A Jazz Pianist’S Guide to Utilizing Basic Jazz Drumset Techniques to Gain Rhythmic Independence

Piano and drumset both play important roles in jazz music. The main similarities between these instruments are that they are both classified as percussion instruments. The purpose of this study is to investigate how typical technical approaches on the drumset can be used to help jazz pianists improve their overall rhythmic concept and understanding of complex rhythms, as well as their two hand coordination in order to facilitate their solo piano skills. This study explores several basic drums techniques, and how they can be applied to the piano to help jazz pianists gain and develop strong rhythmic independence. This approach can be very beneficial to jazz pianists who have problems with the rhythmic elements involved in solo piano performance. The various exercises in this paper can be implemented in a simple way, yet are structured in a way that creates endless possibilities for the jazz pianist to explore.