How and What to Practice in Jazz Piano

Welcome to this lesson on structuring your jazz piano practice routine. One of the biggest challenges students face is knowing what to focus on and how to practice effectively. Jazz is a vast subject, and without a structured approach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In this lesson, we will break down three essential practice areas: theory drills, jazz repertoire, and listening/transcription. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to improve your jazz piano playing efficiently.

The Three Key Practice Areas

1. Theory Drills & Exercises

Theory drills provide the foundation for understanding jazz harmony and improvisation. A structured approach ensures you build a solid base while progressively adding complexity.

Foundational Drills:

• Diatonic 7th Chords in All Keys – Learn and visualize the diatonic 7th chords within each key to strengthen your harmonic understanding.
• 2-5-1 Progression in Whole Steps – Moving through all 12 keys using 2-5-1 progressions reinforces voice leading and chord transitions.
• Adding Extensions (9ths & 13ths) – Once comfortable with 7th chords, add 9ths and 13ths to enrich your voicings.
• Rootless Voicings – Practicing rootless 2-5-1s in both Type A and Type B positions is essential for comping and arranging.
• Stride Left Hand with Rootless Voicings – Combining stride technique with rootless voicings helps in solo jazz piano arrangements.

2. Jazz Standards & Repertoire

Learning jazz standards allows you to apply theory in a musical context. The key is to approach standards systematically.

How to Approach a Jazz Standard:

• Analyze the Chord Progressions – Identify common progressions like 2-5-1s and 3-6-2-5-1s.
• Start with Simple Voicings – Use three-note voicings (root, 3rd, 7th) before adding extensions.
• Experiment with Different Styles – Try playing with stride, walking bass, and ballad-style voicings.
• Reharmonization & Arranging – Over time, develop your ability to reharmonize and modify chord voicings creatively.
• Expand Your Repertoire – Aim for a balance between learning new tunes and deepening your understanding of existing ones.

Two detailed courses on Georgia on My Mind (Bluesy Stride) and Misty (Cocktail Improv) provide a structured approach to learning standards while incorporating essential theory concepts.

3. Listening & Transcription

Listening and transcription are vital for developing jazz vocabulary and improving ear training.

Effective Listening & Transcription Strategies:

• Listen Actively – Focus on how jazz pianists voice chords, phrase melodies, and structure their solos.
• Transcribe in Small Sections – Start with a single phrase, analyze it, and play it in different keys.
• Analyze Chord Voicings & Rhythmic Feel – Study how pianists construct voicings and interact rhythmically with a band.
• Incorporate Transcriptions into Your Playing – Apply the lines and voicings you transcribe to your own improvisations.
• Use a Slow-Down Tool – Software like Transcribe! or Anytune can help slow down fast passages for more accurate transcription.

5 Practice Tips for an Efficient Routine

1. Set Clear Goals – Identify what you need to work on and stick to a structured plan rather than aimlessly jumping between topics.
2. Use Short, Focused Practice Sessions – Divide your practice time into segments: 15 minutes of theory, 15 minutes of repertoire, 15 minutes of transcription, etc.
3. Revisit Exercises Daily – Regular repetition of theory drills ensures long-term retention.
4. Balance Learning New & Reviewing Old Tunes – Work on new pieces while maintaining a core set of standards in your repertoire.
5. Play with a Metronome – Precision in timing is key for stride, comping, and improvisation—start slow and gradually increase speed.

By consistently applying these strategies, you’ll make significant progress in jazz piano while staying organized and motivated. Keep practicing, and enjoy the journey!