You are the BEST jazz TEACHER I have ever found on the web in the last 20 years!!! THANK YOU sooooooooooooo much! Finally everything seems clear and understandable! You are like the way in a jungle full of shouting animals and chaotic trees fields!
Kent Hewitt i am a classical pianist and since many years I wanted to learn what I am learning from You now, with your videos. I have bought and read-studied so many books with CD abd DVDm watched any videos, but none of them was clear enough.THANK YOU very much!
As a 49 year old piano lover and a trucker, I bring a small keyboard on truck with me and watch your videos at night now...you are the Beatles of instructors. Clear, concise and practical, you sound like a million bucks. Thank you ! I played this for my kids and they loved my progress :)
After 12 years of classical piano training, this week was the first where I really felt I was actually improvising "convincingly", and all thanks to your videos. I'm very grateful of you making them freely available. All the best.
Felipe, thanks for telling me and those are warm words to my heart. The work I put into this is only good if I get the kind of positive feedback you've given me!
Kent...I'm 73 and took up piano at age 50 and am devoted to it. Grew up listening to Brubeck, Evans, etc. Your videos especially 2 5 1 takes the mystery out of a good approach to "taking off" i.e. improvising over voicings. As you imply, lots of practice over the A and B forms gets you closer to realization of your jazz improvisation goals. Thanks so much !
Mr Hewitt, after almost 30 years of playing the classical piano, you are a privilege for me to enter into the world of piano jazz music. You are probably the best teacher online! Thank you for your time, sir!
I cannot thank you enough for these videos! I'm currently playing in a swing band and had not yet learned much about rootless voicings until now. They give the piano a much, much more colorful sound, even without the root! Thank you very much!
Thank-you so much for your excellent explanations. I love your style and techniques. I am a blues and classical player for over thirty years, but for whatever reason, jazz has felt very foreign ; like a different language and was seemingly unapproachable . You break it down for me, explain the theory in a n understandable way, and give all the "tricks" away. Jazz has now been demystified for me because of your videos and teaching. Thank-you thank-you thank you! I can't express my gratitude and amazement enough!
That's great to know and I'm glad I can demystify the subject. I enjoy teaching this way and I learn something from every effort, so I appreciate your feedback.
I have learned so much from watching your videos, I purchased your piano book and have already started practicing. You are a tremendous teacher! I love the way you explain each chord inversion. Even if I didn't play piano, I would enjoy just watching you preform. Love your style!
I'm primarily a guitarist, bassist and more recently a double bass player, but I've just started learning piano to give me a better understanding of theory, harmony and composition in music. I have a teacher, but I just want to tip my hat to your for being a great teacher in so many ways. I've just bought your book because you have such a good way of explaining things in a way I can instantly understand and your videos have helped me so much in combination with my other studies. Keep up the good work, you're one of only a few!
Mr Kent Hewitt my dear jazz sensai!!! Please continue what you are doing and never stop. Like a lot of viewers of this channel, I took the run of a mill classic piano training for many years but I always wanted to pick up jazz piano. It was a daunting experience to try to self learn jazz through RU-vid. But thanks to you, like a beacon brightening up the ocean in the dark, shedding light on jazz theory in easily digestible chunks. You empowered me to start playing again and be able to indulge in the job of learning music. I have nothing but gratitude and gratefulness to you. Thank you!
Words could not explain how touched I am with your comment, Deacon. Al Jarreau: said it in his album: Breakin' Away, ...."your beacon in the night discovered me". Please listen to that album and that song...so you will understand my message. It is you, who inspires me to keep going. Bless you, my brother..
Hi Kent. I Just want to let u know that i really appreciate the value I'm drawing from your videos and tutorials. I live in Zambia, Central Africa and I've been playing the piano for well over 15 years. But ever since I came across your videos two months ago, I have learnt more in the last two months than in the time that has gone by. Wishing you a happy, prosperous and healthy new year. Mutale
Mutale...Many thanks!.... Please tell me if my videos are helpful. ...Some folks say that I'm taking away opportunities for teachers and universities teaching music. How do you feel?
