This master class by jazz pianist Jesse McBride takes place at Loyola University, New Orleans, and focuses on techniques that jazz musicians can implement to add depth and character to their playing, regardless of the instrument. Topics include understanding basic song structure, working with a bandleader, tips for practicing effectively, and learning from other musicians. Several students join McBride to demonstrate different ways to interpret standard tunes.

This master class opens with jazz pianist Jesse McBride playing a short set as a trio (with Loyola music students on double bass and drums). McBride then spends a few minutes getting to know a bit about the students attending the class.

In this segment, a student asks McBride how to handle the situation when a musician is asked to a play a tune he or she doesn’t know. This leads to a discussion about song structure, and how various chord patterns repeat themselves throughout the standard jazz repertoire. McBride then addresses another student’s question about techniques for practicing harmonies alone without playing the root melody. Together they explore various methods for filling in the root vocally or mentally during such a practice session.

McBride demonstrates the ways in which drummers can play with intensity without overshadowing the other instruments.

McBride explains why it is essential for music students to go out and attend live jazz shows, and discusses the importance of playing with other musicians as a way of learning the “language” of the music.

McBride uses recordings by vocalist Sarah Vaughan to demonstrate what can be learned by listening to jazz singers, explaining the ways in which any jazz musician can achieve unique phrasing and surprising interpretations of standard tunes by adopting vocal techniques to their playing.