Don Friedman from NYU talks about his different teaching methods and his view of different musical styles. He describes how he has a certain set way of starting a student on the piano that has little or no experience. He explains that he has learned a lot about music by teaching and feels he became a better teacher by analyzing and solving problems for his students. He plays for his students and with his students, and gives assignments which includes transcribing music to work on ear training. Mr. Friedman advises that the best way to advance as a musician is to play gigs. This experience teaches a musician how to adjust with an ensemble. He discusses how he listens to jazz and classical music and the differences between them. He believes with jazz there is no limit to what you can do and with classical music you can intrepret the music but must also play a particular set of notes. Mr. Friedman also talks about how he has left himself open to new things and has a wide variety of influences to draw from.

Don Friedman, a jazz pianist and professor at New York University, discusses some of his musical heroes and people who have influenced his playing.

Don Friedman, a jazz pianist and professor at New York University, discusses what he learned from the time he spent playing with Ornette Coleman and Chet Baker.

Don Friedman, a jazz pianist and professor at New York University, discusses some of the practice techniques he uses to improve his spontaneity and keep his technique up, what it’s like to be in “the zone” when playing with an ensemble, and how he approaches the art of composing.

Don Friedman, a jazz pianist and professor at New York University, discusses why one of the most important things that a jazz pianist can do is build an enormous repertoire of tunes.

Don Friedman, a jazz pianist and professor at New York University, shares some thoughts from his forty-year career on teaching and playing jazz. He discusses some of his teaching techniques, how to work in a small ensemble setting, and much more.