Learn Jazz Standards Podcast artwork

Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

852 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 446 ratings

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!

Music Commentary Music Education How To jazz jazz standards jazz improvisation jazz theory jazz solo jazz guitar jazz piano jazz saxophone jazz bass jazz trumpet
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Episodes

Should Non-Bass Players Learn Bass Lines?

June 27, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.23 MB

In this episode, Brent answers a question from Kevin Pritchett about the importance of bass lines for non-bass players. Kevin, a piano player, wonders if learning bass lines can benefit his playing and improvisation. Brent explains that understanding bass lines is valuable for all musicians, not just bass players because it helps in grasping chord tones, time feel, and melodic resolutions. He emphasizes that playing bass lines can enhance one's overall musicality and time-keeping skills. Br...

How Do I Perform Solo?

June 26, 2024 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

Welcome to another episode where Brent answers your jazz and music questions five days a week. Today, we have an intriguing question from Ken Bryan from York, Pennsylvania, about resources and advice for a jazz guitarist aiming to perform solo at venues like bars, restaurants, and parties. Brent discusses this topic, sharing his personal experience and offering valuable tips for anyone looking to enhance their solo performance skills. Brent emphasizes the importance of finding a solo guitar...

How Do I Know What To Practice?

June 25, 2024 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.44 MB

In this episode, Michael, a piano player, asks how to efficiently allocate practice time to various topics like scales, voicings, improvisation, and more. Brent emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 20% of practice that yields 80% of the results, advising musicians to prioritize practicing what ails them the most or where they have the most potential. Brent shares practical tips to identify strengths and weaknesses. He also introduces the concept of the three pillars of jazz improvis...

How Should Horn Players Play Together In a Jazz Band?

June 24, 2024 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.49 MB

In this episode, Brent responds to a question from Louis Thompson about the lead instrument in a small jazz ensemble with a trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and rhythm section. Brent discusses the dynamics of horn players working together, exploring various approaches for melody and improvisation.  He explains how horn players usually play in a jam session. Brent emphasizes the importance of listening and adapting to each other’s playing to create a cohesive sound. Whether it’s harmonizing, c...

The Importance of Your Practice Engine

June 21, 2024 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.47 MB

In this episode, Brent explores a crucial topic: the practice engine. He highlights the importance of mastering the art of practicing, explaining that it's not just about following routines but treating practice as a skill in itself. This approach, he emphasizes, differentiates amateur musicians from advanced players and is essential for significant progress in jazz playing. Brent illustrates his point by using the analogy of a car. Even with the best resources and tools, without a well-fun...

Can I Work On Instrument Technique and Songs At The Same Time?

June 20, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.95 MB

In this episode, Brent answers an insightful question from Robert Banagay about balancing technical proficiency with learning jazz standards. Robert, a musician returning to his instrument after a long hiatus, wonders if he can improve his technique while simultaneously diving into jazz tunes. Brent introduces the concept of the three pillars of jazz improvisation explaining how they interconnect and can be practiced together to enhance one's jazz playing. Brent emphasizes that working on t...

How to Compose For a Jazz Group

June 19, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.49 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question from Bruno Morelos about composing for a jazz band. Bruno wonders how professional jazz musicians handle compositions, especially when each band member has a solo. Brent explains that jazz compositions often involve creating a theme with melodies and harmonic foundations, allowing musicians to improvise freely. Brent discusses how composers can incorporate specific elements while still giving musicians the freedom to add their own impro...

How Do I Not Overthink When I Solo?

June 18, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.21 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles a listener's question about avoiding overthinking during solos. Anton Visser, a long-time listener, asks how to play more intuitively without feeling compelled to fill every bar with notes. Brent advises that while it's important to practice and understand the theory, the key to natural-sounding solos is to let intuition and emotional connection to the music guide you. He compares this to the ease of tying your shoes, which becomes second nature through repetit...

How Long Should My Jazz Solos Be?

June 17, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.62 MB

In this episode, Brent addresses a great question from listener Mani Murray about the appropriate length of a solo in different musical settings. Brent emphasizes that a solo should last as long as it remains interesting and musically compelling. He discusses how to gauge when to end a solo, focusing on maintaining the quality of the music and avoiding the tendency to overplay. Brent also shares practical tips for different scenarios, such as jam sessions and gigs, highlighting the importa...

