Jazz Improvisation 101, (Part 2). Easy Steps 1-10.

[@Yutrfhuukjgtujj]

Can I just say you’re great. You have your own style to your videos and your legit, which is hard to come buy now days. It’s refreshing to see. Many thanks from England.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Izaak, I guess by "legit" you mean that I'm "old school" and have no tricks or angles. I just do what I do, and hope it's of value...so thanks for the affirmation!

[@Yutrfhuukjgtujj]

Kent Hewitt it’s of great value, your videos are so well explained and I use them to help me practice. This is what a love about KZbin. (Also I like the quotes)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Izaak, if you like my videos and also my quotes then you're a true buddy; we would "hang out" if we could.

[@frankponquinette7513]

W

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

21:50 you moved the 2 finger of the left hand down to edge of the key.are dying it purposely or it's the wrong hobbit

[@yvanou6866]

Simple and straightforward!! "Repetition is the key"! Thank you for these courses!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You're so welcome!

[@sallysigler727]

Than you, Kent for breaking this down to “Jazz For Idiots!” I never actually considered myself to be an idiot, but gees, it ain’t easy to get the jazz feel even if you understand it intellectually! But you got the swing!! 🥰

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Sally Swinging is probably the most difficult part, that and Jazz phrasing and learning syncopation. Then you have to play w/ good dynamics. Then there's chops, and on and on.....enjoy the journey!

[@albani953]

That was an awesome demonstration of how to sound good improvising by tarting out playing diatonic 8th note phrases over a chord progression. Then developing those diatonic 8th note phrases into phrases that swing using chromatic approach notes and syncopation. That process is easy to understand and should have my solos sounding good in no time. Thanks for posting both part 1 & 2 videos.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me....positive feedback is vey helpful.

[@freddiemercury4552]

"The Most Amazing Jazz Scale" was 1st video i watch, it was yesterday. Then i watch "Jazz For Beginners" and so on. Just want to say I love you. Thanks for a great free lesson. Even thought I play a guitar not a piano, it helps me a lot. God bless you Mr Kent Hewitt!! I am a big fan of yours. :-)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Freddie, I apprecaite you words of encouragement...keep watching!

[@joesauvage1165]

Deepest thanks Kent! Your tutorials are always filled with great wisdom and are inspirational on so many levels. We are all grateful for your jazz guidance, passion and swinging big daddy humor. Best wishes always

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You nailed me. Joe. Much appreciated and swing loose!

[@pianohar]

This video is beautifully filling the gap I've been experiencing for two weeks, between what I do know about harmony, and the boring melodic lines I improvise over Autumn Leaves after hours (and hours, and hours...) of repeating chords arpeggios over the grid to try and find something that sounds good. I really appreciate the comment you make by the end, that this is all going to become natural at one point. It gives a feeling that all those hours playing dull arpeggios will eventually pay off, and an understanding of what these dull arpeggios are for (imprint the song's harmony into the ears), and that they're the first step to playing cool solos. Thanks a lot!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, it's important to know chord structure and arpeggios but you want to use them to create meaningful melodic phrases. Start slowly and the more you can find good melodic shapes the better you will get at creating them spontaneously...that is the goal ...it just takes some work, that can be fun. Please check my playlist for improvisation here: kzbin.info/aero/PLFuMibnl_h5bA7Um3IZ38R1kelnoRTPYc

[@jpnavarromusic]

I can't even start expressing how valuable is the content you post in your channel, Kent. Thanks so much!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you JP, can't tell you how much your comment means to me...other than you " made my day!"

[@leonlevin9711]

i just wanted to add my appreciation to the list. you've opened a door for me to explore. progressing slowly and simply....an eye and ear opener. gracias!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much, Leon. for taking the time to write a comment...it means more to me than you know. The encouragement I get from you and others is helping me to continue doing this ...and we all are seeking meaning in life...what else is there?

[@robertthomas6003]

this lesson along with part one was incredible......thanks so much !!!!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Very good lesson. Just reading the music is a great practice on sight reading. This is definitely "must practice video". The best.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

If you are inspired to become a better sight reader, and are motivated, then you are a very special person, and should do it!!!

