Hip Tips: 18 Quick Wins to Instantly Transform Your Playing

Short on time, big on impact — this series packs 18 creative tricks that instantly add color, movement, and sophistication to your sound. Perfect for when you need that “whoa, how did you do that?” moment on the keys.

Add Color to My Jazz!
 

What you'll get

The Hip Tips Series is your go-to collection of pocket-sized lessons for players who want fast, powerful ways to sound more expressive and advanced — without getting lost in theory books.

Each of the 18 tips gives you a specific, actionable technique you can apply right away — from sweeping lines and parallel 4th voicings to cinematic textures, blues licks, and rhythmic surprises.

You’ll explore how to:

  • Create momentum with cascading cycles and rhythmic overlays

  • Add soulful expression with rubato phrasing and sustain control

  • Transform any progression with modern voicings and textures

  • Turn classic ideas into fresh, jaw-dropping sounds

Every tip is designed to make your playing feel more alive, dynamic, and personal — whether you’re comping, soloing, or arranging.

Advice From a World-Class Pianist Who Taught Some of the Best in the Industry

You’ll be learning directly from Gerard D'Angelo. Renowned jazz pianist and educator who has taught at some of the most acclaimed music schools in the world—right in the heart of New York City, the mecca of jazz. 

New York is where legends are made. It’s the city that gave birth to bebop, where jazz giants like Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane pushed the boundaries of music. And now, you have the chance to learn - directly from your room.

Start learning

Gerard D'Angelo

 

Gerard is a faculty member of some of the biggest jazz schools in the planet, such as The New School and Manhattan School of Music. There he mentored stars such as Robert Glasper and Emmet Cohen.

Born in 1954 on Long Island, Gerard was immersed in jazz from an early age, inspired by his father’s stride piano playing. By high school, he was performing gigs and later studied at Berklee and Five Towns College, where he also began teaching. His career took off with tours, club gigs, and studies under jazz legends like Lenny Tristano, shaping his intuitive improvisational style.

Settling in Manhattan, Gerard performed at top jazz venues and festivals worldwide, collaborating with icons like Red Rodney, Nat Adderley, and Vincent Herring. His interest in composition grew, leading to recordings with leading jazz artists. In the ’90s, he transitioned to teaching at The New School and Manhattan School of Music, mentoring future stars such as Robert Glasper and Emmet Cohen.

Beyond jazz, he worked as musical director for Brian Stokes Mitchell, coached Ben Stiller for Broadway, and contributed to music production with Gary Haase. Today, Gerard continues performing, teaching, and leading Gotham Music Lab, an online platform dedicated to accessible, high-quality music education.

7-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

If you aren’t completely satisfied with your course, let us know within the first 7-days for a full refund. No questions asked.

Start your music journey right now!

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