Jazz Up Your Playing: How Any Musician Can Sound Better using Pro Practice Secrets

Musicians, are you bored of playing the same things?

You're not alone!

Many musicians often get stuck in a rut. They don't know what to practice or how to practice. 

They end up playing the same songs or licks over and over.

Sometimes, they play the same music for years, exactly the same way.

If you sound amazing, that's great!

But, for most musicians - it sometimes means getting stuck playing the same Top 40 tunes or requested songs from listeners.

For some it means not progressing even though you keep practicing.

How do you improve your skills?

This is how...

On Sunday, 29 November 2020, 11am to 1pm (GMT+8, Malaysia Time Zone), 10 musicians attended and were able to pick our brain & download our years of experience via a powerful 2-hour Zoom session. 

This was like a workshop but done online so that you can join us from wherever you are, as long as you have a good internet connection!

We received positive feedback from this & now you can also benefit from this session via this recorded version that you can enjoy anytime, again & again!

What will you discover in this online workshop?

This workshop combines both of our collective musical experience in one session for you to learn easily in a fun supportive setting.

Have you ever been in a situation where musicians make fun of you?

Or have you been dismissed because of your skills (or lack of)?

None of that here!

We want to help you grow musically.

In this session, you will get encouragement, support & unfiltered real world knowledge that you can use immediately.

This 2-hour session is divided into 6 parts:

PART 1: Music theory as an Accelerator 
PART 2: Transposition Skills & Working with Singers (Real World Skills & Tips)
PART 3: Scales, Modes and Ear Training 
PART 4: How to Digest Musical Vocabulary (So That You Sound Great!)
PART 5: The Process of Learning (and the Mistakes most students do)
PART 6: Question & Answer Session

What do I receive in this session?

• You receive a video recording of the session so you can watch & revisit what you learned in the workshop. 
• A set of downloadable & printable PDF notes so that you can digest the material even better!
• BONUS 1: (MP3) Live at Bobo KL - The Jazz Bromance (4 Track EP)
• BONUS 2: (VIDEO) How to Learn & Practice Jazz Licks - A recording of our 56-minute Facebook Live session on Nov 22, 2020. 
• BONUS 3: (VIDEO) How to Learn & Play Weird Jazz Chords - A recording of our 51-minute Facebook Live session on Nov 25, 2020. 
  

Why should you listen to us?

Az Samad & Julian Chan are collectively :The Jazz Bromance"

The Jazz Bromance brings together the soulful saxophone stylings of Julian Chan & the tasteful guitar textures of Az Samad. The duo’s repertoire spans Malaysian jazz classics from P. Ramlee to Jimmy Boyle, groovy tunes from The Meters and Chucho Valdés as well as interpretations of pop favorites from Bryan Adams and Justin Bieber!

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Julian Chan has been an active performer in the Malaysian and regional music scene since 2001. He has graduated with a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from Queens College in New York, where he studied with jazz greats Antonio Hart, Michael Mossman, (the late) Prof. Howard Brofsky and David Berkman.

Julian has performed with both local and international artistes (both jazz and of other styles) such as Michael Veerapen (MY), Jeremy Monteiro (SG), Koh Mr. Saxman (THAI), Laura Fygi, Carmen Bradford (US), James Morrison (AUS), Eugene Pao (HK), Isao Miyoshi (JP), Tony Lakatos (GER), Jonathan Lee 李宗 盛 (Taiwan), Jeff Chang 张信哲 (Taiwan), Sheila Majid (MY), James Flynn (AUS), Anthony Strong (UK), Claude Diallo (Switzerland/NY). He has also shared the stage with many prominent musicians such as Antonio Hart, Randy Brecker, Fritz Renold, Christian Jacobs, Bobby Watson, and Branford Marsalis. Julian has also performed in many festivals including Java Jazz Festival, Macau Jazz Festival, SingJazz International Jazz Festival, ASEAN Jazz Festival (Malaysia), EFG London Jazz Festival, Penang International Jazz Festival.

