Jazz Piano Skills | Song of the Month | May 2025
#jazzpiano #georgiaonmymind #jazzstandards #jazzeducation
This month, members of Jazz Piano Skills will dive into the timeless classic “Georgia on My Mind”, an enduring jazz standard made famous by Ray Charles and beloved by generations of musicians. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Bob Lawrence, students will explore the rich harmonic landscape, lyrical melody, and expressive potential of this tune through a comprehensive three-part study:
Harmonic Study – Analyze and master the chord changes that give “Georgia on My Mind” its soulful character. Students will examine harmonic function, voice leading, and various reharmonization techniques to strengthen their understanding of the tune’s structure.
Melodic Study – Learn to articulate the memorable melody with nuance and authenticity. This study will focus on phrasing, rhythmic interpretation, and embellishments that elevate melodic playing from mechanical to musical.
Improvisation Study – Apply the harmonic and melodic insights gained to create expressive, personalized solos. Dr. Lawrence will demonstrate approaches to motivic development, scale and arpeggio application, and thematic improvisation rooted in the spirit of the tune.
This focused exploration of “Georgia on My Mind” offers a perfect opportunity for pianists to deepen their jazz vocabulary while developing both technical and artistic skills. Get ready to bring this classic to life at the keys!