Here are 5 ways to get more work as a jazz pianist:
- Become great at accompanying singers
Our musical culture has become so vocalist-oriented over the past 70 years that singers get most of the jazz work that’s available. Yes, play instrumental gigs when they become available, but if you want to work constantly, become the best accompanist you can be.
2. Become great at accompanying singers
Most jazz pianists, even accomplished ones, simply aren’t that good at accompanying vocalists. Become a great accompanist and singers will seek you out.
- Become great at accompanying singers
Did I mention this one before? (lol) Jazz vocalists tend to be friends with other jazz vocalists. Develop a good relationship with a singer and she’ll tell her friends about you.
- Become great at accompanying singers
Besides getting work as an accompanist, there is another, huge benefit to accompanying vocalists: you’ll get to know the lyrics to jazz standards. This is a rich, creative world to explore and the simple fact is that most jazz pianists don’t know the lyrics. But once you do, you’ll play standards differently and become a better all-around jazz musician in the process. And this in turn will take your instrumental playing to a whole new level. It’s a win-win situation!
- Become great at accompanying singers. Become great at accompanying singers. Become great at accompanying singers.
I’ll say it again because I want you to remember it forever: Become great at accompanying singers. It may be hard to believe, but vocalists often have a hard time finding pianists who are good accompanists. And when they do, they often find that the good accompanists are too busy to play for them, because they are in demand by other singers. Become a great accompanist and doors will begin to open for you. Doors that you may not realize even exist. Good luck!
My jazz piano course will teach you theory and help you assimilate it into your playing at the same time, so jazz improvisation comes more easily to you.