In Your Own Sweet Way: A Study of Effective Habits of Practice for Jazz Pianists with Application to All Musicians

With the intent of improving performance and creativity, the purpose of this research was to gain information about practice methods and techniques directed to develop a personal practice routine for the contemporary jazz pianist. This research is offered to provide jazz pianists (of all levels) with tools that allow them to develop individual practice routines that foster healthy and sustainable habits and advance artistry. The original information presented is based on the review of related literature published in the area of jazz performance; the experiences of respected jazz performers, students and pedagogues; and the synthesis of methods and approaches used in deliberate musical practice (classical and jazz styles), sports training, and selected other disciplines. The investigation was categorized in three sections. First, devoted to the piano as an instrument, exploring its technical, mechanical, and acoustical characteristics. Second, focused on theory and music with application for jazz pianists, by selecting and organizing music topics in five categories –referred to in the present study as The Five Elements (i.e.,Technique, Harmony, Language, Improvisation, and Repertoire). Third, investigation of different approaches to practice, both from the classical music tradition and the jazz methodology, in order to develop a personal practice routine for jazz pianists. This last section consists of the most essential contribution of the present research –a synthesis of published jazz methods, jazz performance practices and historical traditions, exemplary repertoire, and resources for the jazz pianist. Findings from this research include researcher-designed practice routine templates (PRT) for jazz pianists of all levels, researcher-designed extensive repertoire lists for jazz pianists (including approximately 1000 songs for pianists across ability levels –beginner to professionals), and researcher-generated tools such as solo transcriptions, bibliographies and discographies. On the basis of this research, it may be concluded that jazz pianists (of all levels) benefit from purposeful practice with clear goals, honest self-evaluation, and focus –organized by thoughtful tools that map content, progress, and performance.