Explore every episode of the podcast Jazz Piano School

If you’re trying to learn your voicings by playing through lead sheets over and over again, you may be making jazz piano much harder than it needs to be. In this episode, I break down the practice system I use to move a jazz piano skill from completely controlled practice to spontaneous application. We’ll move from learning an individual chord, to ii–V–I progressions, isolated chord qualities, organized movements, major scales, completely random chords, and finally applying everything to actual tunes. I also explain the two variables I use to control the difficulty of almost any exercise, predictability and tempo, including my progression of: No tempo → 60 → 90 → 120 → 150 → 180 BPM The goal isn't to become great at exercises. The goal is to practice the mechanics so thoroughly that when you're comping with a group or playing solo piano, you no longer have to consciously think about them. The chart should test your skills—not teach them to you from scratch. Podcast Listener Offer Podcast listeners get an exclusive discount with code PODCAST: Save $100 on Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP) Save 20% on a yearly Jazz Piano Academy membership PJP is included with your yearly Academy membership. Use code PODCAST when you join. Free Jazz Piano Roadmap Get the free Roadmap

After teaching more than 1,000 jazz piano students, you start to see patterns—what actually helps students improve, what slows them down, and what many players misunderstand about learning jazz. In this episode, I share 10 of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from years of teaching, including why consistency beats practice volume, why students move on from exercises too quickly, why fundamentals matter more than advanced concepts, and why improvisation is far more systematic than most people think. I also dig into ear training vs. listening, learning voicings through memorization, developing an authentic swing feel, practicing more efficiently, and why the never-ending nature of learning jazz is something to enjoy rather than fight. Whether you're just getting started or have been playing jazz for years, these lessons can help you rethink how you approach your practice and progress.

Every jazz pianist experiences frustration. The key isn’t avoiding it, it’s learning how to respond to it.

The 3 Goals Every Jazz Pianist Has (And Why Most People Never Reach Them)

The Hard Truth About Learning Jazz Piano

How Do Jazz Pianists Know Which Voicings To Use?

After months of work behind the scenes, I'm finally ready to share what I've been building.
In this special podcast episode, I give you a full update on the future of Jazz Piano School, including our brand-new platform, our simplified student journey, and the vision behind everything moving forward.

In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Why I decided to completely redesign the Jazz Piano School experience ✅ The new 3-step learning path: 1. Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP) Build the core skills of jazz piano through a structured, step-by-step curriculum. 2. JPS Academy Continue your growth with courses, coaching, community, live events, and ongoing support. 3. Accelerator My elite coaching program for serious students who want personalized guidance, accountability, and faster results. ✅ How the new Proficient Jazz Pianist system creates a clear roadmap for comping, solo piano, and improvisation ✅ Why structure—not information—is the key to making faster progress in jazz ✅ What I've been working on for the past several months and what's coming next If you've ever felt overwhelmed by too many courses, too many practice options, or too much conflicting advice, this episode will show you how I'm simplifying everything into one clear path forward. This isn't just a platform update. It's a complete reimagining of how jazz piano should be learned online. ________________________________________ Explore the New Jazz Piano School Website https://jazzpianoschool.com Take a look at the new student journey, learn more about PJP, and see how everything now fits together into a clear, streamlined path. ________________________________________ Join the JPS Academy Waitlist The Academy relaunch is coming soon. Join the waitlist to receive launch announcements, early access opportunities, and important updates: https://jazzpianoschool.com/membership-launch-waiting-list/ ________________________________________ Subscribe for weekly jazz piano lessons, practice strategies, improvisation training, and behind-the-scenes updates from Jazz Piano School.

