What a Difference a Day Makes, Harmonic Analysis

What a Difference a Day Makes, Harmonic Analysis

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence March 5, 2025 Duration: 30:41

Podcast Packets
Illustrations
Lead Sheets
Play Alongs

Jazz Piano Skills Community

Keywords
jazz piano, essential skills, harmony, melody, improvisation, rhythm, music theory, jazz standards, voicings, learning tunes

Summary
In this episode of Jazz Piano Skills, Dr. Bob Lawrence introduces essential jazz piano skills, emphasizing the importance of harmony, melody, improvisation, and rhythm. He discusses the seven facts of music that frame these skills and outlines a structured approach to learning a new tune, specifically 'What a Difference a Day Makes.' The episode also addresses a listener's question about voicings and alterations, providing insights into effective practice techniques and the importance of using the right tools for jazz piano playing.

Takeaways
Essential jazz piano skills include harmony, melody, improvisation, and rhythm.
Understanding the seven facts of music is crucial for jazz piano skills.
Tune study illuminates essential skills needed to play jazz piano.
Listening to various artists is key to learning a new tune.
Block chords are not suitable for alterations; use the correct voicing types.
Developing a practice template for unique chords enhances skill acquisition.
Harmonic analysis is essential for understanding a tune's structure.
Voicings should be practiced in context to develop proficiency.
The importance of ear training through common chord progressions.
Membership in Jazz Piano Skills provides access to valuable educational resources.

Titles
Mastering Jazz Piano Skills
Unlocking the Secrets of Jazz Harmony
The Essential Guide to Jazz Piano
Exploring 'What a Difference a Day Makes'
Jazz Piano Skills: A Comprehensive Approach
Understanding Jazz Voicings and Alterations

Sound Bites
"Essential jazz piano skills include harmony, melody, improvisation."
"Music is the production of sound and silence."
"We need to see these essential jazz piano skills."
"What a difference a day makes is a classic tune."
"Your membership helps keep Jazz Piano Skills 100% ad-free."
"You can't figure it out. I think it's fantastic that you're trying."
"You have to have the correct tool to get the job done."
"Do not try to apply alterations to block voicings."
"Listening is the first step in learning a tune."
"We will be learning the chord changes and harmonic function."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jazz Piano Skills
03:00 Essential Jazz Piano Skills
05:53 The Seven Facts of Music
08:50 Tune Study Approach
13:09 Question of the Week: Voicings and Alterations
22:04 Learning a New Tune: What a Difference a Day Makes
30:04 Harmonic Analysis of the Tune
41:58 Voicings and Practical Application
54:19 Conclusion and Next Steps

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

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