The Worst Mistakes to Make At a Jazz Gig

June 14, 2024 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the common pitfalls musicians face when preparing for and performing at jazz gigs. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offers invaluable advice to ensure you’re fully prepared and professional, such as the importance of being over-prepared, arriving early, and ensuring you have all your necessary gear. These foundational tips are crucial for setting yourself up for success and avoiding stressful, last-minute scrambles. Whether it's co...

How Do I Learn Jazz Solos by Ear?

June 13, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 6.95 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles a fantastic question from Arjun about mastering jazz solos by ear. He highlights the importance of this skill for learning jazz language and improvisation, while also clarifying that it's not the only way to learn. He acknowledges that different methods, such as theory and reading notated solos, can also be effective for some learners. Brent introduces his LIST process for learning solos by ear, which stands for Listen, Internalize, Sing, and Transfer. This me...

Is It Important to Notate Solos I Learn?

June 12, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.51 MB

In this episode, Brent addresses a fascinating question from William Tino about the benefits of notating jazz solos. Brent explores the immense value of learning solos by ear, emphasizing how it enhances your ear, muscle memory, jazz vocabulary, and rhythm. This foundational skill is highly recommended by jazz educators and offers a significant return on investment for your practice time. He explains that while notation can help document solos for later use or provide a visual aid for analy...

How Do I Foster Creativity Before a Jazz Gig?

June 11, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.66 MB

In this episode, Brent answers a listener's question about preparing for a jazz gig. Discover effective strategies for fostering creativity and reducing pre-performance anxiety. Brent emphasizes the importance of relaxation, the benefits of light warm-ups, and how listening to inspiring music can boost your creative energy. Whether it's taking a break to refresh your mind or engaging in different practice routines, Brent highlights the importance of flexibility and avoiding overthinking. By...

The Characteristics of a Great Jazz Band

June 10, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.43 MB

Join Brent in this insightful podcast episode as he discusses the essential characteristics of a great jazz band and its members. Responding to a question from Arjun in the Netherlands, Brent explores the importance of musicians supporting each other, focusing on collective music-making rather than individual performance. He cites how unselfishness and a cooperative spirit are vital for creating outstanding jazz music. Brent also emphasizes the significance of responsibility and preparednes...

The Frame-Of-Mind Required for Jazz Improv

June 07, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.41 MB

In this engaging Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the crucial mindset required for jazz improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of focus, open-mindedness, and a willingness to make mistakes to excel in jazz improvisation. Brent stresses the significance of being open-minded to learning various approaches and techniques, even if they may seem challenging or unfamiliar. Finally, Brent underscores the necessity of embracing mistakes and taking risks in improvisation. He encourage...

How Do I Use Jazz In Other Styles of Music?

June 06, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.06 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles a compelling question from listener Sebastian Watson about integrating jazz harmony and improvisation into other musical genres. Brent explores how studying jazz can deepen your musical knowledge and enhance your versatility, whether you're composing or improvising in different styles. By drawing from his own experiences and examples from other musicians, Brent illustrates how mastering jazz concepts can unlock new possibilities and transform your approach to m...

How to Improvise Over Dominant 7th Chords

June 05, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MB

In this episode, Brent talks about the nuances of soloing over dominant chords in jazz, responding to a question from Alan Clayton, an Inner Circle member from Melbourne, Australia. Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of dominant chords within a progression, highlighting that knowing the chords before and after is crucial for effective improvisation. He explains how focusing on chord tones and considering the overall function of the dominant chord can guide your no...

Chord Tone Exercises to Practice

June 04, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.62 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles an intriguing question from Thomas in Holland about mastering jazz intervals and chord tones. Brent breaks down essential exercises for playing chord tones, from basic 1-3-5-7 patterns to more advanced voice-leading techniques. He emphasizes the importance of chord tone mapping and how understanding and practicing these fundamentals can significantly improve your ability to play "in the changes," just like the pros. Discover Brent's step-by-step methods for en...