Struggling to make your improvisation sound natural, confident, or truly “jazzy”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I break down the most common mistakes I see students make when learning jazz piano improvisation — mistakes that quietly stall progress even when you’re practicing regularly. If your solos feel random, stiff, overly complex, or stuck at the same level, one or more of these issues is probably at play. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why improvising without clear tools leads to guessing instead of music - How rhythm (not notes) is the real foundation of great solos - Why playing two hands together too early can slow your development - The crucial difference between group improvisation and solo piano improvisation - Why mastering fundamentals matters more than learning advanced tricks - How trying to sound “fancy” often backfires - Why practicing only on full tunes limits growth - The importance of understanding the three core improvisation languages: blues, bebop, and modern This episode is about clarity — helping you identify what may be holding you back and giving you a more direct path forward. If you’re serious about improving your jazz piano skills, these insights can save you months or even years of frustration. Ready to Commit? If you’re ready for a complete step-by-step system for mastering improvisation, comping, and solo piano, check out Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP). It’s the foundation program I use to help students build real skills without guessing what to practice: Learn more here: http://jazzpianoschool.com/pjp Not quite ready yet? Start with the FREE Jazz Piano Roadmap. It breaks down the three core goals of jazz piano and exactly what tools you need to develop each one: https://jazzpianoschool.com/roadmap Stay connected: Website: https://jazzpianoschool.com

Most jazz pianists think confidence comes after they get better. It doesn’t. Confidence is built intentionally — through depth, constraints, measurable progress, and exposure to the areas you tend to avoid. In this episode, I break down four practical ways to build real, grounded confidence at the piano: • Stay in one lane long enough to build familiarity • Practice under constraints to reduce hesitation • Create measurable proof in every session • Do more of what you’re avoiding If you’ve ever felt like you’re guessing when you sit down to play — even after practicing — this episode will help you recalibrate your approach. Confidence isn’t loud. It’s quiet certainty. Ready to Commit? If you’re ready for a complete step-by-step system for mastering improvisation, comping, and solo piano, check out Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP). It’s the foundation program I use to help students build real skills without guessing what to practice: Learn more here: http://jazzpianoschool.com/pjp Not quite ready yet? Start with the FREE Jazz Piano Roadmap. It breaks down the three core goals of jazz piano and exactly what tools you need to develop each one: https://jazzpianoschool.com/roadmap If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast and leave a review — it helps more serious jazz pianists find structured education instead of random information overload.

Most jazz pianists don’t struggle because they aren’t practicing — they struggle because their why, what, and how are misaligned. Most jazz pianists aren’t stuck because they’re lazy. They’re stuck because they’re working hard on the wrong things. In this episode, I break down the three hidden reasons practicing more often can actually make you feel worse instead of better: • Why you practice • What you practice • How you practice When those three aren’t aligned, effort turns into frustration instead of confidence. We’ll talk about: • Why practicing for relief leads to burnout • Why switching topics kills momentum • Why more information doesn’t equal progress • Why attention matters more than time If you’ve ever practiced consistently but still felt unclear or behind, this episode will help you recalibrate. Want a Clear Path? If you’re not sure what to focus on next, download the free Jazz Piano Roadmap: https://jazzpianoschool.com/roadmap If you’re ready for structured progression through comping, solo piano, and improvisation, check out Proficient Jazz Pianist: https://jazzpianoschool.com/pjp

Most jazz pianists aren’t stuck because they’re lazy. They’re stuck because they’re working very hard on the wrong things. In this episode, I talk about why putting in more hours doesn’t always lead to better results — and why that gap between effort and progress can feel absolutely crushing. I share personal experiences from my own journey (both in jazz piano and beyond) and explain what’s really happening when you’re practicing consistently but still feel stuck. Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP), is the complete step-by-step system for building real jazz piano skills — comping, solo piano, and improvisation — without jumping between random lessons or getting lost in information overload. If you want a clear, structured path for what to practice and how to turn what you already know into something playable, you can learn more here: http://jazzpianoschool.com/pjp More ways to stay connected: Website: #JazzPiano #MusicPractice #FocusedPractice #CreativeGrowth #JazzPianoSchool #ProficientJazzPianist

