Meditations on Jazz Piano
Acclaimed pianist Aaron Parks equips you with philosophies and exercises to transcend self-judgment and reconnect with your musical spirit.
Waking the body, the heart, and the mind.
Become one with the music.
As jazz musicians, we all face self-judgment. It’s an insidious feeling that crops up from time to time regardless of skill level, ensnaring us in the web of our own expectations.
But when we get trapped in our minds, we can lose sight of the bigger picture behind music making.
In this course, acclaimed pianist Aaron Parks helps you transcend limitations of the self and reconnect with the spirit of the music that lives within each of us.
Blending philosophy and practicality, these lessons open a toolbox for:
- connecting with the body to awaken the rhythm inside
- opening the heart, allowing the melody to sing
- training the mind to freely explore the complexities of jazz harmony
Let Aaron Parks be your guide to shedding old habits and discovering new ways to express your musical spirit – both on and off the instrument.
Meet Your Instructor
Pianist Aaron Parks is a forward-thinking jazz musician who came to the public’s attention during his time with trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Aaron studied with noted pianist Kenny Barron and has performed with a variety of artists including trumpeter Christian Scott, drummer Kendrick Scott, vocalist Gretchen Parlato, and others. Parks has released several albums under his own name, including his 2008 Blue Note debut, Invisible Cinema.
Parks, who has also recorded with Christian Scott, Kendrick Scott, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Kurt Rosenwinkel, was an integral part of the James Farm Quartet with Joshua Redman, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland.
Course Contents
Waking the Body: Rhythm
- Rhythm
- Metronome Applications
- The Art of Allowing
Waking the Heart: Melody
- Melody
- Usage on a Standard
Waking the Mind: Harmony
- Harmony
- Destination Notes
- Barry Harris Method – Part 1
- Barry Harris Method – Part 2
- Barry Harris Method – Part 3
Bringing It All Together
- Improv Games (Experimenting With Feel) – Part 1
- Improv Games (Left Hand Vs. Right Hand) – Part 2
- Final Thoughts