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

@@KentHewittpiano88 I enlarged several related exercises at the printers. Including the Intermediant 2 5 1 Exercises. I drew pictures of the chords on the piano..I had never done that..but I found it very helpful.

[@avohill4]

Terrific lesson, man. You did it right and we love it. Every day just a little bit more. Every day just a little bit better. You gotta be proud. Good stuff.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, David, I appreciate the support and affirmation. Keep swingin!

[@MsFattyb]

Great video! I think the hardest initial barrier to master is being to know any progression so well that you are able to think of the next chord well in advance so you know which target notes you need to use. So as you play C (for example) you have to realize Am is next (for example) and then F or whatever and then be able to find the targets as needed while not getting distracted as you use passing notes towards the next chord. Jazz improv is very challenging in this respect. Keep the videos coming!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, but the more you know your chords and scales, the easier it becomes to play melodic lines that connect one chord to the next. It's easier if you have some (precursor) natural ability to hear melodies in your head. If not, then what I'm doing here, will hopefully give you some insight.

[@maliluha]

Mr Hewitt you are my mentor! You really do fulfill my dream of becoming piano jazz improviser! I've completed lot of your tutorials and feel myself as confident on keyboard as never before and most importantly I see the ways to become better and better. Thank you so much for you work, for sharing your beautiful knowledge to all folks who are in search. Keep it up^ coz it makes our world better! Greetings from Russia!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Ilya...that's a great compliment and much appreciated...does my heart good and keeps me going!

[@allanhenderson5262]

Kent, very clear explanation, and also very clear that this is something that takes time & effort. I'm workin' on it.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Allan for the affirmation. Time and effort is only worth it if you can enjoy the process as it goes on. Try to notate your progress from practice session to practice session and have fun doing it. Then it's something your were meant to do, and it will bring great joy, to you and others.

[@achimgroetzinger3077]

Faaaantastic. What I've always been looking for. So much fun practicing this way. Thank you.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad I could help out and thanks for the affirmation!

[@pnoman316]

I really like your work! I’m gonna buy your book and also encourage you to keep putting out videos and literature! I will buy advanced books also! Jazz is growing in popularity with the younger generation! Great work!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad to know that jazz is growing with the younger generation. When I was young, only a few "oddballs" liked jazz. and we were made fun of.

[@juanjose4264]

Man the last steps just skyrocket into the sweet jazz! Yes that is what i want! I still shall master steps in video 1 thou before i can progress to this

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's right, Juan, take one step at a time, and enjoy the process of practicing....and you will gain great satisfaction.

[@kilerden]

Great video, haven't gotten the time to practice it, but it's definitely on my to-do list!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Love the to- do list. I have a huge one, thanks to my subscribers. One's greatest ambition would be to complete the to -do list. (or bucket list).

[@wolfpsx6210]

Rachmaninov's 3rd concerto has been on my to-do list for 20 years. I guess it has become more like a not-to-do list.

[@sallysigler727]

Thanks for input, Kent, I don’t have a computer only iPhone and iPad so don’t have some of those features; anyway, your lesson is similar to the start of Jazz Hanon except they progress diatonically rather than a useful chord progression, block chords in the left hand, and, of course, they give no explanation as to the choice of notes on their music (as you do), but, ok, I’ll try to learn by putting together their music and your theory...thanks for your hard work trying to help all of us! 👌

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for writing Sally. You would be able to use those features on a laptop and you can get rebuilt ones or used ones for pretty cheap. I hope you use ear buds or headsets to get a good sound reproduction..

[@sauxphilippe]

Any time i discover a new vidéo it gives me me even more motivation because it works so well how you teach ! big thank you one more time !for ever with you !as you said ! and for ever young !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Happy to hear that!

[@paulanthonybradley7561]

You sir, are a true blessing!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you for the lovely compliment, Paul!

