Additional Materials

[jenpumpkin]

Hi,

I was wondering if I use jazzpianolessons.com exclusively, will I become a pretty proficient jazz pianist? Should I use an supplemental exercise books, Jamey Abersold books, etc. as well?

Could I use this site to prepare for the ABRSDM exams?

Thx

[ricoche]

Hi there,

I'm not sure if "exclusively" is the right word, but rather "primary" might be better. I think having a "live" one on one lesson with a teacher is probably the ideal situation, but for someone like myself in an area without access, I think Willie's program is fantastic. When I signed on, I used Willie's material more as a supplement, but lately it has become more of my primary material. The reason is that JazzPianoLessons has a better syllabus now in my opinion.

With that said, I have a pretty big library of Piano Books of which the Jamey Abersold series I use quite a bit. I've also used Tim Richard's Exploring and Improving Jazz/Blues Piano. The Aebersold Series has been excellent for Play Along stuff, but I have found myself preferring Willie's material for understanding what to play over the Abersold Play Alongs and creating my own Grooves especially. I also find that the Midi files and Play Alongs that Willie has put together to be very beneficial in that I can import them into my Boss DR-880 for example and change the keys so that I can practice in all keys or tempos. I can even vary the bass lines and drums if I want with additional programming or tweaking. With the Aebersold stuff you are stuck with the recordings which can get very repetitive after a while even though it's great they are live and more personable perhaps.

I think the fun part of playing the piano or any instrument is experimenting and trying out all kinds of different methods and material. However, I do believe having a primary practice schedule and method of learning is key for a consistent foundation. For me, I have grown to enjoy Willie's Piano Lessons immensely along with the informative radio programs. I'll always supplement and embrace other material for inspiration, but Willie's Jazz and Funk Piano Lesson Site is the place where I'll be spending most of my time this year and the next. I just find his video lessons are more pleasant to listen to and clear to understand. Plus Willie is simply a fantastic musician and teacher.

Just my thoughts.

Regards,

Jim