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I’m an advanced beginner with fairly solid jazz-chord theory (but lousy technique) I’ve been searching for the most efficient way to raise my playing level. Playing along with various Youtube music videos has been helpful, as well as the various free video tutorials. But I would like to ask for advice for a more structured way forward. I’m familiar with courses such as Piano with Jonny May, Piano Groove and Berklee Online. I would appreciate any opinions.

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I've been online since 2007 with thousands of satisfied students from all over the world.

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Goal note method for learning how to improvise a melody line
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Major ii-V-I Progression
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and complete courses on improvisation and one and two-handed voicings.

I am always available for support via email.

Thank you Bill,

I will for sure take a good look at it. I just watched the Five Essential Seventh Chord example. The information is the "real deal" and taught by a great jazz teacher.

Hi

I'd certainly recommend looking at Dave Frank's website, and in particular his masterclasses.

http://www.davefrankjazz.com/

Cheers

However, what are you going to do with this -
Different types of jazz videos do not really help.

Doesn’t the answer depend on what is really meant by ‘lousy technique’?

Simon,

Man, Dave Frank is a MONSTER!! Thanks for turning me on to him. I spent much of the morning checking him out! What an interesting man! His Master Class #46 Call me Lennie is amazing!

http://www.davefrankjazz.com/videos/Master-Class-46-Call-Me-Lennie

Yes, that's really the "all important question" isn't it. You're asking me, "what is my goal"? Well, I'm a retired guy who played trumpet and bass professionally for quite a few years but now want to play the type of piano that would be suitable ..... let's say, in a fine dining room. That type of piano. (a lot of lush ballads) I was trying to convey the point that I'm not a beginner when it comes to understanding jazz chords and theory...... that's all. I understand and play tri-tone subs and rootless voicings eg. #9 chords and poly-chords. But, I'm not in any way able to play a gig. What Ive learned, I've picked up here and there. Maybe I'm looking for a course to fill in the holes. So, I wondered what would be the most efficient way to build my chops? Maybe something structured. Because, right now...... I feel I'm just "horsing around." I hope that is more clear.

Good question. I'm sure my definition of "my lousy technique" is, to a large extent, a result of just not "wood-shedding"
enough. I know it takes a lot of time. But, I'm pretty much a "self-taught" player and I've read testimonials of people who said, "taking so and so's course" boosted their level more in one year than several years of playing. So, I decided to throw out the question of jazz courses. Just interested in what players have to say about it. There will be many opinions.

Well, Nahum was alluding to it.

Since you are interested in gigging, I think you need lessons from someone who has (or is doing) that.

A professional jazz player would be best.

He/She could assess your skill set and provide you with direction.

Here is f.e. just one question combining jazz and piano technique: which playing movements best express the swing feel?

Well, since you like Dave Frank, he would be the logical choice for a teacher.

He teaches via Skype.

Might work.

A teacher sitting right next to you would be best but you could try a Skype teacher and see how it goes.

First of all Nahum, thank you for participating. I think my stating that I have lousy technique may have misconstrued. I wasn't talking about technique as in "hand position" and that sort of thing. (on a gig, no one cares about that) What I meant was that it's one thing to have knowledge of jazz chords..... it's another thing to have the facility to play it. I want to build the facility. But, I'm not self-directing myself very well. Because I do have a good foundation in jazz theory and can play to a certain extent....... I feel I'm ready to take it up a notch. That's what I meant. But, there are a lot of available paths.... some are "for me" and some are not. Because I wasn't sure what "paths" are available, I threw the question out there,

Awesome question. As a general matter, I would say economy of movement generally wins with music playing.

IME people have a really tough time swapping among "straight" to "swing" feel. Not sure how to get that. Maybe listening to lots of Jazz and playing with a lot of Jazz types.

For example, Canadian Neal Peart was considered one of the better drummers for straight time modern music; he was fantastic. I saw him play some swing music in a live hall and whilst his chops were excellent, the swing feel was awkward.

Thank you for that. No doubt, Dave Frank is fantastic and gives Skype lessons to players all over he world. It would be an honor to be a student of his, but, respectfully Don, I question whether I'm at a suitable level to take lessons from someone of his caliber. I humbly think I have a lot of fundamental work to do before I'm ready for that. (and, as you say, it would be nice to find a local jazz instructor) But, I'm beginning to think, logistically, I'm after "a top notch" well organized video course to inspire me, where I can forge ahead at my own speed.

Don, I have one slight clarification. (And, believe me, I'm easily misunderstood) My intention isn't necessarily to get a gig. I think you assumed that from when I said, "I want to play the type of piano that would be suitable ..... let's say, in a fine dining room." I simply meant that, that is the "type and level" of playing I hope to aspire to..... My goal at this time, is to play well, yes, but most likely just in my living room. ;-)

You think it's economical movements?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgmnlwjTRRw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEPTvRf1m6M&list=PLZHQkZHCFiUm2Z3JTxw_SzKwCmKb0oaOO

Nobody plays classical music with such playing movements.

Classical piano technique does not allow to play genuine swing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhRL6SBHMsQ


However, the combination of the Soviet pianistic school and a complete understanding of the specifics of jazz gives the best pianistic result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyyvhW4MK6w


What I’ve been writing about for many years: practicing swing breathing on melodica, the hands themselves find the appropriate movements on the keyboard. If only Vadim already teaches this at Berklee ...

Well, here might be another option ….

https://artistworks.com/jazz-piano-lessons-george-whitty

With George Whitty you get legitimate (in my estimation) Jazz instruction but you can limp along at a very comfortable (to you) pace.

You get to submit videos and get video feedback.

This is another option with legitimate jazz instruction ….sort of a "from the ground up" approach.

https://www.learnjazzpianoonline.com/

Good Luck

Don, you are fantastic!

I've decided to make you my manager!! LOL........ Your suggestions are all great ones.

I just checked out George Whitty's site and really like it! At this point in time, it looks like a good solution for me in that I can target the area I want to work on! And, it's very affordable. Brilliant my friend!

I wanted to let you know that Dave Frank was kind enough to send me a PM. What a pleasant surprise that was!! He gave me a lot of encouragement and told me that he has students at all levels. I hope to set up some Skype instruction with him when I feel I'm a little more confident.

This search is really interesting. I'm seeing so many courses, I never knew existed. (which was the whole point) I may even try a few courses (some have a monthly rate) to find the one I relate to the most. I'll give you my review of the George Whitty lessons soon.

Thanks again for your generous time and suggestions.

Just to let you know Sam, I also offer long-term therapy for those needing to develop more musical confidence) I start out bombarding the patient with Art Tatum recordings, then when the discouragement is at its apex we we move onto Keith Jarrett solo concert CD's until the patient dies...

Dave Frank

Ha ha

I think I may have already been in therapy with you multiple times Dave!

Cheers