Did somebody mention ear training? It doesn't need to be too painful.
Punctuate your practice sessions by just thinking of songs to play by ear and
play them. When you hear something you like on the radio or a CD or TV, figure
it out by ear. Warm up on tunes by ear in addition to mindless arpeggios.
It's fun to see who notices. Sometimes you get some very confused looks. Get
some Jamey Aebersold play-along jazz CDs and do a little simple improvising
(save "Giant Steps" until a little later).
To help out your harmonic awareness, play from music at the piano without
looking at your fingers. That'll really open up your ears!
- Steve Mumford
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