Post Category: Jazz & Improvisation

Solo Jazz Piano and Vocals – A Curated List

As a jazz pianist and vocalist, I often get asked for listening lists.  There is so much great music out there that it can be hard to know where to start!  This article was requested by several of my...
Turquoise background with piano keyboard on the bottom. Photo of Brenda Earle Stokes with her hands up. Yellow and pink letters read "The COOLEST Rhythm You've Never Heard Of"

The Charleston Rhythm

The Charleston Rhythm is one of the most-often heard rhythms that you’ve never heard of.  It shows up all over the place, from jazz to blues to contemporary pop songs.  In this article I teach...

10 Jazz Pianists That Will Make You Fall in Love with Jazz

As a life long lover of all things jazz piano, I have not only enjoyed a successful career as a performer but I have also had the pleasure of teaching hundreds of people to play.  If you are...
Double time vs double time feel. Brenda Earle Stokes with her arms up in the air like she doesn't understand the difference.

Double time vs Double Time feel

If you are a jazz musician, you may have heard the terms “double time” or “double time feel” and been confused as to what these terms actually mean. In this video I will...
How to play My Funny Valentine jazz Piano tutorial

How to Play My Funny Valentine on Piano (jazz)

Calling all jazz pianists (and aspiring jazz pianists!) In this tutorial I show you how to play My Funny Valentine – jazz piano. This version is perfect to accompany yourself singing OR to...
Pink background with a photo of Brenda Earle Stokes playing piano. White lettering reads "What does a jazz pianist need to know?"

What does a jazz pianist need to know?

Whether you are a music student, a recent college graduate, or a musician just starting out, there is a standard tool kit that each of us needs to have.  This article is about how to collect, create...

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