Vol I - Fundamental Jazz Piano - Lesson Sample
This video is designed for jazz and non-jazz players who
need to completely understand the methodology of 3 and 4
part harmony. Voice leading as applied to left hand voicings
and harmonizing a right hand melody are explained in detail
and demonstrated by John Ferrara. In addition, the
lessons are reinforced by printed music which accompanies the video
and can be accessed from the DVD for reference, or can be downloaded.
An added bonus is the video "3 Harmonization Techniques".
Level: Beginner to Intermediate -- Runtime: 1 hr:19 mins.
Vol II - Advanced Voicings - Lesson Sample
Designed for the more knowledgeable player, this video
contains everything you need to know to build sophisticated
left hand voicings and two hand voicings. The art of harmonizing
melodies with two hand voicings is explained in detail as well.
All the great sounding voicings that you have been wanting to play
are contained in this video. In addition, rhythmic patterns and
methods as applied to left hand accompaniment are analyzed and demonstrated.
Referenced music is included on the DVD, or can be downloaded.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced -- Runtime 1 hr: 2 mins.
Vol III - Improvisation - Lesson Sample
The art of improvisation is a difficult one to grasp. John Ferrara
has produced this video to show how such an esoteric and complex
subject can be explained in a logical and musical way. In part 1 of
the DVD, Chord scale construction, based upon the chord progression
of a tune, is explained in a logical sequence. Modes and their
application to a chord progression are explored as well. Extensive
examples and practice techniques are demonstrated in this one-on-one
video. Also presented are creative ways of using the metronome to practice
improvisation. The second part of the video covers more complex dominant
seventh chord scales, more ways to practice the material in a practical way,
and the proper way to build modes using a static root. Referenced music is
included on the DVD, or can be downloaded. This video is ideal for all
instrumentalists as well as pianists.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced -- Runtime: 1 hr:18 mins.
Vol IV - Blues Styles - Lesson Sample
The Blues is explored in depth in this volume, with three specific
styles analyzed and demonstrated. The first style presented is the
jazz swing style, the second is the rock style, and the third is
how to play in the stride style. Each of the three styles is demonstrated
and performed with many examples. Specific techniques and ideas are covered for playing
left hand patterns and accompaniment, and right hand soloing ideas.
In addition, there is an extensive fourth lesson on proper practice techniques for the dedicated pianist.
Referenced music is included on the DVD, or can be downloaded.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced --- Runtime: 1 hr:38 min
Vol V - Autumn Leaves - Lesson Sample
This Jazz Workshop Series Volume covers techniques to improvise over the chord changes to "Autumn Leaves". The subjects start with harmonic analysis, then covers the methodology for deriving the proper
chord scales and modes for each chord. Next, the first method of playing,
utilizing a left hand advanced level voicing for each chord and a right hand melody/improv,
is thoroughly demonstrated and explained. The subject of how to connect chord scales and modes from chord to chord is then explored,
again with many performed examples. From there, jazz improvisation licks and their application are discussed and played.
The latter portion of the DVD deals with different styles of performing the tune,
and also a reharmonized version for further improvisational possiblities. Music PDFs for printing accompany the DVD or can be downloaded.
Level: Upper Intermediate to Advanced --- Runtime: 1 hr:13 min
Vol VI - Green Dolphin - Lesson Sample
Volume VI, 2nd volume in the Jazz Workshop series, covers techniques to improvise over the chord progression to "Green Dolphin Street".
The subjects start with chord scales/modes for each chord. Two complete improvisations are then analyzed, including original licks and phrases as well
as suggested fingering patterns. Each of the improvisations are thoroughly demonstrated, allowing the student to perform the
exact notes that are played. At the end of each improvisation lesson, the entire improv is performed with piano and bass so that the student can practice and refine the lesson. Left hand voicings that fit the improvisation, are given and demonstrated, as well as 2-hand voicing
harmonization and comping. Motifs and licks have been extracted from the 2 improvs for the student to practice in different keys.
Music PDFs are on the DVD and can be downloaded as well.
Level: Upper Intermediate to Advanced --- Runtime: 1 hr:35 min
Vol VII - Alone Together - Lesson Sample
This Jazz Workshop Series Volume analyzes the chord changes and form of "Alone Together".
The subjects start with harmonic analysis, then covers the methodology for deriving the proper
chord scales or modes for each chord. Two complete improvisations are then extensively demonstrated, and suggested fingering patterns
for all of the passages are shown. This gives the student a real time practice session. At the end of each improvisation lesson,
the entire improv is performed with piano and bass so that the student
can practice the lesson at a medium tempo. Left hand voicings, specific to the tune, are given and demonstrated, as well as 2-hand voicing
harmonization and comping.
Music PDFs are on the DVD and can be downloaded as well.
Level: Upper Intermediate to Advanced --- Runtime: 1 hr:35 min