Finding your own voice in music can seem like a daunting task. We look up to so many great jazz composers, but how did they discover their own sound as composers? The best thing to do is to start writing your own music. This simple composition exercise which Sterling will show you will help you create your own music right away! Go to for practice materials https://jazzpianoschool.com/podcast342 If you have questions or suggestions for a podcast lesson you would like us to do, please leave them i...
Jun 25, 2024•22 min•Ep. 342
We're on to part 2 of my chord scales lesson. In this lesson I'm going to teach you 3 easy chord scales you have to know to make your improvisation sound great, and you'll get to practice them with me through the tune "Take The A-Train". Want my full Improvisation Mastery course? Go to the link below for a huge one-time discount! https://jazzpianoschool.com/improvdiscount Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly gu...
Jun 19, 20240•Ep. 341
Think you don't need chord scales? Think again. In this video I'll show you what happens if you DON'T use them. Want my full Improvisation Mastery course? Go to the link below for a huge one-time discount! https://jazzpianoschool.com/improvdiscount Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you'...
Jun 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 340
Here are my 5 best secrets to improvising over super fast tempos so you sound like a pro! Also... Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. The JPS System bri...
May 21, 2024•30 min•Ep. 339
On to practice Round 2! We'll be practicing structure 2 of our rootless voicings at 5 different tempos. Here we go! Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through the same thing but thankfully stumbled upon a learning system I created based on proven language learning blocks. ...
May 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 338
This episode will be something I've NEVER done before. This will be a practice lesson that will allow you to practice your rootless voicings with me! Sounds fun right? Well, more fun then practicing by yourself I would imagine. I'll keep you tips, keep you inspired, and be your coach as I stick with you throughout this entire practice session! Let's get to work! Want more amazing lessons like this with more features and resources? Go to the link below to find out how. https://jazzpianoschool.com...
May 07, 2024•36 min
I say things over and over and over again. Want to know why? Because there are things I see students do over and over and over again. And that's okay! I'm not blaming anyone, but it's exactly why I made this weeks podcast. To try to really create an impression in your head to do this ONE thing when playing cocktail solo piano ballads. Because when you do...it will instantly improve your sound by 10 fold, if not more! Here we go! Want more amazing solo piano education? Check out the link below to...
Apr 30, 2024•16 min•Ep. 336
What do you do when you have 4 beats to fill? What about 7 beats? Because I was a deer in headlights for most of my career. I never really knew what to do! No one ever taught me. But that's exactly why I created this podcast. To give you an easy 3 step system to creating simple fills that sound AWESOME! Here we go! If you have questions or suggestions for a podcast lesson you would like us to do, please leave them in the comments down below. _____________ Have you been trying to learn jazz piano...
Apr 25, 2024•25 min•Ep. 335
The "Kansas City" blues scale is a variation on the traditional blues scale. Its sound was codified by musicians from Kansas City, dating all the way back to Count Basie, Jimmy Lunceford, and eventually adopted by the great bebop Saxophonist Charlie Parker. This sound is simple to acquire, yet has a lot of room for variations and depth. In this podcast lesson, Sterling will show you how to incorporate the sound of the Kansas City blues into your improvising. Go to for practice materials https://...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 324
There is one technique setup that you need to learn for both of your hands when playing solo jazz piano. Without it, you'll never get the sound you're after. If you practice this, you'll be 95% of the way there. Let's dive in! Want more solo piano education? Click the link below to get more... https://jazzpianoschool.com/lookinside _____________ Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes withou...
Apr 03, 2024•43 min•Ep. 333
The "Kansas City" blues scale is a variation on the traditional blues scale. Its sound was codified by musicians from Kansas City, dating all the way back to Count Basie, Jimmy Lunceford, and eventually adopted by the great bebop Saxophonist Charlie Parker. This sound is simple to acquire, yet has a lot of room for variations and depth. In this podcast lesson, Sterling will show you how to incorporate the sound of the Kansas City blues into your improvising. Go to for practice materials https://...
Mar 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 332
Finding good ways to end cocktail jazz piano tunes can be tricky. But have no fear. With these 9 endings you're about to learn, you'll always have the perfect ending up your sleeve to use in any situation. Let's check em out! ---- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you've learned? I went through...
Mar 12, 2024•39 min•Ep. 331
Why is it that you're clinging to every note some jazz artists play, and others, you're kind of bored? I've heard monster players that technically sounded great! And played no "wrong" notes, but didn't inspire me or move my soul. I've also heard other players play a total of 5 notes better than anything I've ever heard! So what is it? In this podcast, I'll teach you how to captivate your audience and develop your solo when improvising. ---- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube v...
Feb 28, 20240•Ep. 330
As with everything in life, a couple small changes can produce big results. The same holds true for creating a modern jazz piano sound. With a couple of small but mighty elements, you can begin to easily produce a modern jazz sound in your playing. But fair warning, even though each step is small, it does require a lot of practice. Let's dive in! ----------------------- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, ca...
Feb 21, 2024•44 min•Ep. 329
There is a chord that has become ubiquitous in the modern jazz idiom. This harmony can be used in a variety of settings, and has many implications for composition and improvisation in a modern jazz style. In this podcast lesson, Sterling Cozza will show you extended applications and how to expand your use of this chord with limitless possibilities. ----------------------- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, ...
Feb 06, 2024•26 min•Ep. 328
There is a chord that has become ubiquitous in the modern jazz idiom. This harmony can be used in a variety of settings, and has many implications for composition and improvisation in a modern jazz style. Sterling Cozza will show you how to unlock the secrets behind this chord so you can implement it into your own playing. ----------------------- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes witho...