[@cherryisland]

Hello Sir :) this was a very helpful video! I'm actually a silent watcher but this time i wanted to thank you for your wonderful work you do. It helped me a lot to keep me motivated to practice and to improve my piano skills. So, thank you so much, each video is very appreciated and i really enjoy your jazz improvisations! ^^ God bless you! Greetings from Germany :)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you for writing and telling me, especially because it's not easy to break out of silence. You are exposing yourself and your comment to the world and, like you, that was not easy for me to do. It's a brave move, but a good one, especially when you are kindly and generous.

[@330007176015]

Dear Kent thank u very much for this video! Your book is really fantastic by the way!! it helps me very very much getting better and understand things I'm so glad to found u! And i googled the song so nice❤ it's really so pretty . i listened to Stacey Kent. A wonderful singer. Many thanks for this tip! Sonja 🤗

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, that's also called Summer Samba...great song in Brazilian style. I'm really happy you like my book. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@richardxu8865]

Thanks so much Mr. Hewitt. It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's what the Duke said....and he and his great words live on and on....

[@chisownd4264]

Held the good stuff till the end! Letting us know that it all starts very basic

[@KentHewittpiano88]

There's lots more when you go to the next step!

[@TechTins_Projects]

love the quotes, which are very empowering

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment and much appreciated!

[@armandonegrito2753]

Sir; thank's again another great tuturial video, Godbless to your program.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank, Armando, I put a lot of work into each video, so when I hear from you... taking time to comment, it makes it all the more rewarding and meaningful to me. Godbless.

[@theowassing1375]

Hello Kent, Theo here from The Netherlands. I'm loving you tutorials of jazz improvisations. I wonder where I can find the drill exercise Don't Blame Me on your new website. Can you help me out? Thxs

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Write to my email, and I'll try to find that for you. All available scores are on old website still; old.kenthewitt.com/

[@princemasih7684]

Thank u sir for this amazing exercise

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the affirmation...I'll keep at it.

[@matperino]

Excellent lessons thanks

[@andrewsilver7048]

I was practicing this style and I found ways to switch it up and sometimes even forget the 7th on some chords because my right hand compensated for it. Added a few grace notes or short trills in too. I’m taking a lot away from these tutorials (even if half of it is unintentional left hand movements lol)

[@TheUnorthodoxGears]

Great video Kent :)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Appreciated!

[@adamf.4823]

HI Kent, you've opened up the world of jazz to me and music in general. It's like discovering a new world, so thank you for that! I was wondering if it is more logical to stay in the key of C on the piano and attempt to master these concepts before moving on to other keys or to learn every key at once? Thanks again for the awesome videos!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me that my videos are useful, Adam. I would suggest starting out and mastering some techniques in C but then move on to other keys (just a couple to start). Start with keys of F, G, and Bb. If you learn a few of the popular standards, try to learn them in their original keys, and you will benefit because you'll start to learn other keys.

[@dragonfliejones]

Can the next video expand upon syncopation, maybe some exercises!?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a great idea. thank you, I'll put it on my TO-DO- list.

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

I could hear the notes that are taking together or not together and cords.but I love jazz and wonder if it possible to teach students to play that way legitimately teach

[@Robert-ts2ef]

Great stuff Kent. Tell me my friend, I am 70, so can I attain a decent standard of jazz playing or am I too old. I have played the piano for over 60 years but purely by reading music. I am only now trying to teach myself 7th chords and learning the major 251. Do I have a chance, or will they close the lid before I can get good to some degree?

[@user-bk8ti4ys2r]

Robert Bernard better late than never. Sometimes the learning process is the most interesting part in life.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Robert, I can't tell you. It's all based on desire, aptitude, and practice....if you have those 3 ingredients you can't go wrong.

[@jeremy_leung]

CAn you make a video talking about how to approach modes in to improvisation in detail? thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I've have covered that in previous videos...please check out all my improvisation videos here. kzbin.info/aero/PLFuMibnl_h5bA7Um3IZ38R1kelnoRTPYcBut I will try to do another video taking up your request...thanks!

