ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Reuben

About Reuben

Reuben is a freelance jazz multi-instrumentalist. Having initially trained in classical piano and cello, he moved to London 10 years ago to study jazz, and now performs regularly around the country in a host of bands, including funk band John Motors.

The Circle of Fifths and How to Use It in Your Piano Practise

2025-05-13T16:31:22+01:00

The Circle of Fifths is one of the most powerful tools in music theory, and when applied to piano practise, it can sharpen your skills, deepen your understanding of music, and make learning pieces a much simpler and faster process. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, mastering the Circle of Fifths can transform your practise sessions from routine to revolutionary. Below I will explain what the Circle of Fifths is, and exactly how you can use it to level up your piano playing. What Is the Circle of Fifths? The Circle of Fifths is a diagram showing the relationships [...]

The Circle of Fifths and How to Use It in Your Piano Practise2025-05-13T16:31:22+01:00

The Modes of the Melodic Minor and their Usage in Jazz

2025-04-23T13:33:14+01:00

A brief study of jazz theory will have you familiarising yourself with major modes. Mixolydian and Dorian modes, for example, are the most fundamental to learn as a basis for jazz language. Once a jazz musician is fluent at using the major modes for soloing, they will be able to achieve a very diatonic major sound, but this inevitably has its limits. In order to build more options of scales to use, we apply the modes of the melodic minor scale. These don’t just work for minor keys or chords, and some work as good alternatives to major modes. I’ll give [...]

The Modes of the Melodic Minor and their Usage in Jazz2025-04-23T13:33:14+01:00

Memorising and Practising II-V-I Licks on the Piano

2025-04-23T14:04:21+01:00

II-V-I progressions, otherwise known as Perfect Cadences, form an integral part of jazz harmony. By establishing and reasserting the key-centres you move through, they anchor the tonality of a chord sequence. Because of this, being able to construct improvised lines that encompass Perfect Cadences is a huge boost to any aspiring jazz musician. A good way of becoming adept at this is to build a library of licks in your memory. Having even a small collection of licks memorised in every key will give you a set of safe options for traversing these cadences. With this in mind, here is how [...]

Memorising and Practising II-V-I Licks on the Piano2025-04-23T14:04:21+01:00

The Origins of Jazz – The Birth of America’s Music

2025-03-17T10:35:38+00:00

Jazz, often hailed as "America’s music," is one of the most influential and distinctive genres of music to emerge in the 20th century. Known for its unique rhythms, improvisational style, and blending of various musical traditions, jazz has evolved into a global phenomenon. Its roots, however, are deeply embedded in the cultural, social, and musical landscapes of late 19th and early 20th-century America. Understanding the origins of jazz requires a look at the interplay of African rhythms, European musical traditions, and the socio-political context of the time. African Musical Traditions The foundations of jazz can be traced back to the African [...]

The Origins of Jazz – The Birth of America’s Music2025-03-17T10:35:38+00:00

The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time

2025-02-13T11:00:07+00:00

In the world of jazz, the piano stands as the most versatile instrument, and a key figure in the continuing evolution of the genre. Throughout the history of jazz, the piano has been employed both as a rhythm section member, and as the focal instrument, either in an ensemble or solo setting. As a result, there have been countless albums released in the last 100 years that have explored the piano as a lead instrument, giving aspiring pianists a wealth of material to take inspiration from. Here I will outline the qualities of what I think are the most inspiring and [...]

The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time2025-02-13T11:00:07+00:00

Preparing for a Live Gig as a Jazz Pianist

2025-01-17T15:45:13+00:00

Gigs are the source of the most thrill in what we do as musicians. Playing an intimate gig to a small room of people, or a pounding set on a festival stage, can provide lasting memories for us. For jazz pianists, the former is usually the case, but this can come with its own challenges. In this article I’m going to outline some of the things you should be ready for on a live gig, and how to prepare for them. Live gigs can have you playing in numerous line-ups, all of which require different preparation. You may be playing a [...]

Preparing for a Live Gig as a Jazz Pianist2025-01-17T15:45:13+00:00

Playing Piano in a Jazz Band: A Beginner’s Guide

2024-11-13T09:10:12+00:00

Learning jazz piano is a process that takes hundreds of hours of practise. Gaining an affinity with all of the necessary chords, scales, language and tunes can have you marinating in a practise room for a long time before you start feeling like you are playing fluently in your own style. However, there have been countless musicians who have become adept at jamming to backing tracks, or playing solo in a way that they are satisfied with, who have found themselves lost when they reach the bandstand. In reality, no matter how many hours you put into honing your craft alone, [...]

Playing Piano in a Jazz Band: A Beginner’s Guide2024-11-13T09:10:12+00:00

Piano Superpowers: How Playing the Piano Can Boost Your Creativity and Focus

2024-10-12T11:49:38+01:00

The piano, one of the most versatile musical instruments, offers numerous benefits to those who take the time to learn and play it.While most people recognise its ability to develop musical talent and provide emotional expression, playing the piano also nurtures important cognitive functions. In particular, it significantly enhances creativity and focus.These mental faculties are essential for problem-solving, productivity, and emotional well-being, making piano playing not only an artistic endeavour but also a powerful tool for personal and intellectual growth.Stimulating Creativity Through Musical ExplorationOne of the most direct ways that playing the piano enhances creativity is by encouraging self-expression and experimentation.The [...]

Piano Superpowers: How Playing the Piano Can Boost Your Creativity and Focus2024-10-12T11:49:38+01:00

How to Get Started with Blues Piano

2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

The blues is one of the most soulful and expressive genres of music, and its rich tradition is deeply rooted in American history. Originating in the deep south of the USA in the late 19th century, the blues has since influenced countless musical styles, from jazz to rock to modern pop. The piano plays a significant role in the blues, offering a dynamic range that can capture the genre's emotional depth, as well as imitating the styles of other blues instruments such as the guitar. If you’re looking to get started with blues piano, you’re embarking on a rewarding journey [...]

How to Get Started with Blues Piano2024-09-04T17:02:25+01:00

How to Compose Your Own Piano Music

2024-07-23T17:19:08+01:00

The piano is an incredibly versatile instrument. For hundreds of years, it has been the primary instrument for composition, giving the composer the ability to play their creations in full on the spot. Writing your own piano music is a rewarding endeavour that allows you to express your creativity and emotions through an intricate and beautiful instrument. While the process might seem daunting at first, breaking it down into manageable steps can make it more approachable. Here I will guide you through the essential stages of composing piano music, from finding inspiration and understanding musical theory to developing your composition [...]

How to Compose Your Own Piano Music2024-07-23T17:19:08+01:00
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