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On Knowing When To Move On

I've been working through the Lead Sheet Level 4 courses for a while now, transposing to multiple keys, experimenting with different styles, doing some improvisation (or what might pass for it). But I keep getting stuck on one question: when is it okay to move on to the next lesson? I never feel like what I have is good enough, though I'm aware I tend to hold myself to absurdly high standards when it comes to piano. I just want someone, anyone, to say, "OK, Nina, you've done enough. Move on."

 What Jonny Said

 I asked Jonny about this at this week's Ask Jonny show. His response was completely valid: when to move on really depends on your goals. Which sent me back to think harder about what my goals actually are and how these courses relate to them.

 My Relationship with These Courses

 The lead sheet courses focus heavily on jazz ... but jazz really isn't my thing. So these lessons have been kind of like Brussels sprouts: I do them because I know they're good for me, but ... well, let's just say that while I've learned a lot, they aren't my favorite things to do at the piano. (They're also hard.)

That said, I do want to be able to play from lead sheets, since I play occasionally at an assisted living facility and want to handle residents' requests. So these courses serve a practical goal, even though I don't feel drawn to the swing, jazz ballads, or bossa nova styles.

So, When Will I Move On?

 Once I got clear on all of that, the "when to move on" question got a little easier. Here's what I'm going to require of myself going forward:

Essential

  1. Memorize the chord progression and be able to identify the chord function of every chord in the progression.
  2. Throughout the time I spend on a lesson, immerse myself in listening to songs that use the progression. (This one could be optional, but it takes zero effort and is fun.)
  3. Play the sample piece with harmony notes and left-hand accompaniment in any style (or no style — just melody/harmony in the RH and chords in the LH).

 Optional

  1. Do #3 above with one of the jazz standards listed at the beginning of the course.
  2. Transpose any lead sheet (sample tune or jazz standard) using the progression into 2–3 other keys. Doesn't need to be perfect or performance-ready.
  3. Play any lead sheet (sample tune or jazz standard) using the progression in one of my preferred styles (ragtime, stride, contemporary, blues, gospel, etc.).
  4. Play through the sample tune or a jazz standard that uses the progression, then play it again while improvising in the right hand.

 Graduation: Share a video of any of the performance-friendly items above.

 A Few Reminders to Myself

 As I go forward, I have to remind myself of the following:

  • I'm not trying to be a professional jazz musician.
  • I don't have to become an expert at everything I try.
  • These courses are tools, not end goals.
  • Slow tempo is fine for the graduation video. So are hesitations, missed notes, and other stumbles. A perfect performance is not the goal.
These new guidelines actually have me kind of excited about getting back into Lesson 6. I only have two more lessons after this one, but there will be more lead sheet courses in the future, and I'm happy to have a guide that will help prevent me from getting too bogged down.

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