Playing jazz piano has been a fortunate pleasure of mine for over 30 years. I began noodling with it during my college days and it has been a part of my life on and off ever since. The activity can be complete in itself as a solitary creative and meditative pastime. Or it can be enhanced playing with a group in jam sessions, recording dates or public performances. For me it is especially satisfying as a public performance since the feedback of the group and the audience influences what is played.
Even without a public outlet, playing jazz piano is a very satisfying solitary activity. Music technology makes it possible to enhance a practice session with accompaniments, combos and styles at the touch of a button. In private, playing jazz piano takes on a more meditative quality. It is much more introspective and laser focus can be applied to particular weaknesses in my playing skills.
Playing jazz piano exercises memory, creativity, ear training, spontaneity and dexterity. Experiencing all this simultaneous activity is a shot to the brain, a natural high. As documented in the book, "This is your Brain on Music", the brain is stimulated in 5 or more different ways when playing music. The 5 ways I mention are not exhaustive and when playing in public other stimulating energy is present as well.
I am currently gaining momentum in the consistency and focus of my practice methods. Several years ago I was playing out a lot around the Dallas area. I've been dormant for about 5 years now. I am lucky to have the time now to apply more wisdom, experience and focus to the elements of playing jazz piano than in previous periods of my life. I am looking forward to what the future holds for enjoying other musicians, audiences and my own development as I move forward with this aspect of my life.
