Simple structure

For someone who grew up playing classical piano most of their childhood learning jazz is quite a stretch. Classical piano is all about interpretation of the notes on the page and you do not deviate from those notes whatsoever. In contrast, at my first jazz lesson my instructor, Bradley, said "think of notes on a page as guidelines."

I took a jazz class in college where the instructor taught me a song and then said "now, just make it swing"... What? I thought I was here to learn how to make songs "swing." Needless to say, it wasn't quite the learning experience I thought it would be. Bradley, on the other hand, has specific exercises which help me develop improvisational skills so when the time comes to make a song "swing" I have something to build off of. He also does something interesting. Seldom will I play a song by myself. When I play a song I practiced for the week he goes over to his drum set and plays along with me or he grabs his upright bass and walks a bassline. Sometimes I even have to scoot to the edge of my seat because because he'son the other side of the piano playing along with me.

The exercises I learn start off fairly challenging but little by little begin to take less thought and become more natural over time. I think about how many other ways this simple little idea takes shape in my spiritual life, my daily life, at work, at home. This weekend I've decided to sit down and work a schedule for every day of the week which will incorporate all the things that I need to do. Quiet time, reading time, prayer, going to the gym, practicing piano, working on the house, spending time with my wife (... not necessarily in that order). It's a challenge for me because I love spontaneity so too much personal planning feels like it's cramping my style. Having said that I know it's necessary and I can make some time in my schedule to waste as well. My hope is that with a little structure I will be able to do the things I need more naturally.