Hi Kent. U r simply the greatest... the videos are absolutely helpful. Those teachers and universities have had 20 years of my piano playing life to have open my eyes to the mystery of jazz and how to play it and have failed miserably... so if them starving is what it will take to get me ahead in the new world which has now opened out for me then so be it. have a great day sir.
definitely the best teacher on RU-vid of all jazz theory concepts. truly amazing, please keep the videos coming. your video in diminished scales really did change my world
C'est vraiment super ! J'ai fait des années de piano classique en cours particuliers, déchiffré des tonnes de partitions, fait des concours pour finalement ne presque plus jouer. Et là, en quelques jours, grâce à tes conseils, j'arrive à interpréter des standards de Jazz et à improviser seul ou avec d'autres musiciens. Les progrès sont spectaculaires, c'est incroyable ! C'est pour moi une réelle redécouverte de l'instrument et du plaisir que cela procure. Encore merci !
Such clarity man ! You are without doubt the best Jazz piano teacher I have ever found anywhere and such a terrific player to boot. Inspiring stuff Kent. Studying here really IS a privilege. Thank you for this AND for your great book which I'm finding so useful for arranging as well ...
Hi David...that's a great compliment and I'm grateful that you tell me and I can do this...because I learn a lot.. too. And it would be futile if I recieved no feedback...so... many, many thanks! (and for buying my book).
Kent. I have been playing keyboard instruments for 30 years m(self taught). I can play blues and the scales fit most progressions (simpler voicing!). I’ve always aspired to play Jazz, but the theory seemed to elude me. Whilst I can see I have so far to travel, your online lessons at least confirm a direction to go in. I really appreciate your time in sharing your knowledge and making this complex area so accessible.
Kent, you are truly an amazing musician, naturally gifted teacher, and great personality!! You're lessons are incredible helpful in unlocking the many mysteries of Jazz. Everything is clear, understandable and perfect for learning. Thank you so much!! I am definitely going to check out your products on you're website. Can't thank you enough for these wonderful videos that inspire us all to practice and play!
Hi Todd, that's a great comment and affirmation for me....that keeps me going. Taking the time to write to me is very helpful to me and is much appreciated. Unfortunately... website is down right now ...but I'm hoping to solve the issue soon. Thanks again for the support....I'm truly grateful!
You bet, Kent, These lessons are fantastic to say the least!! Let me know when you have you're site up and running, I would love to buy some of your materials. If you have a way of purchasing your book while your site it down, I would definitely be interested in purchasing one. Thank you again for your gift of playing and teaching.
Few people can put a concept across but you nailed it Kent. I have played a long time but always used the same style so I found your impro video very refreshing. Thank you.
How come you are not in the spotlight .I mean you are original ,like those grand masters of jazz . To think that you are willing to give this rare knowledge out to the upcoming ones is just breathe taking . Thanks a billion!!!
To answer your question Kent on my comment of these two videos being brilliant, I had been musically wandering aimlessly in trying to find a route to allow me to learn jazz improv. Being a classically tought pianist and note reader, I had no concept of chords and their progressions, I just read and memorised the music. Now I am in the process of teaching myself the major, minor, aug, dim and suss chords and the 7th's plus all the major scales so as to be able to put the music away and hopefully play without it. I am not that point yet but if I start with a simple 2,5,1 progression as you show and dabble with the applicable scale and chord tones in the right hand, I feel enthused enough such that I hope to gain more confidence in the technique and improve quickly. So thanks again my good musical friend. Cheers!
Hi Robert, I'm glad to read your explanation. Please take advantage of my playlists for categories of what interests you. Click on the title below the category to see the videos in that section. You might also like to check out my book, which is beginner jazz and step wise to advanced concepts. Playlists here: ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Wonderfully helpful and educational videos. Boy does Wynton Marsalis’ quote hit home! So grateful for you and the hours you spend sharing your musical knowledge with us (and your Jazz Piano Methods and Songbook).
