In Lesson 2, you will discover the secret to having an effective practice session by mapping out a clear direction for your entire practice session. Leo Blanco will also guide you through best practices for warming-up while practicing your technique in creative and constructive ways.

This five-video series will introduce tools and resources for any musician to develop effective practice routines, improve musicianship, and prepare for performances. In this first video, you will discover that the best way to progress musically is through goal oriented practice sessions and organizing your practice time using a journal.

The D Mixolydian Rock Groove featured in this lesson consists of a chord progression over which you'll improvise using the D Mixolydian scale. You'll find that as long as you're playing in D Mixolydian, you don't need to worry about switching up your notes over the chord changes, because the notes in the correct mode will sound good over all the chords. Instead you can focus on melodic ideas, articulation, technique, emotion/feel, dynamics, rhythm, tone, phrasing, space/rest, and listening.

Henry Roeland Bryd, better know as Professor Longhair, is a legendary blues pianist and singer who played a big part in the history of New Orleans music. His iconic combination of the rumba with blues, boogie-woogie, and "second line" parade rhythms influenced New Orleans' greatest piano players including Fats Domino, Eddie Bo, James Booker, and Dr. John. This lesson will introduce students to the basics of "second line" rhythmic patterns from New Orleans and their ties to Afro-Cuban traditions.