billy strayhorn

Welcome to JazzPianoSkills; a unique Jazz Piano Program dedicated to introducing aspiring jazz pianists to essential Jazz Piano skills. Each Podcast Episode will help you successfully Discover, Learn, and Play a specific Jazz Piano skill.

This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you Discover, Learn, Play the classic jazz standard by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, "Take the 'A' Train". In this jazz piano lesson you will:

1. Discover: The classic jazz standard "Take the 'A' Train"
2. Learn: How to methodically practice "Take the 'A' Train" 
3. Play: "Take the 'A' Train" using correct chord/scale relationships

For maximum musical growth, be sure to download the Podcast Guides for this Jazz Piano Lesson.

• Illustrations (detailed graphics of Chords, Scales, Arpeggios)
• Lead Sheets (sheet music with Chords, Scales, Arpeggios)
• Play Along Tracks (with Practice Tips and various tempos)
• Bundle (get all three Podcast Guides!)

All three Podcast Guides are designed to help you gain a functional command of the "Take the 'A' Train". The Podcast Guides are invaluable educational tools to have at your side and finger-tips while studying and practicing JazzPianoSkills.

You can listen to this Podcast Episode at JazzPianoSkills and have access to the SpeakPipe Widget that allows you to speak immediately and directly to Dr. Bob Lawrence. Ask your questions, get answers, and interact one-on-one with Dr. Lawrence.

Episode OUTLINE:

1. Discover
   1. Take The ‘A’ Train
      1. Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn
      2. Tune Architecture
         1. Form: AABA
         2. Key: C
         3. Chord Progression
            1. A Section
            2. B Section
2. Learn
   1. Chord Changes In Time for "Take the 'A' Train"
      1. Left Hand Voicing Only
      2. Two-Handed Voicing
   2. Learn the Melody for "Take the 'A' Train"
      1. Using your ear - no fakebook
3. Play
   1. Chord Changes in Left Hand for "Take the 'A' Train" with:
      1. With Melody Only
      2. With Arpeggios in Right Hand
      3. With Scales in Right Hand
   2. Improvise over the chord changes for "Take the 'A' Train"
      1. “A” Section
         1. Arpeggios Only (no reference to the melody)
         2. Scales Only (no reference to the melody)
      2. “B” Section
         1. Arpeggios Only (no reference to the melody)
         2. Scales Only (no reference to the melody)
      3. The entire form of "Take the 'A' Train" using
         1. Melody
         2. Arpeggio Motion
         3. Scale Motion
         4. Patterns

Visit JazzPianoSkills.com for a comprehensive curriculum of jazz piano courses & lessons exploring essential jazz piano skills used by professional jazz pianists.

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