
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Inside Outside harmony to develop melodic jazz improvisation vocabulary. Be sure to Download the Podcast Guide for this podcast that musically notates 12 jaz…
Major Chromaticism, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:52
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Major Chromaticism, Pt. 1, to develop jazz improvisation vocabulary. Be sure to Download the Podcast Guide for this podcast that musically notates 12 jazz im…
Minor Chromaticism, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:17
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play the Minor Chromaticism, Pt. 1 to develop jazz improvisation vocabulary. Be sure to Download the Podcast Guide for this podcast that musically notates 12 jazz…
II-V-I Progression, Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:51
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play the iconic II-V-I Progression, Pt. 2. In this episode, we layer various melodic triad patterns over the II-V-I Progression to begin developing improvisationa…
II-V-I Progression, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:24
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play the iconic II-V-I Progression, Pt. 1 using traditional and contemporary shell voicings for your left hand. Be sure to Download the Podcast Guide for this pod…
Two-Handed Voicings, Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Secondary Two-Handed Voicings using 5-Note Shapes for all primary sounds (major, dominant, minor, half-diminished, diminished). Be sure to Download the Podca…
Two-Handed Voicings, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:07
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Two-Handed Voicings using 5-Note Shapes for all primary sounds (major, dominant, minor, half-diminished, diminished). Be sure to Download the Podcast Guide f…
Triads, Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:33
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Triads using Lower Neighboring Tones (Half-Step Approachments) to create "intentional tension"; an essential jazz piano skill in for improvisation developmen…
Triads, Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:32
This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Triads using Major and Minor shapes played harmonically and melodically; an essential jazz piano skill in preparation for improvisation development. Be sure…