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Bruce Gertz is a renowned double bassist and has been an influential professor at Berklee College of Music for 48 years. As part of the vibrant Boston jazz scene, he has shaped countless bassists through his personalized teaching methodology that emphasizes building on students' strengths while developing their individual musical voices. What drives a musician who has collaborated with jazz giants like Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Burton, and John Abercrombie? How did Charles Mingus' album "Blues & Roots" transform his musical direction, and why does he still take lessons from legendary bassist Ron Carter after five decades of playing? Gertz shared these insights during our conversation.

Beyond performing, Gertz has released over 15 albums as a leader and many more as a sideman, with his debut album "Blueprint" marking a significant career milestone. His instructional book "Let's Play Rhythm" has become essential reading for aspiring musicians across all instruments. Whether teaching advanced improvisation techniques or advocating for the balance between ensemble and solo bass playing through his work with The International Society of Bassists, Gertz continues to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians.

With 2026 already well underway, it’s time to make good on those classic New Year's resolutions: whether you’re hoping to exercise more, have a healthier diet, or perhaps finally learn to play an instrument. At the top of many people's lists is the dream of learning to play the piano.

Perhaps you've also asked yourself: can you teach yourself to play the piano? The answer is a resounding yes! With the right method, a little patience and the appropriate teaching materials, you can definitely teach yourself. In this article, we'll show you how to turn your resolution into reality.

As a piano teacher I frequently ask new students who are their favourite jazz pianists, or even just to name a jazz musician they enjoy listening to. It's noticeable that many of the revered jazz players of the past (and present) are very often men. 

It can seem that either there weren’t very many women jazz musicians, or that they have been side-lined or ignored. This is a situation that was very familiar in the 19th century art world, when the profession of artist was not considered suitable for a woman, with female painters being denied admission to academies and prevented from exhibiting their work.

As part of the JAZZ PIANO LIBRARY series of podcasts for Morley Radio I’ve recorded three programmes about Women Jazz Pianists, with fellow pianist Joy Ellis as my guest and co-presenter. Over the course of these we've played recordings by pianists dating from the 1920s to the 2020s – the whole history of recorded jazz.