So . . . I had my first jazz piano lesson Monday. I can sum it up in two words: It’s hard! I never was good with scales and remembering theory. And here I have to know what key and all it’s progressions and combinations all at once. Along with the fact that there is only one line, the melody, and all the rest is up to me. Wow! But I do love a challenge! There is so much to learn.
Sometimes when practicing I feel I can’t do it but then I take a small step in understanding and am eager to get on with it. I took “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and fiddled with the melody and it wasn’t too bad. It’s mostly getting the harmonies going in the right places with the right notes. At this point, playing classical music, with all the notes written out, feels like a cinch. Pieces that were very hard last week don’t look so hard this week!
Yoko came over Sunday for a swim, boat ride, and duets (four-hand piano). It’s been a while since we played and as usual we had some good laughs with our mistakes. She also plays (and teaches) the saxaphone and we talked about playing some jazz pieces together. When I learn what it is all about I can teach her!
The best part of this, so far, is that a couple of friends have been inspired (by my enthusiasm to learn a new musical form) to take up an instrument again. I’m thrilled to be the stimulus for them.
Posted by leya at August 1, 2006 07:16 PM