Ever feel like you should be further along by now — in your playing, your work, or your life? I feel that way too. In this audio-only episode, I share one simple reminder I come back to whenever progress feels slower than I expected. It’s something I see constantly with jazz piano students — and something I have to practice myself just as much. I also share a few important updates about the current structure of Jazz Piano School and why I’ve simplified everything around one clear path forward. In this episode, I talk about: • Why we consistently underestimate how long meaningful progress takes • How rushing the process often creates more frustration, not better results • What real, sustainable growth actually looks like over time • The mindset shift that helps you stay patient and consistent • Why Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP) is now the single starting point inside Jazz Piano School This is a reflective episode — less about tactics, more about perspective. If you’ve been feeling behind, stuck, or discouraged, this one’s meant to steady you and help you keep going. Proficient Jazz Pianist (PJP) The complete step-by-step system for building real jazz piano skills — comping, solo piano, and improvisation — without bouncing between random lessons or shortcuts. This is now the only program I sell, and it’s the foundation for everything inside Jazz Piano School: http://jazzpianoschool.com/pjp More ways to stay connected: Website: https://jazzpianoschool.com #JazzPiano #MusicPractice #CreativeProcess #FeelingBehind #LongTermGrowth #JazzPianoSchool #ProficientJazzPianist

What kind of improviser do you want to become? In this episode, I break down the three primary stylistic paths.

The Real Path To Jazz Piano Improvisation

Why You Shouldn’t Start Jazz Improv With Scales

Why Jazz Piano Students Never Find Gold

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I ready to move on?” — this episode is for you. One of the biggest reasons jazz piano players get stuck is because they don’t have clear benchmarks to tell them when a skill is actually mastered — or when they’re just getting by. In this episode, I break down how to measure your progress the right way so you stop bouncing between random exercises and finally start building a solid foundation. You’ll learn: Why moving on too early kills your progress (and how to avoid it) The 3 benchmarks I use with every student before we advance to the next concept How my new Improvisation Goal inside Jazz Piano School helps you see and feel your progress clearly — so you know exactly when it’s time to level up Whether you’re working on comping, solo piano, or improvisation, this episode will help you stop guessing and start growing with purpose. Next Steps The full Improvisation Goal and a complete platform upgrade are launching this Black Friday inside Jazz Piano School. Get on the VIP Black Friday List now to get early access, lifetime membership discounts, and the brand-new learning experience: https://jazzpianoschool.com/blackfriday2025 Join the Conversation Do you use personal benchmarks when you practice? Share your thoughts and progress inside the Improvisation Goal Space in the new Jazz Piano School community — I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Why I Rebuilt Jazz Piano School (And What’s Coming Next)

Haunting Jazz Piano Progressions: 5 Minor Chord Sequences That Send Chills

Haunted Jazz Piano Improvisation: 3 Scales That Give You a Spooky Sound

Spooky Jazz Chords: 3 Creepy Voicings You Can Use in Jazz

3 Easy Comping Rhythms You Can Use on Any Tune

3 Easy Patterns That Unlock Jazz Soloing

3 Improv Warm-Ups That Make You Instantly Sound Better

The Drop 2 Voicing Myth (And How to Use the Root Like a Pro)

Why Your Improv Sounds Flat (And 4 Ways to Fix It)

3 Jazz Improv Moves That Instantly Sound More Professional

The 3 Goals That Changed Everything For My Students

5 Jazz Piano Practice Habits That Changed Everything

How To Stop Overthinking Jazz Standards

Medium Swing Improv Practice Session (Play-Along)

Jazz Chords That Always Sound Professional

3 Left Hand Tricks That Instantly Sound Jazzy

Escape This Common Improv Trap

Let's Play The Blues Together

Still Sound Like a Beginner?