Malaysian guitar wizard Az Samad has recorded with Grammy Winners Flaco Jiménez and Max Baca; graduated and taught at the prestigious Berklee College of Music; performed in the United States, Europe & Asia; and appeared on 22 CDs ranging in styles from Tex-Mex, Contemporary Jazz to solo acoustic guitar. His works have been described as “richly textured, poetic and atmospheric”.

Az has performed at the top jazz venues in Kuala Lumpur including No Black Tie, Bobo KL, and Alexis Bistro. In addition to regular club performances, Az has performed at Penang Island Jazz Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival, Publika Jazz Festival and Mont Kiara Jazz Festival. His international performances include Hong Kong International Jazz Festival (Hong Kong), Jarasum International Jazz Festival (South Korea), Amazing Guitars 2016 Series at the Hong Kong Fringe Club (Hong Kong), La Vida (Shanghai), Taipa Houses Museum (Macau), Thailand International Jazz Conference (Thailand), Philippines International Jazz Festival (Philippines), Mosaic Music Festival (Singapore), Santa Cruz Jazz Festival (USA), and San Jose Jazz Festival (USA). In addition to his jazz concerts, he also performs with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at the Pops Concerts.

An active jazz educator, Az has written 5 books on jazz guitar, a jazz guitar instructional video and 3 jazz guitar lesson packs. His first book, Jazz Improvisation Uncovered received critical acclaim from jazz guitarist Julian Lage and Berklee professor Abigail Zocher.

What students say about Az's teaching:

"I've been taking jazz guitar lesson from Az for the past 13 months. It's a really satisfying process as Az slowly 'demystify' jazz to me step by step. I came to realise that jazz is not as scary as i thought when you have the right guidance and a great teacher. Az made the process of learning to play jazz really fun. I strongly recommend to anyone who wanna learn how to play jazz or improvise to take lesson with Az! His enthusiasm and passion will definitely make you a better player!"

– Seng Jinn, Jazz Guitar Student, Singapore

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"The Az Samad Jazz Improvisation workshop was fantastic, it gave me the opportunity to see what is supposed to happen at practice for it to be effective. The fact that it was done over two instruments (the keyboard and guitar) gave further insight to how this can be applied. I feel like I've hit a plateau in my guitar playing due to the way I practiced, because I wasn't aware of practicing effectively, as I am a self taught musician. But this workshop truly helped me in the sense that I am now more aware and practice deliberately with the tips I've learnt rather than just doodling with my instrument as I have before. Loved the puns, the content and a chance to watch Az perform!"

– Joshua Khor, Jazz Improvisation Workshop Participant

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"I just want to say that these last 11 lessons with Az helped open up an entirely new world for me in terms of playing finger-style jazz guitar. While I’m still struggling to get my playing to a level of professionalism that is required for a public performance I believe I will get there some day if I continue to be diligent in rehearsing and practicing.

Az, you have not only been a great mentor and a kind and patient teacher but extremely generous in sharing your skills, wisdom and experience with me. For this I cannot thank you enough. What I have learned from you are not just the half a dozen standards or so but more than that I have learned how to work out songs by myself, thanks to your tutoring.

I wish you the very best in your teaching and performances and will do my best to catch your gigs wherever you play."

– Joe Edwin, Jazz & Fingerstyle Guitar Student

///

"Taking the 2 months Jazz Masterclass with Cikgu Az was really an interesting and important journey for me as a Jazz guitar student. I learn tons in these 2 months studying with him about jazz. He covered with me so much materials in just 2 months time, from basic chord voicings to good tone quality and I really appreciate his enthusiasm and also his patients as he teaches. Through these lessons I learn the importance of learning tunes in different parts. Learning the melody and to be really familiar with it. Learning aspects of harmony in terms of comping and also chord voicings. Improvisations through the melody lines and also chord melodies.

There was an advice which I also will remember is when I said I am very scared in performing in front of people. Cikgu Az bluntly but kindly told me that if I continue to be scared why would I want to perform in the first place? That made me think real hard. I wouldn't say that I have overcome my fears completely but I trying to overcome them step by step.

