Guests Episodes

Discover the extraordinary history, musical legacy, and educational mission of the Monterey Jazz Festival in this special Jazz Piano Skills interview with Dr. Bob Lawrence, Bobbie Young, and Mike Knapek. Bobbie Young, Managing Director of Monterey Jazz, and Mike Knapek, a Monterey Jazz board member and longtime jazz piano student, join Dr. Lawrence for an engaging conversation about one of America's most celebrated jazz institutions. Explore the festival's beginnings in 1958, the contributions of founders Jimmy Lyons and Ralph J. Gleason, and the remarkable musicians who have performed on its stages, including Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock. The conversation also reveals a side of Monterey Jazz that many music enthusiasts may not know: its extensive year-round commitment to jazz education. Learn about the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Women in Jazz Combo, regional student ensemble…

In this engaging conversation, Special Guest Lisa Deneau shares her profound journey through music, highlighting the significant influence of her mother, her experiences in jazz education, and the challenges of practicing jazz. She emphasizes the importance of community in learning and the joy of making beautiful sounds on the piano. Lisa also discusses her role in curating the listening list for the Jazz Piano Skills community, showcasing her dedication to sharing music with others.

Good Grief Vince Guaraldi, O Tannenbaum is an exploration of a Christmas Classic enjoyed by jazz lovers around the world. Dr. Bob Lawrence and Josh Walsh illuminate various improvisation techniques used by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi..

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Jazz Pianist, Avid Reader, Movie Buff, Cyclist, Chef, and Computer Programmer Brad Hawbaker!

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with jazz pianist, sound engineer, bodybuilder, strength trainer, and personal fitness geru Patrick Køhalmi.

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Jazz Pianist, Educator and Clinician Kent Ellingson

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Jazz Guitarist, Filmmaker and Entrepreneur Andy LaViolette

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Classical and Jazz Pianist, Educator Jazz Amy Mitani.

Jazz Piano Skills welcomes Dr. JB Dyas back! Dr. Dyas is Vice President for Education and Curriculum Development at the Herbie Hancock Institute

Jazz Piano Skills welcomes Dr. JB Dyas back! Dr. Dyas is Vice President for Education and Curriculum Development at the Herbie Hancock Institute

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Jazz Pianist, Educator, and Author, Mark Davis.

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Trumpeter, Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Educator, and Novelist, Mike Steinel!

It's time to discover, learn, and play jazz piano with Saxophonist, Pianist, Guitarist, Composer, Arranger, and entrepreneur, Paul Croteau!

This Jazz Piano Skills Podcast Episode explores Chet Baker's solos on "Tangerine" from the 1974 album "She Was Too Good To Me."

Jazz Piano Skills welcomes Anita Houser, Jazz Pianist, Vocalist, Educator, Wife, and Mother

Jazz Piano Skills welcomes back Dr. JB Dyas, Vice President for Education and Curriculum Development at the Herbie Hancock Institute

Jazz Piano Skills welcomes Dr. JB Dyas, Vice President for Education and Curriculum Development at the Herbie Hancock Institute

Jazz Piano Skills welcomes New York-based Jazz Musician, Educator, Author, Podcaster, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Learn Jazz Standards, Brent Vaartstra.

JazzPianoSkills welcomes Peter Friesen, a Canadian jazz pianist and educator.

JazzPianoSkills welcomes Liz Kinnon, a Los Angeles jazz pianist, arranger, composer, educator, and film coach.

JazzPianoSkills welcomes Liz Kinnon, a Los Angeles jazz pianist, arranger, composer, educator, and film coach.

Discover, Learn, and Play a Ben Paterson solo on "My Shining Hour" from his Blues for Oscar Album

JazzPianoSkills welcomes Ron Drotos, New York City jazz pianist, educator, composer, author, and entrepreneur.

JazzPianoSkills welcomes jazz pianist and professional tennis coach, David Shields. Based in Australia, David has enjoyed a lifetime of coaching tennis and studying jazz.