Part 2 - excellent. It helps so much when you walk us through it. You’re quotes are so encouraging too. Discipline ! I find it hard at times but your tutorials get me back on track. Marvellous ! Thank you again Kent 👏😊😎🎶🎶🎶🎶😍
Kent Hewitt. I know you are correct Kent. Your videos, with such great direction are keeping me on track - although I need to apply more. Your responses and encouragement help. 😊
Thanks for the vid. This one was mostly review for me, but it did make me more aware of which inversions I'm playing. In the past I just did the voice leading without looking for patterns in the order of the inversions. Also, I loved the way "A Foggy Day" went from a skeletal outline to a more fleshed-out arrangement. Many tasty morsels for me to absorb, and absorb them I will. At this point in time, you are my biggest musical influence. Lucky me!
+David Gerber Thanks, David...another great comment! Of course , these particular videos were geared to folks for which this subject matter is new. I'm trying to develop more videos that expand the fan base, rather than restrict them to more advanced material.
That is exactly what I am saying. For me, the rootless left handed voicings was the key to improving my playing. My teacher provided me with drills for these voicings in the context of the II -V -I progression to the point where executing the changes became simply a matter of muscle memory. I started playing piano in midlife and my technique will never be better than fair at best, but thanks to Bill Evans and my Ireal pro app, I can still get a result that has a professional sound.(more or less) Now improvising off of these changes, that's the hard part.
David, please check out my rootless voicing lessons on my channel. You are right ...it really is an important technique that, through practice, can become automatic... and enhance your playing. The end result is that you'll be able to play with top bass players and drummers. And that's where the real fun begins ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists!
Great drills. I've been really busy the past few months and haven't had a lot of time to practice. I've been trying to at least improve my 2 5 1 chops until I have more time again.
+Lucas Cram Thanks, Lucas. I appreciate your loyal support and comments. I'm busy too, so I don't always have time to respond to all the comments, but I keep trying.
Very cool, Kent. Volume I of Mehegan had been my 'bible' at one point. Dipped into Vol IV briefly, where he discusses A and B forms, which I never really 'got', well, till there was you !
I've been playing for years but I'm just getting into Jazz. You really explain it well! I wanted to check out your site but apparently it's down? Just wanted to let you know about that and to say THANK YOU for sharing this with all of us!
Yes Ken. The app provides a bass and drum accompaniment for a whole variety of tunes. (No notes, just chords) . Any tempo, any key and a whole variety or rhythms. It can be edited and new tunes can be added. The app automatically puts in the base lines and drum licks, and it does so in a random way so it doesn't sound mechanical. I believe there is a description on you tube under Ireal pro.
ireal pro is what you're talking about? Is it a means of playing along with a rhythm section such as the Jamle Aebersold CDs? Then I approve of it ...and it is a good way to get experience playing with live-like musicians of high caliber. .
Kent thanks so much for such a great series. I've been playing professionally for 30 years but every time I take a lesson with you I learn something new - studying your methods has totally changed my thought process and playing for the better! (BTW I sent you a personal email a couple of weeks ago - check your spam file lol)
Thanks Ken. You might want to do a video on the tritone substitution. Very important addition to the basic rootless voicings especially when following a half diminished chord.
The various inversions are difficult for me using the cycle of 5ths but I appreciate your teaching style to explain the theory behind these 2 5 1s from the cycle. Applying this technique to real tunes is the ultimate reward. Of course I am working toward that with your help. I also had difficulty getting to your website for the sheet music to go with these tutorials. Not sure why. The 'B' form as you point out, has the jazziest sound. I am trying to use both A and B as you suggest. Thank you so much for your tutorials.
Neal, look under II-V-1 in my free music downloads. (under letter T) If you can't download the score write to me and I'll send you a PDF. It takes some work to get these voicings under your belt ...but the rootless voicings are the best and most preferred sounding chords when working with a bassist. Plus making your playing more versatile.
