LadyDpiano: solo piano performance

Showing posts with label solo piano performance. Show all posts

Master Stride Piano

Fats Waller, three-quarter length portrait, se...

"The swinging, stride sound of early jazz pianists like Fats Waller and James P.Johnson is undergoing newfound popularity. Suddenly, everyone wants to play and hear this bouncy style again. So here are some exercises to help you get in the stride groove. Remember, when playing stride you should not be thinking about lightning-fast tricks or an amazing left hand, but rather a steady left hand and an all-around relaxed feeling." By Judy Carmichael

Exercise #1

(play 2 x's) Bb/Bb D, F then G/G Bb D F, C/ G Bb C Eb, F/ F A C Eb

Exercise #2

D/D F# A C, E/D F# A C, F/D F# A C, F#/D F# A C, G/D F G B, A/D F G B, A#/D F G B, B/D F G B, C/C E G Bb, D/C E G Bb, D#/C E G Bb, E/C E G Bb F F/ l.h. octaves F, Eb, D,C/ l.h. single notes

Exercise #3

C/G A C E, C#/G Bb C# E, D/ G B D F, G/G B D# F (repeat) C/ C E, Bb/Bb C E, A/A C F, Ab/Gb Ab C Eb, G/G C E, G/G B E C, B, A, G/ l.h octave single notes (repeat) Puttin' On the Ritz - Solo Stride Piano

Chris Dawson plays this great rendition from the title song of the 1930 film. Clear crisp lines! Everything between the melody bookends is improvised. None of this was arranged beforehand. Chris is a consummate improviser.

Happy Playing!

~ LadyD

Called To Significance

Exodus 3-4

People often allow their lives to be marginalized and diminished when in reality our God, who is the God of the second chance, longs to give you a life of real significance and true impact.

End of the Year Recital

As I reflect on another school year ending and having a very successful piano recital performance from all my students... I firmly believe music educators change lives one lesson at a time.

Student playing piano at an assisted living place

Living a Life of Significance

So, I continually ask myself this question... What am I doing with the gifts God has given me? I know that it is very rewarding for me to teach young ones how to play the piano and improvise. I also love leading worship at the ladies morning Bible study. How about you? Here's some encouragement coming your way.

Remember that the living God is always WITH you and is always FOR you. Acts 4:13 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Remember that the living God has given you a powerful MESSAGE. Mark 13:11

There is so much more meaning and purpose beyond this life!

Remember that making an impact is accomplished by God's power not human power. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Remember that the living God will always equip those whom He has called. John 14:26

In conclusion, you may be in the process of discovering your Spirit-given spiritual gifts. I sincerely hope you will look for opportunities to use them! My students were willing to perform several of their favorite songs (from pop music to movie themes) and the elderly at the assisted living facility in our hometown were deeply touched!!

If you're interested in taking a closer look at a 30-day trial training center, visit Musician Transformation & Gospel Music Training Center.

Blessings,

LadyD

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

George Winston- Sea

Being Greek, I am especially fond of the sea. I love ocean fishing and sailing. I am a big fan of George Winston. One particular song that comes to mind is The Sea. This song was particularly influenced by The Doors. (interesting, huh?!) The introduction is inspired by the late, great guitarist and composer John Fahey (1939-2001). Composed in 1973. Read more about George Winston
http://www.georgewinston.com/notes/01934-seasons-2.php
Here is a list of a few attributes that catalogues this song:
new age influences
classical music influences
solo piano performance
lyrical melodies
interesting harmonic progressions
interesting part writing
strong melodies
minor tonality
For more reading and sampling
http://www.pandora.com/music/song/george+winston/sea
This song has a luring effect that draws you into a serene rest and contemplative peace. Enjoy!

Sounds and looks like this song has lots of broken E minor chords. Sometimes it's easy to hear and recognize the key of a song, sometimes it's not. A great resource knowing that songs are moved of chords that you might want to view
http://www.hearandplay.com/441295/hpchords.html

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