A reader asked me a question about learning music. I posted my response below.

Question:
How important is it to learn all the progression series in
all keys? I IV V 1 etc. Finding hard to do this, does it take time? Any
hints?

My Answer:
Yes, give it time. For jazz, just focus on the 2-5-1 progression to start. A good way to make it more interesting is to take a tune like "Autumn Leaves" or "Satin Doll", and look at the chord symbols and try to find the 2-5-1's within the song (they are usually at the end of the sections near the turnarounds). Then just focus on practicing the patterns for the keys that are in that tune, and the result is that you will be learning the tune at the same time!
Pretty much any showtune and a lot of jazz standards use the 2-5-1 progression.  ¶ 2:03 AM

Check out the web site of Vancouver jazz pianist David Priest (click here). On his site, David shares a lot of great stories, photos and audio clips from his music career, and the many people and bands he has worked with over the years. He also has a CD, "Smile", which you can order through his site. Thanks David!!  ¶ 3:47 AM

I was interviewed on CBC radio today on the program called Freestyle. It is a national program in Canada, aired during the afternoon. Hosts Kelly Ryan and Cameron Phillips were friendly and nice to talk to, and I was flattered that they were interested in my web site http://www.SongTapper.com.

(show details here)  ¶ 5:55 PM

Yesterday one of my friends was run over by a car. She is OK.
In reaction to the whole event, I wrote and recorded a song.

Click here to listen.  ¶ 5:35 AM