I really learn a lot from Cikgu Az and he really helped me alot in improving my playing. I hope to have more masterclasses with him in the future and also hopefully one day I could actually perform with him. Thank you so much Cikgu Az! "

– Eric Tan​, Jazz Guitar Masterclass Student

///

"During my 7 years as a guitar student, I took private lessons with over 10 guitarists. Some of them being classical guitarists, some rock guitarists, and some jazz guitarists. Some of them being world-class performers, Berklee College of Music professors, or active guitarists in the local scene. But studying with Az Samad was definitely one of the most profound and musically enriching experience for me. His continuous and incessant passion and curiosity in guitar, motivated and inspired me to constantly work harder. Az also showed me that there is no limit when it comes to guitar, and there is always something to practice. On top of that, it is clearly evident that Az wants all of his students to succeed. Every single week, Az would go over and give feedback on all the materials I worked on, and he constantly gives information and opportunities that will benefit me or his other students. Lastly, it is absolutely unbelievable how much knowledge Az has. For almost every lesson, I would come in with different topics and questions. We covered so many different styles and topics such as: bebop line building, compositional techniques, classical guitar techniques, solo guitar, transcribing, Bach, pentatonics, soloing strategies, and so much more. For every one of these topics and questions, Az always seem to know the detailed answer, and more importantly, ways to improve and solve the question/problem I had. Az, thank you so much for all that you've taught me!"

– Chris Lee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Jazz Guitar Student)

///

"Sometimes I feel that Az Samad is like a mini Berklee to me, I know it sounds weird...

I come from China, before I met Az, I’ve already play guitar for years, and really tired of this instrument, I’m not just hit the wall, walls are the only thing happen when I play guitar. I’ve seen many guitar players and I know that they can’t help me, probably I could help them (sorry for my arrogance). Also, I’ve seen some high level guitarist too, and they still can’t help me, because teaching is a totally different thing, just like I don’t know how to teach you my mother language.

Then occasionally I met Az, watch him playing, he’s so good, and I go back home google him... Worth trying... you know...

Every time I taking the class is like a Jazz Improvisation Session, me and Az, nobody knows what’s gonna happen, so much fun and efficient, coz I won’t spend times on the things I already know."

– QuYuan Leo, Sound Engineer, Former Radio DJ, Guitarist

///

"I have been a guitarist for almost 10 years and thought I could just get by with chords and melody. Learning from Az has been an amazing experience, every lesson has multiplied my knowledge of music and just went I thought I learned enough about a particular thing, he amazes me with his depth of knowledge and wisdom. I always look forward to the next lesson, never knowing what I may learn and discover every session. Az Samad's lessons are tailor made for anyone, be it an aspiring musician, a music enthusiast or an advance player, he has always something to offer and in spades. He is a brilliant maestro but an equally great mentor if not better!!"

– Benjamin Khong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Completed The Jazz Guitar Masterclass Course)

///

"Like most guitar enthusiasts, I started off young, enthusiastic and eager to learn, but eventually lost my zeal and got stuck in a rut with the same licks and chord progressions. Even though I wanted so much to learn about jazz guitar playing, the online resources available kept me away with their complex lingo on jazz standards and music theory. So when I heard about Az, I immediately called about classes.

I can remember the first class with Az so vividly, the way he handles guitar classes is truly a breath of fresh air. Always smiling and warm, he unravelled the basic jazz chords, as well as their arpeggios within the first lesson. I remember driving back and trying to recall all that I had learnt, and telling my mom how much I had enjoyed the class. Moreover, taking classes with Az has reinvigorated my desire to improve and practice harder than before. He has also opened up my playing from being a purely 'pentatonic scale' player to venture beyond my comfort zones on the fretboard. To put it in a nutshell, I've truly rediscovered my passion for the guitar.

From my experience with guitar teachers, I can testify that not all great guitar players make great guitar teachers. But Az is the exception to this rule, and I can't wait to get back to classes with him, so that I can continue learning! "

– Arwin Goo, Jazz Guitar Student, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

///

"Studying guitar with Az Samad is awesome. The 2 months of Jazz Guitar Masterclass is a kickass journey for me, made my money well spent. Haha. Az Samad's teachings is so well structured. Talking about soloing over changes, I spent most of my time finding more licks to solo, so that I don't play the same licks over and over again in every song. After I started Az Samad's lesson, I understand that being able to play a good solo is more than just practicing licks ! Hahaha. Good one.