Jan 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 327
Once a year, usually in January, I sit down and record an audio only podcast. It's theraputic for me to reflect back on the year and think about what's coming up. If you're just into learning jazz piano and don't care about my thoughts, then you'll definitely want to skip this. On the other hand, if you want to hear back about what happened in 2023 and what's coming in 2024, then check it out. ----------------------- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers bu...
Jan 17, 20240•Ep. 326
I gave out the planning aspect in my last podcast episode. How to organize your goals. How to rank them and prioritize them. How to make a plan, and how to revise your plan. If you haven't listened to that episode, you'll want to do that now, before listening to this. Now, I'll tell you WHAT to practice in order to reach your goals fast. The more you can focus in on the exercises I give in this lesson, the faster you'll reach your goals. I promise you. But careful, don't get distracted by other ...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 325
The information is out there. There is no doubt about that. You can find anything you want on the internet. But how do we make a plan for our goals. How do we know what information we need to sprint towards our goal? Well, you don't. That's why I'm here to help. In this planning session, I'll help you filter out all the unnecessary information and distractions so you know exactly what to work on. By the way... Our Accelerator program and BIG Holiday sale is now open through New Years! Go to jazz...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 324
It's hard to understand what makes improvisation sounds good. But wait...is it actually hard? Not really. In this lesson I'll demonstrate in super slow motion how to construct bebop lines using just 3 things. When you use these 3 things together, you'll be able to create professional sounding bebop improvisation everytime. It's not magic. It's just a combination of 3 tools. By the way... Our BIG Holiday sale is open through New Years! Go to jazzpianoschool.com/holiday to check it out! ----------...
Dec 13, 2023•30 min•Ep. 323
10 Assessments To See Where Your Jazz Piano Is At
Nov 27, 20230
When Herbie Hancock joined Miles Davis 2nd Quintet, he revolutionized chromatic improvising with Tony Williams and Ron Carter. Even before this period, Herbie used a technique he invented known as "sidestepping." This served as the basis for his chromatic approach, and you can learn to sidestep in 3 easy steps in this podcast lesson! Jazz Piano School 4.0 is COMING on Black Friday! Go to jazzpianoschool.com/blackfriday2023 to get info about our biggest release and best offer ever. Lesson Materia...
Nov 15, 2023•39 min•Ep. 321
Learning how to swing in jazz is one of the most difficult things you could possibly do. And no matter how many fancy lines you play, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. That statement could not be more true. Unfortunately, most jazz piano students rhythm is the thing that is lacking the most. But don't worry. Here are 6 amazing rhythm drills you can use to improve your swing feel for improv, comping and solo piano. Jazz Piano School 4.0 is COMING on Black Friday! Go to jazzpianosc...
Nov 07, 2023•36 min•Ep. 320
I told myself I wouldn't do this, but I just couldn't help it. This is a replay from the first live workshop I did for all my 30-Challenge participants. I won't be reposting anymore, but I had to repost this one. If you want to join simply go to the link below to get all the replays and assignments. Enjoy! Also, my FREE 30 Day Challenge is now open for registration. Get 4 live zoom workshops with me completely free! I'll be covering solo piano, improvisation, accompaniment and so much more. And ...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 319
Practicing is NOT about being comfortable. It's about being uncomfortable. So when it comes time for you to perform, you're ready for anything. With the 14 practice strategies I'll teach you in this podcast, you'll learn any jazz piano tool or concept 10 times faster than you ever would. Try it and see for yourself. Also, my FREE 30 Day Challenge is now open for registration. Get 4 live zoom workshops with me completely free! I'll be covering solo piano, improvisation, accompaniment and so much ...
Oct 17, 2023•33 min•Ep. 318
It's not about WHAT you play, it's about HOW you play. This phrase alone changed my musical life. At some point, learning more notes and licks won't get you anywhere. You got to take what you already know and make it musical. In this lesson, I'll go over 11 amazing textures you can add to your improvisation TODAY, that will elevate your performance instantly. Let's check them out! Enjoy. ----- Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still...
Oct 10, 2023•43 min•Ep. 317
I'm sure you get sick of listening to me tell you what to work on, what to practice etc. Trust me, I've been there. I would zone out constantly when my teacher was talking. BUT...when I saw another student make drastic progress in a short amount of time, I had to know what they were working on. In today's podcast you'll hear directly from my student that is currently in the JPS Accelerator Program. They've made so much progress in just 10 weeks that I had to interview him so you could hear exact...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 316
Most jazz piano students fail because we're chasing the 1%. That cool McCoy lick or that killin' Herbie Voicing. That is not really jazz my friends, that is the brilliance of the artist. If you chase the shiny pearly or the 1% you're only going to make 1% of progress. Wouldn't you like to make 90% of your progress with something that you learn? Well you're in luck, because in this episode I'm going to tell you HOW to do that and WHY, which is even more important. So listen closely, and take note...
Sep 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 315
Follow along as Sterling shows you a diminished voicing that is sure to turn some heads. These crunchy chords work over diminished tonalities, and can also be applied to dominant chords in various jazz standards. These chords always bring the "wow" factor!! Have you been trying to learn jazz piano with youtube videos, dvds, teachers but feel like you're still constantly guessing, can't play any tunes without copying what someone else has played, and don't know how to connect all the tid bits you...
Sep 05, 2023•17 min•Ep. 314
I've filtered down my education A LOT recently due to my Accelerator and Mastermind programs that are now open for enrollment until Sept 5th, 2023. 99% of all jazz piano students want one, a combination, or all of just 3 goals. Here they are ranked in order from easiest to hardest. #1 - Play in a band or accompany a vocalist, or instrumentalist. (Comping) #2 - Play solo piano jazz standards on their own without reading transcriptions of other pianists. #3 - Learn how to improvise lines in the RH...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 313
