Reviews

This is exactly what I needed. Lectures are so crisp and thoughtfully constructed. Finally an instructor who is not only a jazz performer but an actual teacher — a communicator who can still see these subjects through the eyes of a student. Thanks a million!! Started from the beginning and working my way through.

I have been playing piano since I was 10 years old. I have had a few teachers, but I always felt that it was mostly a waste of time. What many teachers do, is teaching you a song, but how is that beneficial? It's like learning the lyrics to a song from for example Germany, and even if you master it, you still won't be able to speak and understand German. I understood this when I started to have lessons with Dr. Bob. With Dr. Bob, you're not learning songs. You are learning the language of music! You will become fluent in music and you will be able to play anything you want! Jazz is probably the best choice if you want to become a composer! Even John Williams was a jazz pianist, known as Johnny Williams before he become a film composer. Dr. Bob is the best teacher I have met. He's kind and really good at teaching and explaining the theory of music. If you want to become a good musician and of course a good jazz pianist, then Dr. Bob is your man!

I have been teaching contemporary and jazz piano lessons full-time for the last 35 years. I spent that time honing my skills as a player and educator. I have continued my jazz piano studies for many years after graduating from college in a music program. I have searched for teaching resources the whole time. I am so happy I came across the JazzPianoSkills podcasts. Everything you could want to learn or improve with regard to jazz piano fundamentals is here. The podcasts follow a well-planned route to gain the technical skills needed to become a solid jazz pianist. Having Dr. Lawrence demonstrate each skill is like having a practice buddy and it keeps me at the piano for longer workouts. It’s fun to work with the play alongs. I am learning how to be a better educator by listening to Dr. Lawrence’s approach to presenting the materials. It is inspiring to hear the interviews with the authors of the best educational materials out there, Bert Ligon and Jamey Aebersold amongst them. I feel like I have found a resource and mentor that really understands how and what to teach. Thank you Dr. Lawrence for all the hard work you have put into these podcasts.

I found Bob because of the JPS podcast. I watched a couple episodes, then reached out to him and took a semester of Jazz piano with him during the spring of 2022 through his Dallas School of Music. I'm forever changed as a result, as he met me where I am with piano and grew both my knowledge and my ability from there. Bob is both a knowledgable Jazz musician and a great guy to learn from. I also signed up for the podcast membership, because the material he presents each week is an education unto itself, and I want access to the "packs" that he provides, which really give you the workout you need to grow as a Jazz pianist. Highly recommend!

The podcasts and associated podcast packets are a treasure of exactly the right content to inspire, motivate and properly learn the tools needed to set you free in order to create and “speak” jazz piano. Not only the technical, but a rock solid approach to understanding the jazz language with life lessons on the trials and tribulations we all experience while trying to improve. The ever present question of how and what to practice is discussed, illustrated and enforced with each lesson. I cannot say enough about these podcasts, website and Dr Bob.

If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Dr. Lawrence is passionate about sharing his knowledge with those interested in learning. I have purchased many books and courses and I've searched YouTube non-stop in order to learn this beautiful art form but when I discovered Dr. Bob Lawrence (by accident) there was no need to look any further... I found my home. Many people can tell about this or that but very few can actually teach you. Teaching is like Dr. Lawrence stated... an art. Words cannot express the joy I've received since discovering Dr. Lawrence. I am a lifetime member and it's the best decision I've ever made when it comes to learning how to play jazz piano. Thanks Doc.

Thank you so much Dr. Lawrence! You are the best teacher of all time! Your positivity and awesome weekly lessons are the gold standard that has enabled me to discover, learn, and play jazz piano. I enjoy learning jazz chords, and now have a tangible set of skills to understand and play chordal harmony, melodic scales, and rhythm! It is a pure delight to learn jazz piano with Dr. Lawrence, and he also plays jazz piano beautifully with great talent and finesse! His jazz piano program is wonderful and is truly value-added. Thank you for this opportunity to learn & to appreciate jazz music!

After taking 10 years of piano lessons (as a kid) and then another couple years at the local conservatory (with my daughter—loads of parental participation), and even a few years of piano lessons from a friend jazz pianist—not to mention combing the internet. Well all that and I didn’t learn as much as my one year of Jazz Piano Skills with Dr. Lawrence. At first, I tried out the podcasts (free) and then tried the monthly so I could check out the illustrations and lead sheets. Didn’t take much more for me to be a quarterly subscriber (and contemplating annual). The materials are clear, useful, and build on concepts—illustrations (for the visual), watching the play, lead sheets, and play alongs. The extent of all the available information (courses, podcasts, access to Dr. Lawrence for questions) exceeded my expectations. I’ll be honest—it isn’t easy work. Dr. Lawrence is about the ‘tough love’ —you got to put in the time both on paper and at the piano. But if you ‘trust the process’ it will pay off. I’m looking forward to finishing the courses and getting further beyond the more basic podcasts so I can start really applying all the fantastic podcasts that Dr. Lawrence rolls out with an unsurpassed frequency. (Really enjoying his guests!) If you want to learn jazz piano—amaze your friends, feed your soul—look no further. Sign up. When I actually figured out on a ‘per lesson’ basis what I am getting from Jazz Piano Skills —it is less expensive than what my wonderful parents paid for my piano lessons—-ahem- more than 30 years ago. Now I have to go Discover, Learn, and Play.

I was nibbling around the edges of jazz with a bunch of disparate and confusing information I found online. Luckily, one of those bits of information was Bob’s podcast. His clear explanations, love of music, love of teaching, and magnetic personality led me to decide that I wanted his guidance on my own jazz journey. I’m so glad I met Bob and get weekly instruction with him. We have a blast, I learn a ton, and I leave every meeting with a clear plan for the week and a dose of inspiration to keep me going. Bob has quickly become a guide and muse and ....dare I say friend....and he will have to retire to get rid of me.

The jazz doctor is in and his name is Dr. Bob. Some days you think you know how to play until your mind is blown by how music all fits together by listening to the brilliant mind of Dr. Bob. Take it from a classical pianist learning how to play jazz. This is the podcast, courses, and masterclass that you always wanted and needed, but could never find in a book or tried to learn in a book. Every week I learn something new and can apply instantly to the piano. Invaluable training for all players and teachers.

I have tried many Jazz piano training sites and purchased many books. There is not one jazz but many styles. The best way to find your teacher is to listen to them play. Bob is an exceptional pianist, in a jazz bluesy or contemporary style that I really like and he is an extraordinary pedagogue. His explanations are clear, step by step. We are immersed in jazz thanks to its animated podcasts every week. The courses cover the foundations and the podcasts complete the knowledge and cover standards. I highly recommend !

Dr. Lawrence's courses and podcasts are very organized and structured. I love that he lines up everything in order, step by step. I've been expanding my knowledge and skills perform and teach better because of these courses. I appreciate his passion and willingness to help us become a better jazz musician.

I thought it was great. Bob makes learning fun. He is such a great teacher and makes me want to soak up more every day! These exercises are so great and practical. I practice every day -- sometimes more than 1 session.

Thanks for your kindness , and for sharing your genius so generously. I am still trying to plug in to the beautiful and sensational world of jazz. God willing through your lessons I will learn to play jazz piano, and master all you teach us