We talked about how to explore and practice chord voicings, melodic comping, writing lines over changes, rhythmic and melodic motif development . Trust me, Az Samad is a friendly guy and it's really easy for me to get information from Teacher Az in any topic related to guitar. At least enough for a year to practice I can say. Hahaha.

Now that I've completed this 2 months Jazz Guitar Course, I feel better at understanding about Jazz Guitar. One of the most important information that I've got from Teacher Az Samad is, there are too many things for us to practice, we have to be sure what is our goal and we want to achieve so that we can have a good direction to plan for our every practice session. Really appreciate all the information I got from classes and I'm PROUD to be Az Samad's student ! =)"

– Chee Seng, Guitarist, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

1. Will I get notes with this?
Yes! You will get a full set of downloadable & printable PDF notes which will help you remember the key lessons so that you can use what you've discovered to improve your playing. 

2. Do I get exercises that I can use in my practice sessions?
Yes, you get practise exercises that will help maximise your valuable practice time, increase your skills and make you sound better (regardless of your current musical level).

3. I don't play guitar or saxophone, will I still learn something from this?

Yes. Even if you play other instruments like piano, bass, drums, flute, marimba, ukulele, recorder, keyboards, trumpet or if you're a singer -- this session will have tips that you can apply on your instrument. 

Most of the concepts are applicable to ANY instrument. 

That being said, guitarists will get insights specific to guitar too including some pro tips that can be helpful for practice on the guitar. 

4. What language is this session be conducted in?

This session is in English.

5. Has Az taught non-guitarists?

Yes, Az has taught trumpet players, violinists, cellists, drummers, vocalists, ukulele players, pianists, keyboardists and other instrumentalists too.

6. I'm a classical musician. Is this useful for me?

If you're interested in jazz or contemporary pop styles, this workshop might be helpful to give you practice ideas & different ways to look at music. 

In fact, a classical pianist attended this session live as well so it's not just for jazzers.

7. I'm a newbie to jazz. Will this be suitable for me?

Yes, in fact this might be a good place to start. A lot of the topics discussed introduce practice tips & real world advice suitable to those who are new to jazz.

8. I'm not from Malaysia. Is this something that is useful for non-Malaysians?

Yes, it would be. Both Julian & Az have taught & performed all over the world. The concepts are applicable to many settings & different music scenes. 

9. Is there a time limit to watch this video? Can I download it?

There is no time limit. Once you purchase this, you can stream it (on laptop & PC, as long as you have a good internet connection) and download it (to your phone or tablet).

You can also use the Gumroad app (available for iOS & Android devices) to consume the material. Compatibility depends on the exact device but some buyers find this to be a good way to watch the video.

Either way, as long as you have a PC, laptop, tablet or phone AND a good internet connection, you should be able to watch this.

Here's what you're getting:

✅(VIDEO) Jazz Up Your Playing - 2-hour session (US$25 Value)

✅(PDF) A Personal Approach to the II-V-I Progression (US$5 Value)

✅(PDF) Jazz Up Your Playing - Scales, Modes & Arpeggios - Handouts in Concert Key, Eb Instruments & Bb Instrument (US$10 Value)

✅BONUS 1: (MP3) Live at Bobo KL - The Jazz Bromance (4 Track EP) (US$5 Value)

✅BONUS 2: (VIDEO) How to Learn & Practice Jazz Licks - A recording of our 56-minute Facebook Live session on Nov 22, 2020. (US$10 Value)

✅BONUS 3: (VIDEO) How to Learn & Play Weird Jazz Chords - A recording of our 51-minute Facebook Live session on Nov 25, 2020. (US$10 Value)

GRAND TOTAL: US$65

ACTUAL PRICE: US$20

Click "I want this!" to sign up now!

If you're serious about finally sounding better and you want to discover the secrets of the 2 top jazz musicians in Malaysia , you owe it to yourself to sign up for this.

When you sign up now, it's only US$20. 

INTRODUCTORY PRICE: US$20 

Click "I want this!" and jazz up your playing!