A Master Class in Jazz Performance and Creativity with Pianist Kenny Werner

In this clip from www.artistshousemusic.org - Recorded on April 26, 2005, renowned jazz pianist and writer on the process of improvisation Kenny Werner hold a master class in jazz performance and creativity for a small group of students at New York University. Werner fields questions on topics like performing effortlessly (for example, learning not to criticize your own performance as you play and not even think about the music you are making), the mental difference between practicing and playing, how to inventory and improve your weakest attributes, why making your musical ability part of your self-image can be dangerous to both, how to practice effectively and manage your mind while in a practice session, and much, much more. The session concludes with an excerpt from a performance by Werner and his trio at the Blue Note in New York City.

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[TJ Norton]

This was emailed to me today ... WOW, it just improved my life big time ... THANKYOU Kenny :-)

[ArtistsHouseMusic]

Excellent.

[Sam Azura]

this is probably the best video i have ever seen on youtube. whoever uploaded that...thank u so much!

[ArtistsHouseMusic]

So glad! Thanks for tuning in!

[bromixsr]

This was brilliant. Five minutes into the video I was hooked. .Almost like he knows every bad mindset I've had about my music .I've already recomended this video to 7 other people, every musician needs to see it.

[DreamDeliriumMusic]

true enlightenment. in philosophy and music

[joao santos]

all difference , all equalities. yeah im not alone ! this make hole difference . tanks musician .

[Mahavishnu80]

inspiration, internalisation, innovation.

[Jason Burns]

This is SO good and reinforces things I feel Ive taught myself about music and life...just nice to hear someone verbalize it...Thanks!

[Andronizer]

That was a short answer )

[jamesedwardtheobald]

literally 'mind blowing' hee hee. his book is awesome too, i knew this approach before reading his book or even hearing of him, but i love his presentation, and this understanding is important for musicians to apply... my best playing has, indeed, happened 'on its own' and i say 'the guitar played itself', because that is what exactly happens

[jamesedwardtheobald]

what kenny says is just so spot on and accurately true! my best guitar solos have happened when 'I' was not in the way. and i have the proof on my channel ! check out my solos to '500 kilometers mas alta' and 'eclipse of reason' on my uploads page. those solos literally played themselves, i just stood by and watched, and couldn't believe the results. egotism is a serious problem for jazz and fusion musicians (and rock and classical and..)... thanks for another great vid, artistshousemusic!

[pencert]

Sorry I mean "you always PRACTICE* in an effortless state of mind, but..."

[pencert]

He explains this in a chapter of his book. Basically you always play in an effortless state of mind, but if you mess up you go up and actually try LESS. It's hard to understand unless you understand his principle of the practice-diamond, and I highly recommend his book.

[vibeman27]

I've about 20 minutes of this and it has made a world of difference already, not in my playing, but in my understanding of what was happening to me while attempting to play stuff. I also understand why I hated hearing when friends would say things like "man, you don't need anything else, you sound great."