One question that is most overlooked, the most important question, the main question most other websites and resources on jazz fail to answer is this: "Just how do I actually practice so that I make real progress?"

That's really the crux of the biscuit, isn't it? How do we get all this stuff into our ears, into our fingers? How do you take all of this great information you've learned in lessons and classes and from the web, and develop an intuition about it so you feel you are actually getting somewhere?

This is the essence of what I want to show you: not just WHAT, but HOW to practice to make steady progress, how to play with more confidence, how to become a more creative player, and how to have more FUN doing it.

Here you will find: 

• guides to understanding fundamental jazz harmony and chord structures
• how to use basic compositional strategies to create musically satisfying improvisations and accompaniments
• an intuitive understanding of harmony to create musically meaningful melodies
• effective exercises to develop a reliable expressive technique
• drills to put that technique to practical use in creating accompaniments and improvisations that make musical sense and that are musically satisfying and entertaining.

PERFORMANCE PRACTICE

The nature of jazz is improvisation, but that means so much more than riffs and licks. Distinguish yourself by learning to improvise musically and authentically. Through an exploration of harmony, melody, and creative arrangements, combined with an awareness of professional stage presence, you will elevate your performances to new artistic levels.

IMPROVISATION

Improvisation is the art of spontaneous composition. Whether a simple Blues, or Free-Jazz, musicality requires knowing the basics of theory and composition and then applying those intuitively in REAL TIME! With a few basic ideas you will quickly find more enjoyment in your playing. Once you've got the fundamentals we will dig deeper into harmony, melodic variation, and chord substitution with confidence and a sense of creative adventure.

​TECHNIQUE

The piano is a percussion instrument. It's physical. But so much of achieving a healthy, expressive technique lies in having the right mental imagery to support your creativity. With appropriate imagery you will gain control over tone color, phrasing, and articulation while building strong and supple physical support for your musical expression.

"CLASSICAL" RESOURCES

One path to gaining technical proficiency involves the study of so-called “classical” repertoire with a qualified instructor. Classical piano is a GREAT support system for jazz improv’, but does not alone provide the intuitive tactile/creative connection required for effective improvisation. We must know the fundamentals of a compositional vocabulary. When we combine that with the playfulness of a creative attitude, we become equipped for authentic spontaneous expressiveness. Dharmajazz does not claim to be an authoritative resource regarding classical repertoire, but we can glean from select pieces those aspects relative to our quest.

When we address each of these factors—individually and together—we develop a reliable skill set to intuitively express our creative inspirations with clarity and artistic integrity.

Please visit my Youtube channel for free presentations of many of these concepts:  https://www.youtube.com/@Dharmajazz