If you have been following along with my blog, you have probably become aware that I discuss classical piano music frequently. I also discuss modern or pop music frequently as well. When it comes to jazz piano music, I have really only mentioned it in passing.
The reason why I have done this, is because it is the genre that I am least familiar with and have the least experience with. This is not to say I don’t enjoy listening to jazz music, not do I think it is a lesser genre to modern and classical.
Learning to play jazz piano, if it is what you desire, is certainly an authentic and valid genre to learn to play. If you are going to play jazz piano, you will need to learn to read music, to a reasonably high standard. You will develop such a vast knowledge of chords and how they can connect with one another. You would also need to learn to improvise.
Improvising, which is done a lot in jazz piano, is not about playing just anything, but rather about being able to play known chord progressions in combination with known jazz rhythms in a way that is interesting to yourself and who ever else is listening.
Jazz piano is like classical piano in the sense that both genres require you to be able to read music to at least a decent standard and to have a good understand of theory.
It might seem like I am painting a negative idea about learning to play jazz piano, but I am simply describing what is required.
I have said it many times before and I will continue to say it many times more, is that if you are wanting to learn to play jazz piano, then you must learn it. Don’t be persuaded that jazz piano is too hard. Yes, it is not easy but it is also not impossibly difficult either. If you really want to learn jazz piano, then make sure you do it.
If you are wanting to play jazz piano, then I would recommend finding a piano teacher that specializes in jazz. They are most definitely out there – and remember that if you cannot find someone in your area, then you can find someone on the internet and potentially do lessons through Zoom or other such platforms. Many teachers have a combination of in person and over the internet students.