Very effective warm up exercise!

Very effective warm up exercise!

Throughout my years as a pianist, I've come to appreciate and value more and more the power behind dedicating time to practice and warm up my fingers. There are a wide variety of exercises that help us as musicians to become better at our particular instrument and I've adopted this specific exercise I’m about to show you as one of my dearest.

I perform this exercise every day for at least 10 minutes, and I also use it every time I’m going to perform somewhere as a pre-warm up exercise. It is very effective and it trains your fingers to play uniformly at the same time, with the added bonus of warming up your fingers. This has proven even more effective in cold environments, it can turn cold and hard to articulate fingers into fast reacting fingers with better movement and articulation in a short period of time.

It begins in the key of C with both hands, using our pinky finger on the left (or fifth digit) and our first digit on the right. Then we will skip the following note by jumping from C to E (skipping D) with both hands, using our fourth digit on the left hand and our second digit on the right hand. Then we will move up note after note until we run out of fingers (or once we hit A), then we will come back the opposite way downward and we will find ourselves at a different starting point than before, which will be D (the note we skipped in the first place.) This will create an elevator effect where you will cover every single white key by skipping only the second note every time you start the exercise, like this:

After you've covered at least 4 octaves in the piano upwards with this exercise it will be time to reverse the exercise all together so that we can go back to the beginning and come full circle. Once we get to G on the last octave, we will skip downward the following note (in this case F) towards E, using our fourth digit on the right hand and our second digit on the left hand. Then we will continue to go downward note by note until we run out of fingers again (or until we reach B) and we will go back up finding ourselves at a lower starting point than before (or the key of F) the note which we had skipped before., like this:

Then continue to descend until you reach the original C in which you started the exercise.

As you may notice, this exercise is very effective and works every single one of our digits in a clean and meticulous manner. My main advice to you if you’re new to this exercise is to approach it slowly, felling every single digit hit the keys one at a time. We are not necessarily looking for speed here, we are looking for effective clean playing while warming up our fingers. Then as you progress and the exercise becomes easier to handle, then add a little more speed. If you can’t hear every single note an all fingers from both hands all together, then you’re probably doing it too fast. Slow down and be patient and try again from the beginning.

The goal is to play the complete exercise without messing up once. Have fun and I hope this exercise adds value to your practicing routine.

God Bless!

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com  

How to use chords with a leading melody:

How to use chords with a leading melody:

A very interesting way to harmonize and create new ideas is to use melody structures within chords. Meaning, to play chords in such a way that when you move from one to the other you create a single line melody pathway within them.

This is a very handy trick to master because it makes your chords sing beyond what they usually cover. For instance: let’s say you want to accomplish a simple melody such as “Twinkle, twinkle little star” but with chords in the key of C. The melody by itself would be: C, C, G, G, A, A, G. If we harmonize this with chords then it would sound a lot fuller, but exactly how?

I like to visualize the simple melody first and then add the chords last that complement the melody and the bass. It is important to know the bass because we need to know where we are going structure wise. If we play “Twinkle, twinkle little star” like I said above, then the bass would be: C, G, F and C: Like this:

For less experienced players look bellow:

For every two notes in the right hand, we will play one note in the bass/left hand.

Right Hand: C C / G G / A A / G

Left Hand:    C   / G     /F       /G

If we were to harmonize this with chords to achieve this leading melody effect then we would use mayor chords on the right hand always making sure that the leading melody stays on the outside of the chords or played with our pinky finger. Like this:

Notice how the chords harmonize the melody without affecting the main melody.

Now we will use one of my songs so that you can see this applied in a more advanced manner.

The song is titled: Despertando, listen to it from 0.58 – 1.02

https://youtu.be/bvc0gbAIeFw?t=58s

This song is in the key of C and I was trying to move one half step up for the Chorus (C# - C Sharp) to make it sound stronger and higher. I achieved this effect by adding a 4 chord progression using the leading melody effect within chords I explained above.

This is what the progression’s main melody looks like:

Now let’s examine this progression with the chords and the left hand. These are the chord names:

1^st chord = A/B or B11th

2^nd chord = F#add9th/A#

3^rd chord = F#min9th

4^th chord = G#7^th#5#9

Looks like this on the staff:

As you can see, this chord progression was harmonized according to the main melody I wanted to play, thus making the chords sound tight and harmonious.

Thank you for reading, hope this was helpful.

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com  

Bill Evans chord progression:

Bill Evans chord progression:

Source: http://jazzicons.com/ji3_evans.html

I've studied many pianist’s styles and techniques, but there’s one that has captivated me deeply since I discovered him. His name was Bill Evans, many people consider him the epitome of class when it comes to the piano, and some even remember him as the piano poet because of his melodic playing. I’ve learned many useful things from this pianist and today I will share with you a specific progression that I think everyone must know because it is so beautiful and classy.

