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Hi All,

I'm an adult who has taken about 2 years of classical piano lessons. I know a fair amount of music theory, but I don't have a lot of practice under my belt. I know what a 7chord is, but I can't rattle off an Eb7, for example.

I'd like to study jazz piano, mostly so I can play standards, with a little improvisation. First of all, am I ready? Should I gain more technique first? My classical teacher doesn't care much for playing lead sheets, so where would I go?

Second: are there jazz teachers in the Boston area who would take on a beginner like me? Please PM me if you know somebody. Thanks.

Check out Berklee - isn't it in Boston?

You are ready to start studying jazz, but I doubt a teacher would have you playing lead sheets and standards right away. My guess is a teacher will first put you on a program where you'll learn all the seventh chords in all keys, and how to voice them. A jazz teacher will put you on the track of learning what you need to know. Dont' know Boston, so I can't help you specifically, but I would be surprised if Boston didn't have loads to fine jazz piano teachers.

They don't teach ad-hoc, you have to be enrolled full-time to study there.

Even a bare beginner could find plenty of jazz/improvisation teachers willing to teach (though you certainly have a step-up with your background), so you're perfectly able to start whenever. As far as finding such a teacher, many don't advertise (quite possibly most), so that leaves you with finding them through word of mouth - ask around at any local music stores you have for some ideas; ask your teacher, friends, etc.; google around and see if you can find anything (also look at sites like MTNA Teacher Look-up for one)

As long as you're willing to work hard in your learning and you find the right teacher you're absolutely ready.

There is no entrance exam to play jazz per se. Just a willingness to gradually improve your skills on a daily basis. A good teacher can help you structure your path.

Absolutely agree. Just begin. Study & practice. If u can search for a teacher who can help you.
If u wait to be ready for something u should never begin to do nothing.

aL

Thanks, all. I have introductory lessons scheduled with two different teachers in August. Now I have to go learn the scales in every key....

Here's the secret. Buy "The Real Book 6th Edition" and then play all the ballads in "2+2" as described in Randy Halberstadt's book on jazz piano.

Ordered.

What does "2+2" mean?

Congrats for finding your teachers.
The major key is a great start. How well do you know your 12 major keys ?
As jazz is largely based on 8th notes, you can practise them in 4-note cell patterns.

Aargh! What does "play all the ballads in 2+2" mean?

Great book. 2+2 is explained in the later chapters. basically, play Root + 3rd or Root + 7th in LH, and 3rd or 7th + melody in the right hand.

Oh that's interesting Knotty.
From the Mark Levine book, I've been learning LH as Root + 5th.
RH is the same as what you described.

Another question I wanted to ask you was when do I use this 2+2 (2+3) method and when do I use the thick LH chords with RH single note method ?
I've been learning both for All the Things You Are.

Generally, 2+2 is better playing solo.
Lh chords is better with a bass, but you can mix and match.

Knotty
When you say mix and match, is this an acceptable order ?

1. Play head with thick LH chords and RH single notes
2. Solo with thick LH chords and RH single notes
3. Play head using 2+2

Am I correct in thinking that if everyone uses the same 2+2 formula, everyone's playing of the head will sound the same ?

Cus,

That's fine. What you want to avoid is play the LH chords in Root position. That would sound pretty lame. Generally maybe start with the simple approach like 2+2 and then dense it up as you go.

>>Am I correct in thinking that if everyone uses the same 2+2 formula, everyone's playing of the head will sound the same ?
Yes and no. 2+2 is a nice formula for playing off of a lead sheet, but at some point, you will arrange your own tunes and create your own voice. You can add chords in lots of places. And reharmonize some. The more you arrange, the more these things will become yours. And rather than getting arrangement techniques out of books, get them out of your own head. Using the process of self discovery, things stick a lot better. And it's more fun too, because you are truly creating and innovating (even if someone has already done before you)
Also, the way people play notes make them sound all different.No 2 people swing the same, or have quite the same touch.

Fluency in 2+2 is not easy for those who have not done it before. And if you can't do it in basic 2+2 you won't be going very far in jazz piano.