072: A Classical Pianist Learns about Jazz with Quentin Walston

As a classical pianist, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by jazz. But in this conversation with jazz pianist and educator Quentin Walston, I step out of my comfort zone and dive into the world of jazz improvisation. Quentin shares his journey from self-taught pianist to the founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to making jazz more accessible to teachers and students. He also discusses his book How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, offering valuable insights on how educators can confidently introduce jazz concepts and improvisation to students, even beginners.

• Quentin shared his journey from self-taught pianist to jazz educator to promote jazz education.
• His early classical piano lessons and how his love for improvisation led him to jazz.
• Discussion of his book, How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation, designed for teachers to confidently teach jazz.
• How the book includes simple compositions for students to improvise and play jazz right away.
• Tips for teaching swing, articulation, and improvisation to beginners.
• He stressed that starting with easy exercises helps students build confidence in improvisation.
• Advice for classical pianists looking to explore jazz, focusing on rhythm and swing feel.
• He explained that improvisation is a skill that can be learned gradually over time.
• Quentin mentioned that even adult learners can start improvising within a few months.
• He recommended his courses on jazz theory and history, along with his album Retro Future for inspiration.

Links Mentioned

• Quentin's website: This Is Jazz
• Quentin's Instagram page: @quentinwalston
• Quentin's YouTube channel: This Is Jazz

Today's Guest Quentin Walston is an active pianist, educator, and founder of This Is Jazz, a company dedicated to jazz education and appreciation. He brings jazz into classrooms and lessons nationwide by equipping educators through his book How to Teach Jazz & Improvisation. A Virginia Commission for the Arts "Teaching Artist" and Maryland State Arts Council "Touring Artist," he draws on over a decade of professional teaching and performing experience to his work. He performs with his jazz trio and as a solo pianist, blending memorable melodies and striking rhythms with adventurous improvisations. His album Retro Future features original works inspired by masters from Thelonious Monk to Jason Moran. Through workshops and seminars for all ages covering jazz, composition, and music history, Quentin brings passionate expertise to jazz performance and education in any setting, classroom or concert hall. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

• Visit her website at