Very helpful how you apply a lick in the right hand with the voicings , and adding the bass note on beat one is beneficial in terms of hearing the harmony . . Next time I talk to Gary i'm telling him 'bout the great lessons you are doing :)
Learning a lot,thanks a lot !!with out notes ! to late for me anyway , so you're kind of miracle to me ( no time to loose in Toulouse that my town in south of France confinate cause of CODIS 19)
It is wonderful video clip. But the question remains how to understand inversions and to keep bass note in floating in the hair and play at the same time inversion of the cord .
wow you're an amazing teacher, I started learning jazz piano this year, practicing those chords on some standards tunes and fifth cycle.thanks you so much for sharing your time and knowledge it's really appreciated, I will study your lessons as much as I can, I can feel it really open my eyes on many things I was wondering about. Any tips about the order I should evolve in the lessons would be really appreciated, I am very curious of everything you are sharing but not sure about which lessons I should start with... warm hug from Paris
Thanks so much. Take a look at my list of categories and pick out the ones that interest you. Some are easy and some are advanced...so be particular about your selections. Go here: ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylistsAlso my book might help you a lot:www.kenthewitt.com/id31.html
Georges gershwin dave brubeck and wes montgomery are my favourite ....nature is sight ,smell and sensitive ...wish you long life pal .....................elies algiers
I'm a huge Bobby Timmon's fan...Bro, how did you know?...you're knocking me out. He was one of my 1st great inspirations, that got me into jazz...thanks!
Never heard of John Mehegan, after studying A and B forms for years! His "Improvising Jazz Piano' is available as a free downloadable PDF if you subscribe to Scribd. Thanks for the step by step process. My jazz teacher started me out on FABE and BEFA functions before I even knew the 251s. Been dazed and confused ever since. This stuff isn't that hard if taught systematically.
Sorry Ken. My original posts was a general comment on the value of the voicings for me. My comment was in response to your question. Yes I found the video helpful.
A flat five instead... I see now that not even the altered scale is altered enough. I use altered maj. 7 if I'm doing 2-5-1 for a Lydian scale. It also gives a #4 in minor 2-5-1 progressions for an even more darker effect.
Ken, loving it! At the 3:31 mark you mentioned that we should have downloaded the exercise. Where can I find this? I have played piano for 51 yrs and never have I been introduced to this in this manner!! Keep It Up!
Here's the link: www.kenthewitt.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/iividrills2.pdf There's also an exercise in minor keys. Just look under Free music downloads on my website. Thanks!
This was really fun and should be called something appealing like “a Pleasure size” instead of an exersize. :-). Anyway a great lesson that I am going to (I was going to say “work” on) play on!!
a lot of good material sometimes makes my head hurt. .but it's worth it.. I downloaded your free PDFs a little trick to pass on you probably have covered it. play a c7 in root position then play a d d fsharp a that is extensions nine sharp 11 and and thirteen.. for those that are new count the notes and you will find that a is 13 notes in the diatonic scale of c.
One more thing Ken. You might want to urge your viewers to check out an app. called Ireal pro. It has done wonders for my playing over the last several years.
David, I'm low tech, so I don't have a smart phone, and I don't really relate to apps. So if you could explain in detail what this app. does, ....I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Thank you for these amazing two videos (Parts 1 and 2). For so long I have been trying to find something on rootless 2-5-1s in the left hand and this is just what I needed...and so much more! Truly of the very best lessons I have seen on all of Youutube. I do have a question: I went to your website to download both PDFs from Part 1 and 2 and could not find them. There is something listed under 2-5-1 but it has NA next to it, and does not respond when I click on it. Can you direct me to the right section? Thanks again so much for this lesson!
I love these excercises but as a newbie to jazz piano I am curious of something. These seem to cover all the major scales well but do they teach you anything in regard to minor scales?
I just put out a video out on the minor scales with an exercise. Also please go to my Playlists and the category on scales for more on the minor scales .Here's 2 links: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GfAk8zOXRSI.html ru-vid.complaylists
@@KentHewittpiano88 thank you very much, I will definitely check those out. You have already taught me so much and I look forward to continuing to learn from your videos.
Hi Kent -- your videos are fantastic, concise and clear but also a lot of fun. I'm trying to buy your book but your website seems to be down. Could you check it and let us know when it is back up? Probably a lot of other people want your book too!
This is excellent. What are you doing for the melodic lines? Looking at the sheet, the first few exercises were using the major scale for the key, but the later exercises are using a lot of non-diatonic tones. Are there any rules surrounding that other than it sounds beautiful? Will your book be helpful explaining this in more detail? Thank you.
You're talking about chromatic approach tones, tight. That's covered in my book and also a lot of my videos on improvisation. Go to my playlists: ru-vid.com/show-UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
