Different Approaches to learn Piano Jazz

[johnvime]

Hi,

I can play the piano. How do I build a jazz piano technique/vocabulary?

Things that thought of:

- hearing a lot of jazz music - ok, this is good for the general feeling but won't build the technique into my fingers

- Left hand - try to find different formulas for each style - like swing

- recommended books?

[AllenLowe]

I would find a good teacher and learn the classical literature. If I'm hearing correctly, that's one of the reasons Bud Powell's whole conception is so complete and all-encompassing.

one you have that down (could take at least a few days) get some good lead sheets and look at how jazz players harmonize tunes.

then you're on your own.

[AllenLowe]

of course, my favorite advice about playing jazz came from Von Freeman:

"Learn your chords and suffer."