Remember, this is my interpretation of the way he played it and in no way I’m telling you that this is how YOU have to play it, I’m just trying to help those in need of music guidance to enrich their music, and what better way to do that than to learn from the master himself Bill Evans.

The son is called: “My foolish heart”, here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2LFVWBmoiw

This rendition is beyond words, the way Bill plays it is so calm and thoughtful it almost feels like he is not thinking at all, but if we break down the chords we realize that there’s a master mind and heart behind every single note been played.

Watch the video completely first and then click on the link bellow so that you can go specifically to the progression I will discuss. It starts at about 1:57 and ends in 2.00.

https://youtu.be/a2LFVWBmoiw?t=1m57s

This progression we’re listening above is serving the purpose of a  2, 5, 1 progression because he is trying to get back to the root of the song which is A. However, Bill Evans does this in such a subtle way that it completely passes you by without noticing how amazing this transition is. We will be playing B which is the II from A, then E which is the V from A and then back to the root, although in the video itself he leaves the bass sustained in E creating a magical slash chord. (Check out my other post on Yin and Yang slash chords so that you can learn more about this chord.)

1-) The very first chord we hear is a B 13^th chord but played in a very specific way. I like to remember this chord not as a 13^th but rather a major 6^th chord with the tonic added on our last finger (pinky finger.) I've specifically heard this chord being used a lot in Bossa nova music by many great artists! We will play it this way. On the left hand we will use a minor 7^th interval starting on B (B+A), and on the right hand we will play a B Major 6^th chord adding the tonic on our pinky finger but starting on the Major third from B which is Eb or (D#) like this:(Eb or D# + Ab or G# + B)

2-) Now we will leave the same notes on our left hand and focus on the right hand. The chord is a B Augmented 5^th adding the 9^th on our pinky finger, but also starting on the same Major third from B which is Eb or (D#) like this:         (Eb or D# + G + Db or C#). If you noticed we only changed two notes this time around. Take a moment to notice them.

3-) Next, on the bass we will go to the V of the transition which is E, and we will play a power chord or a perfect 5^th interval from E like this: (E+B). On the right hand we will play a delicious 11^th chord that will give way to our final chord and it is serving as the balance in this whole thing. Play an E 11^th chord like this:     (D + F# or Gb + A)

4-) Finally we will end the transition in a beautifully played chord which Bill Evans collocated with the greatest care and tenderness this passage deserved and needed. This a true sign of maturity in music, the wise usage of dynamics. On the left hand we will leave the same E power chord from before and focus on the right hand. Play an E Dominant chord with a minor 9^th or flat 9^th.               (D + F + B) Ab or G# optional!

This is in my opinion a very effective implementation of inner voicing. If you noticed, we did a chromatic change downward in the notes that occupy the middle of the chord, and our pinky finger also told a story by changing whole steps in every chord. This is what story telling is all about in Jazz. To our ears it sounds beautiful and simple, but once we analyze it deeply, we can see why Jazz deserves to be more implemented in all musical genres. The richness and fullness of harmonization we have at our fingertips is endless.

Now learn this progression and apply it your own way by changing notes within the progression chords.

Enjoy!

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com  

My top ten musical influences:

My top ten musical influences:

Many people have asked me through social media about my musical influences. I tried to compile a list of the artists I always revisit in my IPOD to study over and over again. Of course, there will always be people left out because my musical influences are very broad. I have listened to everything I could get my hands on throughout my life, no matter the style or artist. I think that we can all learn something from anyone.

As a composer, I think this is a key element. If we adapt ourselves to listening to all kinds of music without judgments or biased point of views, we can learn something new. In the long run you will find yourself gravitating towards a specific artists or a few, by that point you will most likely have developed a voice of your own, but we will get to that on another post.

Here’s my list of all-time favorite artists/musicians and a link to a favorite song, I will also explain the reason why.

                                 1.     Ludwig van Beethoven

Source: http://lucare.com/immortal/

This is where it all started for me as a pianist. I was trained in classical music and from all the beautiful classical pieces I had to learn, I always ended up in this specific pianist. His work is essential to know for anyone out there, even if you don’t play piano. The way Beethoven harmonized his pieces will help you see many new ways of harmonizing your own music. The patterns in the left hand used throughout his work are very effective warming up exercises I use randomly anytime I have a show. I've memorized many of his compositions, but my favorite one to play and study is:

Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 (Pathetique)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrcOcKYQX3c

                                   2.     Francisco Cespedes

Source: http://www.postiar.com/post/8627/pancho-c%C3%A9spedes-francisco-cespedes-complete-discography.html

From a very early age I was introduced to this master Cuban jazz singer. I became interested in Jazz because of his music. The way his songs touch your soul has no comparison. A great crooner indeed and a songwriter that knows how to twist your heart and make you feel deep emotions. I have learned every single one of his songs and even had the immense pleasure of playing live shows with his band.