[@nickallen1612]

Thanks Kent for this lesson! What's the specific title of this lesson among your free download sheet music? Trying to find it. Thanks again!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I think is taken from my book. I'm also coming out with a book of exercises and drills, with 3 appendixes for beginner, intermediate and advanced players.

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

I'm proud of my classical teachers Who full beat me doing it in the beginning of my classical training I'd like to know your opinion

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Classical trained students are generally more disciplined... especially with timing and rhythm. Jazz students are generally better at improvisation and playing by ear (transposing).

[@eltacrash]

Chromatics are the key 👌🏼

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, thanks for the comment(s).

[@user-gi3ro9rm9k]

Should I always comp my solos with shells in my left hand? How do I comp for myself when improving while playing with others?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Comping in the left hand can be shells or rootless voicings. Comping in a band is using both hands and 3 basic positions. I cover this in other videos.

[@rachelsmename]

When you play your left hand 1and 3 and 1 and 7, I notice sometimes you are adding a little variety by using 2 notes or so separately in your left hand. It sounds good. What are you doing there?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I always try to "mix it up" with the left hand technique, so that it's not too predictable or hackneyed. Mostly I'm just playing notes that harmonically compliment the right hand and the chord. Listen to Horace Silver ...he was a great master of the left hand, also Ahmad Jamal.

[@rachelsmename]

Kent Hewitt excellent, thanks!

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

Please explain sliding technique when you'recomping with the left hand . That technique is not in the classical teaching of the piano why are you doing it. It is reason for it?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Please tell me the meter reading so I can find the section. It may be that I'm playing the root or bass note with the 5th finger and sliding up to the 7th and 10th with the thumb and forefinger and then sliding down to the next root. It's a common jazz piano technique. It creates movement, rhythm and fullness to the harmony, without being too dense. Many thanks for the comment!

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

Jazz pianist rarely play tutti it's always or almost always one hand behind another hand One mile second ahead or behind ?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

There are times when I play octave lines in both hands...(2 hand doubling). Oscar Peterson was a master of that.

[@coryjohnson9239]

What’s the name of the intro song?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That is from my trio recording called "Tribute". It's Ahmad Jamal's version of "I'll Remember April" ...a classic jazz standard.

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

Please give me detailed explanation of this movement.very much appreciated. Benjamin Pearlman piano

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

Results

[@nathanchasse8189]

He's just teaching jazz all nonchalantly... then 20:30

[@KentHewittpiano88]

What ...did I loose the nonchalant!?

[@nathanchasse8189]

Stays nonchalant, but smoothly transitions into a full improvisation and slowly getting better and better until it's so amazing that I can't help but stop paying attention to the technical stuff and just listen to the beauty of jazz piano

[@bernardfecht7935]

Ha ha ... nice!

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

All jazz pianist are sliding everywhere not only black toWhite keys it looks as they are scratching their heads.

[@benjaminpearlman2625]

Wh

[@KomotsukiDZoro]

Jesus Christ loves everyone in the comments.Repent and believe that He is the Son and you will be saved.Amen

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Like the Beethoven quote at the beginning of this video, "Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." I'll ask you:... "what does that mean?"

[@rachelsmename]

Kent Hewitt I think it's because the music moves us which is mood altering and sometimes creates tingles in places unexpectantly. LOL

[@sallysigler727]

It is amazing instruction, but, Kent, would you pleeze just play the damned thing all the way thru, slowly, without so much talk talk talk...if you say it once, we get it! This is why I dropped the other online guy, he just talked too damned much! Some of us idiots are trying to write down what you’re saying in our own form of notation, and the constant talking makes a person lose their trend of thought! But, thanks!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi Sally. There are things you can do to make the video easier to watch. They are all explained in the video link below. You can slow down the speed of the video using the settings button (below right of the video), It looks like a wheel. Also you can stop and start the action using the space bar. Also to repeat a phrase you can use the < > (or the arrows on the lower right side of your keyboard.) All this is explained verbally and visually in the video linked here: I hope it helps.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zmi0nZualJKjZtU (some people need to hear things repeated, and I don't use a script.)

[@lukaskaltenmaier3808]

Getting greedy here. Dude it's free and great teaching