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TOTM - Israel Lesson

I always try and play a version of the tune I'm doing a lesson on. My 2024 version of Israel is here.

Here's a lesson on Israel. I know I've put up lessons in the past. Well I didn't think of until I started doing the lessons. 

Maybe I cover some of the same stuff. However....

In this version I'm attaching a pdf of my arrangement of the head as well as some simple etudes based on the first few bars of the tune! 

TOTM - Here's How You Study This - Stella By Starlight

  1. See attached file
  2. You learn it. Better if you memorize it. Know each chord you are playing. I.E. if in the 3rd bar of the tune you see Eb G Bb and D, that is NOT and Ebmaj7 chord. It's a Cmin9 chord. Get it? Look at the changes if you need to.
  3. You play it on the piano, using your left hand to play the bass notes for each chord. If the chords are in an open position and you can't play them with your right hand, then try taking the bottom note up an octave and if that doesn't work, try taking the top note down an octave. 
  4. Write in all the chords.

Chord Changes To Getting Sentimental Over You - Solo (Etude)

Can you play this? With a metronome, make it swing and play the rhythyms? Go as slow as you want to!!!! But once you get it down, work on the speed. Also, IMHO, don't use it as a reading exercise. Memorize it. Can you play it in another key? 

I'll give a free lesson to anyone who can play it (memorized) in another key. And you'll have to play it at the lesson as well! :-)