Ron's blog on piano improv and the role of music in our lives
As musicians, we like to listen to music. We’ll put on music in the car, at home, and everywhere else we can. Besides being enjoyable, it can keep us going during those times when we aren’t near our instrument. This is great and I urge you to keep listening to as much music as you can. But let … Read More
Today’s post is by June Kamerling, who’s taken both my Cabaret Performance and Music Theory classes at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. June, who is the owner of El Cerrito Fitness (in El Cerrito, California), is an inspiring example of someone who has integrated her love of music and performing into her daily life. June performs as a vocalist in cabaret … Read More
The biggest musical challenge you’ll ever face is not what you think it is. It’s not learning how to play Beethoven’s “Diabelli Variations” or improvising great bebop. Most musicians focus on “attainment” when I think the real challenge is incorporating music into our everyday lives. But ironically, if we successfully integrate music into our daily lives, … Read More
If you’re a pianist, then at some point in your life you’ll benefit from learning Johann Sebastian Bach’s 15 Two-Part Inventions. They can be played on any keyboard instrument and will make you a better musician, whatever type of music you like to play. Although Bach thad all his keyboard students learn to play the Inventions, he … Read More
If you get a little (or more than a little) nervous about playing piano in front of an audience, here’s a tip: is possible, play more than one song. When you just play one piece, everything is riding on that one song. “Oh, I better play this perfectly.” “I wonder if they’re enjoying this.” “When is this … Read More
Along with many other New Yorkers, I’ll be watching tonight’s NBA All-Star game to see NY Knick’s star Carmelo Anthony play, despite his injured knee. This will be the last time he plays basketball this season and even if he’s only on the court for a few minutes, it’ll be nice to see him play. This … Read More
I went to a local middle school basketball game yesterday, and was pleasantly surprised to see a keyboard set up in the corner. Just before the game started, a young student (around 13-14 years old) accompanied two of the school’s vocalists in a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. They performed the song very well and I expected to … Read More
A few days ago I wrote about how Keith Jarrett’s improvised piano intros unfold in much the same way as Bach’s music does. (You can read that here.) Another, seldom-noticed influence on his intros comes from the world of jazz: Erroll Garner. I’ve listened to both pianists a lot, but didn’t make the connection until … Read More
Did you know that Bach wrote part of The Well-Tempered Clavier while he was in jail? Did you know that Mozart wasn’t poor, despite what we’ve been told? He earned a middle-class income and paid for his son to attend a private school alongside the children of royalty. Did you know that you can listen … Read More
Keith Jarrett improvises the most amazing introductions to jazz standards. Instead of immediately launching into a tune with his “Standards Trio,” he’ll often begin with a solo piano intro, out-of-tempo and totally improvised. Here’s one of his most famous, “Stella By Starlight.” Listen to how he spins out phrase after phrase, moving from harmony to harmony … Read More