Learning and growing into Jazz has been quite a journey for me. It has forever changed how I approach my music and creative process. It becomes more exciting and fulfilling with each unique experience and time “in the shed”.

Unlike most horn and rhythm section players, the opportunity to enroll into a Jazz program which already had harp, was not available when I pursued my undergrad. I went ahead and just signed up for classes on the side, then took lessons from various instrumentalists ultimately immersing myself into the music any way I could.

The process has been multi-faceted for sure, each presenting its own level of unique challenges. Yet, I am fortunate to have had amazing mentors who believed in me and helped open my eyes to what can be done … for the most part anyway lol.

In turn, my desire and goal is to create a space that makes sense for fellow harpists.

In this space I want to share everything I know (and continue to learn) not only about this beautiful art form and its deep historical roots, but what we’ve come to recognize as Jazz Theory and how to apply it on the harp.

And so I thought, why not take it back to the classroom?

Welcome to the Little Schoolhouse of Jazz … for Harpists 🍏

BUILDING BLOCKS

I’ve created Building Blocksto introduce and help you understand each concept.

Within each Building Block, there’s a plethora of information:

• Concept Breakdown

• Listening Homework

• Practice Play-Alongs

• Accompanying worksheets … and so much more

Each Block is just as important as the others - all intended to help you build a solid foundation to serve your creativity.

“ASK RIZA”

Every month, I host “Ask Riza”, a live online/zoom workshop. Consider it a heavily discounted group lesson where you can ask me anything from Building Blocks - all the what’s, why’s, and how’s .. anything.

No question is a “dumb” question. We can review and workshop concepts from Building Block 01 until the cows come home :)

A curious mind is timelessly très chic.

I got you.

GET YOU “OFF THE SHEET”

So, what you won’t find here is a portal of fakebook charts and downloadable pages of riffs.

Why?

I want you to be able to understand and internalize Jazz theory in a way that not only equips you to learn and navigate through a tune, but also allows you to make educated/informed choices on how to harmonically color/paint and create.

We will be learning Jazz Theory step by step while applying it on the harp as though you were any other aspiring Jazz musician.

FOR YOU TO MASTER YOUR INSTRUMENT… ie those pedals

Theory and pedals, “Keys & Pedals”, go hand in hand.

Theory was always a series of separate classes when I was in school. It involved textbooks, scores, pencils and erasers. And though pencils and erasers are still in jars and on stands everywhere in my home, what I found worked best for me in learning Jazz theory is learning it while on the harp.

Hmm, I literally just said that lol!

I found that being able to visualize concepts on the strings while also trying to figure out how the pedals fit in, then having the ability to hear everything in real time has had a profound impact on how I’ve been able to internalize it.

My desire is for you to understand Jazz theory so well that eventually the only thing you’re writing are CHORD changes vs pedal changes.

It’s a completely different approach compared to what we’re used to and I will hold your hand and walk with you the whole way through it.

Visualize. Figure out. Hear. Internalize.

Keys & Pedals.

TO EXPERIENCE MUSICAL FREEDOM AND ABILITY TO CREATE

This comes by acquiring specific tools in your pocket. Like a chef and/or artist, the objective is for you to be able to master WHAT you use and HOW you use them.

This goes for all aspects of playing - ‘comping’ (accompanying), deciding how you color a chord, phrasing a melody, improvising, composing, arranging and so much more.

Let’s get you the main tools via the Building Blocks, then discover the nuances and language through the homework and “Ask Riza” workshops.

TANGIBLE ROI・RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Any true investment requires time. The beauty of this format is that you can do it on yours. No specific timeline. No unnecessary pressure. This is your practice. Come back to it as many times as you need. The return is incredible.

See you in the classroom 🍏