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 continues to become 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 with an established Jazz harp department was not available when I pursued my undergrad. I went ahead and 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 multifaceted for sure, each presenting its own level of unique challenges. Yet, I am fortunate to have had amazing mentors who patiently held my hand while we explored how the music could be played on the harp … for the most part anyway lol.

In turn, my passion and goal has been to create a space that makes sense for fellow harpists.

In LSOJ, I 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 its application on the harp.

Welcome to the Little Schoolhouse of Jazz … for Harpists 🍏

BUILDING BLOCKS

I created Building Blocks to introduce and help you understand each concept.

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

• Concept Breakdown

• Homework

• 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 where you can ask me anything from the Building Blocks - all the whats, whys, and hows .. anything.

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?

Jazz is a language. I want you to understand and internalize the language (ie theory) in a way that not only equips you to learn and navigate a tune, but also allows you to make educated/informed choices on how to harmonically color/paint and create.

We will learn 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 classes when I was in school. We primarily used 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 process 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. Process. Listen. 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.

OBTAIN TANGIBLE ROI … your 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 🍏