Use Transcriptions For Solo Piano
Whether you want to learn solo piano or just improve your harmonic and melodic perception, transcribing is a valuable process. However, many musicians struggle with the nuances of how to use transcriptions. In this article, we’ll explore a few tips to help you get the most out of your transcriptions.
Transcription is the process of taking audio or video files and converting them into written text form. You can do it yourself or hire a professional to transcribe for you. Transcription is important for business and personal reasons, from preserving memories to reliving past events. There are several advantages to having a transcript, including being able to review and edit the content and to share it with others.
The first step in transcribing a song is listening closely to the original recording and identifying the melody and harmony. Then you can either write by hand or use software to turn the notes into sheet music. Once you have the melody and harmony, you can start practicing and playing along with the original recording. This will allow you to emulate the nuances of the performance – time feel, vibrato and articulations – which will help you improve your own playing.
How to Use Transcriptions For Solo Piano
While it’s tempting to transcribe multiple solos at once, the most effective way to use transcriptions for solo piano is to focus on one at a time and completely learn it before moving on. It can be helpful to record yourself playing along with the original recording to check for note accuracy, but it’s also important to listen back and emulate the nuances of the performance – the time feel, vibrato and articulations. This will help you improve your own playing and develop your own style.
Many musicians transcribe for the sole purpose of getting licks, but the goal should be to acquire lasting language instead. The difference between a lick and language might seem small and insignificant, but it can mean the difference between only making a minuscule improvement in your level of improvisation and eventually seeing a vast improvement.
There’s enough language in one great solo to last years of practice, so take your time and don’t rush through it. You’ll find that your improvisation will benefit significantly from this approach.
In addition to learning the melodic and harmonic concepts, you’ll also be improving your ear training. When you hear a lick in a solo, ask yourself “why does this sound work?” This will teach you how to apply these concepts in different keys and contexts. For example, Fats’ ii-V7 arpeggio on the flat 7 of a dominant chord is a concept that you can use over any dominant chord in any key. This is an essential skill to have for jazz musicians and is the primary reason that we recommend that every musician learn at least one solo per week.