NEW Framework for Jazz Piano School

There is one secret taken directly from my new "Proficient Jazz Pianist" course on cocktail style ballads that you need to know. And I'm going to explain it and tell you what it is in this podcast lesson. My new "Procient Jazz Pianist" course is actually a 3 in 1 course pack that covers, how to play in a group, solo piano and improvisation. Go to https://jazzpianoschool.com/proficient to get a $200 discount now during this launch. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

I recently had a member request a walkthrough of this for Valentines day so Suzanna, here you go! Don't forget to go to https://jazzpianoschool.com/proficient to pick up my latest new 3 pack bundle course covering the 3 most coveted goals in jazz piano. #1 - Playing in a band, #2 - Solo Piano Cocktail Style Ballads and more, and of course #3 - Improvisation. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

Time to wrap up with some improvisation planning. How to plan for your improvisation goals and what skillsets you need. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

Comping and voicings sneak their way into every aspect of jazz piano. If you don't know how, why, and when to use specific voicings, everything else will crumble. Plan your comping strategy in this lesson! Don't forget to pick up my free jazz piano planning guide for 2025 by going to: https://jazzpianoschool.com/2025guide Also our New Years sale is still going! Get discounts and deals, checkout our New Years Sale at the link below: https://jazzpianoschool.com/holiday. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

It's not information students need, it's planning and focus. These days the internet is DISTRACTING. It makes students more lost than ever before. That is why I'm going to help you plan for 2025. Tell you what you need to learn, and help you sprint towards your goals. To get huge discounts and deals, checkout our New Years Sale at the link below: https://jazzpianoschool.com/holiday. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

In this lesson we will PRACTICING our comping. I'll be practicing with you and giving you tips. My 3 Goal Proficiency System is being released on Black Friday. This lesson is directly related to goal #1 that many students have. They come to me and want to comp in a group or get better at comping in a group. Here's what you need to learn to be proficient at comping. To get more info about my new 3 Goal System Release and our huge Black Friday deal go to... https://jazzpianoschool.com/blackfriday2024 for more info. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

My 3 Goal Proficiency System is being released on Black Friday. This lesson is directly related to goal #1 that many students have. They come to me and want to comp in a group or get better at comping in a group. Here's what you need to learn to be proficient at comping. To get more info about my new 3 Goal System Release and our huge Black Friday deal go to... https://jazzpianoschool.com/blackfriday2024 for more info. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

Have You Met Miss Jones Walkthrough

Time to pull back the curtain and show you all the secret, advanced, jazz piano movements I love to use over the tune Body & Soul. I'll be doing a lot more walkthroughs like this so stay tuned! Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: http://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: http://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ http://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

Time to dig into improvisation! It's hard, it's mysterious... but it doesn't have to be. Follow these easy tips to make fast and substantial progress. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: https://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ https://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

Jazz piano comping is one of the easier things to do because it just requires knowledge of voicings and rhythms. I'm going to teach you about what voicings to use where on the piano to comp in this podcast. Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: https://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ https://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

Time to tackle some uptempo solo piano strategies! These strategies are a little bit difficult but they absolutely work and will have you sounding great if you practice them. Want the solo piano system course at jazz piano school? Get a discount by going to the link below. https://jazzpianoschool.com/solo-piano-system-discount-1-day/ Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: https://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ https://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast

We are on to part 2 of my 3 part Solo piano Framework. If you missed part 1, go back and watch it when you get some time. But today, we'll be tackling slow swing. My live programs are starting back up in September! My 3-month Accelerator program and 9-month Innercircle Mastermind. For more info go to... https://jazzpianoschool.com/group Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System brings you through 4 main categories of learning, Theory, Technique, Improvisation and Repertoire. I'll show you exactly how to utilize our popular system so you can finally achieve jazz piano freedom: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside ----------------------------------- Get more FREE jazz piano education from us! Facebook: https://facebook.com/jazzpianoschool Blog: https://jazzpianoschool.com/blog Lick of The Week: https://jazzpianoschool.com/lotd/ https://jazzpianoschool.com/jpspodcast