Jazz Piano School Why Jazz Piano Students Never Find Gold
Nov 17, 2025
The host explores why aspiring jazz pianists often give up too soon, likening it to the tale of gold miners who quit before striking it rich. Common pitfalls include overthinking, distractions, and the urge to chase flashy techniques. Emphasizing mastery of fundamental tools, the discussion encourages focused practice on one element at a time. Listeners are challenged to embrace slow, messy progress and avoid dabbling in multiple areas. The insight into the importance of basic repetition, like scales, highlights the path to proficiency.
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The Gold Mine Parable
- Brendan tells a gold-miner parable about a young man who quits five swings before finding a huge gold vein.
- The story illustrates giving up too early after years of effort can miss breakthrough success.
Quitting Is The Real Barrier
- Brendan argues most jazz pianists fail because they quit or scatter focus too early.
- Overthinking and hunting new information prevents the deep work needed to unlock progress.
Practice One Tool Deeply
- Do focus deeply on one tool or exercise instead of chasing new shiny things.
- Repeat the same targeted practice until proficiency rather than moving to the next fad.