Que hago contigo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNRQ_0N4Fa8

                                        3.     Michael Jackson

Source: http://www.onextrapixel.com/2009/06/30/13-photos-and-illustrations-to-pay-a-tribute-to-the-king-of-pop-michael-jackson/

I’m pretty positive a lot of you reading this also love this artist as I do. He forever changed the meaning of Pop Music with his originality. However, I always find myself going back to a song which has made me cry many times because of the amount of energy and sadness I receive from this song. Even before speaking any English, I could feel every word of this song breaking my heart one at a time. Learn this song and study it, you will find a new path to your musical heart.

Earth Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAi3VTSdTxU

                                          4.     George Benson

Source: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-black-columbia-featuring-grammy-winner-george-benson-hosted-by-celebrity-chef-daniel-thomas-tickets-6150278649

The moment I discovered this masterful guitarist, I knew I had to get a closer look at his beautiful compositions. I also learned many of his guitar licks on the piano and tried to re-play them along with his albums in my house as close as possible. The improvisation techniques I saw in his playing are out of this world, and the way he connects his ideas are very coherent.

Masquerade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgl1hQmjITY

                                              5.     Kenny G

Source: http://blog.pennlive.com/go/2011/12/strand_theatre_hosts_smooth_ja.html

It was tough to learn Jazz in the beginning. I would get so frustrated at myself because I knew I could play more than my brain was processing at the time. That is until I heard Kenny G’s music. I started learning his music and gained new and easy insight into this Jazz language I had no clue about. There are many beautiful arrangements I like from this artist, but there’s one in particular that totally opens up my inspiration every time.

The music that makes me dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fnQmrImI4k

                                        6.     Alejandro Sanz

Source: http://us.hola.com/biografias/alejandro-sanz/biografia/

This is the artist I keep going back to since childhood. I was forever scared by his music in a good way. There are just too many songs that I would recommend, but there is one in particular that I think remodeled Spanish Pop music and served as a guideline for many other artist later on. This song’s harmony is a must learn! You have to get your hands on this song and rip it apart, there’s so much musical wisdom and street smart ideas here that I can’t even begin to count.

Cuando nadie me ve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfa1BtwFows

                                         7.     Brian Culbertson

Source: http://www.mtv.com/artists/brian-culbertson/

This amazingly funky, incredibly insightful and just totally awesome pianist made me realize Smooth Jazz was a very respectable Genre and I needed to make my music with this intention. This pianist can relax your mind and calm your spirit like few other artists can. He can be melodic, sweet, and aggressive all at the same time, but always keeping it along the lines of good taste.

Wear it out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEN9Mbqj2fw

                                        8.     Earth Wind and Fire

Source: http://www.legacyrecordings.com/a/#/artist/earth-wind--fire/1650/

One of my all-time favorite bands. These people have very awesome taste in music, and from the moment you hear any of their tracks, the sound becomes detectable within a second. They are the definition of professionalism and class. This band has set a very high standard for others to come. I just love to listen to them any day, any time. The sax solo is the stuff of legends (learn it and play it)….

Reasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYQrLAkDLR4

                                               9.     Gino Vanelli

Source: https://dunderbeck1980.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/gino-vannelli-the-legacy-of-an-unheralded-funkjazz-icon/

This amazingly talented artist made me want to better my understanding of his music. After learning about 50 of his songs I was not disappointed, there is so much schooling in these arrangements is ridiculous. You will never learn in school what you will learn with this artist.

Brother to brother

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZrF76MuF0w

                                              10. Chick Corea

Source: http://revive-music.com/2012/06/12/happy-71st-to-chick-corea/

How could I put into words the amount of music and lessons I've learned from  this musical GURU’s work? He is a master at his craft. From the days of the Electric Band to his new materials, I’m a big FAN. I have studied his complexity and to be honest, some of his stuff I still can’t quite figure out, but I’m persistent and I love his music so I know one day I will.

King cockroach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvoPL6Ezn70

This is just a very condensed list of some of my all-time favorite artists and their music, but there’s a lot more I left out that I will get to one way or the other in other posts to come. Enjoy my list and let me know what you learned!

God Bless.

