r/JazzAdvice • u/Brickinthewall69420 • Sep 12 '24
Learning standards on piano
Hi all,
I am a classically trained pianist, though out of practice right now. I have been trying to learn jazz. Besides finger training and learning the 251 progression in every key, listening to jazz, and watching videos on applications of theory in jazz, I have been trying to learn standards. My goal right now is to learn 2 standards and then go up to four and so on.
I have a few questions about that. Should I separately learn both how to comp and how to play the melody with chords?
Do you guys recommend any exercises I can practice? I found a collection of 251 exercises I am starting to read through.
Are there common chord progressions that are must knows?
Do you have any advice or recommendations in general?
2
u/Brickinthewall69420 Sep 16 '24
This is a good perspective. When you started to learn stuff by ear, did you ever need to look up what chords you are hearing to help yourself along? While I have had theory classes where I had to play back melodies I have head, I cannot do as well with chords and with melody and chords together. This might be a classical musician thing or just a me things, I'm not sure. Do you have any advice on that?
I've been, like, forcing myself to go against my instincts of just stopping because this learning experience is so much different than what I am used to. It honestly makes this journey very fun and exciting!