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com  

A transcending Yin and Yang slash chord:

          A transcending Yin and Yang slash chord: 

As you may already know, slash chords are a very important part of music and there are a variety of them. They are a pretty straight forward concept to grasp, you just play a chord in the right hand and then move only the bass while maintaining the right hand chord, for example: C/G or C over G, you would start the chord in C and then move the left hand, meaning the bass/left hand plays G and the right hand plays C. We have been listening to them and been influenced by them since the classical music era, which I like to think of as its true origin. From Mozart to our modern Pop culture, this chord has helped composers to make an easy transition from one chord to the next. I usually see this chord being used to go from the Tonic (I) to the fourth (IV), making a smooth transition. Of course, I like to jazz it up a notch and take this chord to a whole new level in sound and comfort. Let’s see the easiest transition first and then I will show you my way so that you can hear the difference better! We will start in the key of C and we will try to end up in F. The transition goes like this:

1-) Play a C Octave on the left hand, and C major 2^nd inversion on the right hand.(G + C + E)

 

2-) Now move the bass to E and keep the same C Major chord previously used on the right hand. (This is the famous slash chord.) – C (2^nd inversion)/E 

3-) Play an F octave on the left hand and an F Major chord on the right hand.    (F + A + C) 

Pretty easy concept right? Well, now let’s add some magical elements to awaken our inner spirits in a deeper way. We will use the same transition as above, only with added notes on the chords. Trust me, the difference is huge in sound! 

1-) Play a perfect fifth on the left hand starting on C (C+G), and on the right hand let’s play the same C Major chord (2^nd inversion) as seen in example one, only with the added 9^th or D this time.

 

2-) Now move the bass again towards E but add a minor 6^th interval or a C (E+C), on the right hand we will play a G Major chord in second inversion (D+G+B) – G(2^nd inversion)/E(add-6). 

Let’s examine more into detail what is going on harmonically here that is making this chord sound so different and so out of this world from the first simple example.

First of all we are almost playing an E minor 7^th chord on the right hand or a    G Major (2^nd inversion) chord as stated before, did you notice? And the reason why I say almost is because of the C (added minor 6^th) on the bass. This note alone is what is morphing a rather simple chord into a majestic beauty. On the left hand, we are really playing a C Major chord in 2^nd inversion (without the G). If we remove the C from the left hand maintaining the E note, and play the G Major second inversion chord on the right hand, then we have a sad but beautiful sounding E minor 7^th chord. Now add the C back again and the chord is hanging in the air. The combination and mysticism of two very different worlds combined into one, minor and major. This is power my friends, the real Yin and Yang of music unfolding in front of our very own eyes. 

3-) Finally play a minor triad starting on F on the left hand (F + Ab + C) and on the right hand play only two notes (Eb + G) – making this a what? Yes you guessed it, an F minor 9^th chord (MY FAVORITE). 

 

As you can see, harmonizing simple progressions into something a lot more rich and powerful is what music is all about. At the end it all comes down to our personal taste which is what makes us sound apart and original from others. Feel free to experiment some more by adding or subtracting notes from my example. Find your inner voice and let your heart shine through the notes for everyone to see! I hope you found this helpful!

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com  

The smoothest sounding Piano Chord ever!

The smoothest sounding Piano Chord ever!

Have you ever heard a specific chord that completely blows your mind? Or maybe a chord so delicate and deep, that when played at the right moment in a song it just makes your skin crawl with sensation? Well this is one of those chords!

The first time I discovered this chord was back in my elementary days of studying music on my own. I would sit for hours trying to learn popular music from the 80’s at my baby grand piano, while listening to the radio or a CD. I remember exactly the first time I heard this chord. It was while listening to Earth Wind and Fire’s magical song “Reasons”. This chord is used throughout this song in many ways and variations, but the one inversion I like to use the most is as follows. Are you ready?

Here we go:

Let’s start in the key of Bb (B Flat) to begin this tutorial.

1-) On the left hand play Bb (B flat) and Ab (A Flat), forming a minor 7^th interval. Like this: 

2-) On the right hand let’s play a major 7^th Ab (A flat) chord. (AbMaj7th)       

Starting on Ab (A flat) + C + Eb (E Flat) + G

Take your time and learn this chord in every single key, by simply moving each and every single note one half step up or down as you wish until you have covered every single key.

And there you have it, one of my favorite sounding chords ever and a real favorite to use in popular music. I use this chord in many more variations to substitute the 11^th chords. They are usually effective when trying to resume a specific chord progression like from the V to the I (tonic). But, you can use it as you wish!

Thank you for reading and feel free to comment with any questions or your own suggestions or variations of this magical chord.

Carlos Camilo 

(Author)(pianist/singer/arranger/producer/composer from Miami,FL).

www.carloscamilo.com