How to Remember Chords to Jazz Standards

June 03, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MB

In this episode, Brent talks about a listener's question regarding mastering the chord changes to "The Girl from Ipanema." He explores two essential methods for learning jazz chords and offers practical advice on chord recognition, pattern identification, and the importance of understanding theory. These are all aimed at helping you effortlessly memorize and navigate complex jazz standards. Brent addresses common challenges musicians face when transitioning from chord melodies to understan...

How 2 Chords Fooled a Pro Jazz Musician

May 31, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.54 MB

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent shares an amusing and insightful story about how two simple chords fooled him, a professional jazz musician. Tasked with playing an easy song for his sister's wedding, Brent initially dismissed the simplicity of the piece. However, as the event approached, he realized he had not internalized the music properly. This humbling experience underscored the importance of deeply listening to and familiarizing oneself with a piece of music, no matter how st...

Can I Play Chord Extensions Even If My Bandmates Are Not?

May 30, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.55 MB

In this episode, Brent discusses an insightful question from listener John Gao about the use of chord extensions in jazz improvisation and band settings. He explores the intricacies of incorporating exotic chords like 11ths and 13ths, and how these can be seamlessly integrated into solos and ensemble playing without clashing.  Brent also emphasizes the role of accompanists and advises on how to avoid muddying the sound when multiple instruments are comping simultaneously. By focusing on lis...

How Do I Improvise While Sight Reading?

May 29, 2024 13:00 - 8 minutes - 6.12 MB

In this engaging episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent tackles a question from Neil, a tenor saxophonist from the UK, who wants to master sight reading jazz standards and improvising melodic solos on the fly. Brent breaks down the essentials for achieving this goal, emphasizing the importance of solid jazz improvisation skills and a thorough understanding of jazz language. Brent also highlights the value of learning numerous jazz standards to build familiarity with these harmo...

How Do I Learn Chords By Ear?

May 28, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.63 MB

In this engaging episode, Brent tackles an intriguing question from listener Xing Shen about how to determine chords from sheet music without chord symbols. Brent explores practical strategies for learning chords by ear, emphasizing the importance of basic chord recognition and ear training fundamentals. He highlights the five primary chord qualities in jazz and offers tips on developing the ability to identify these chords, both in isolation and within progressions. Brent's insights are e...

Should I Imitate a Musician That Doesn't Play My Instrument?

May 27, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.17 MB

In this episode, Brent discusses about a question from listener Michael George, a clarinet player facing challenges with jazz standards often perceived as more suited to tenor saxophone. Michael seeks advice on emulating the styles of Paul Desmond and Stan Getz to improve his clarinet performance. Brent addresses this by debunking the notion that jazz standards are tailored to specific instruments, emphasizing that any jazz standard can be adapted and played on any instrument. He encourage...

How to Measure If You Are Improving Or Not

May 24, 2024 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

Join Brent in this insightful Fast Track Friday episode, where he delves into the crucial topic of measuring your musical progress. He addresses a common concern among musicians: the feeling of not improving fast enough, or at all. He shares his empathy for this struggle and offers practical strategies to help you see your progress more clearly. He highlights how being too close to your own playing can make it difficult to notice improvements.  Brent explains that measuring your progress is...

What Is The Difference Between Jazz and Classical Harmony?

May 23, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.58 MB

In this engaging episode, Brent explores into the intriguing differences between classical and jazz harmony. He begins by acknowledging that while he's an expert in jazz harmony, his knowledge of classical harmony is more limited. He explains that classical harmony varies across different eras and styles, making it difficult to pinpoint exact differences. However, he highlights that classical music often relies on composed chords that are melodically driven and precisely notated, whereas jaz...

How Do I Practice Enclosures?

May 22, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.88 MB

Join Brent as he explores the art of jazz improvisation. In this episode, Brent answers a listener's question about incorporating enclosures into chord tone maps, offering valuable insights into bebop language and improvisational techniques. Through clear explanations and practical examples, he guides listeners on a journey to enhance their improvisational skills and deepen their understanding of jazz harmony. Discover actionable strategies for targeting chord tones and practicing enclosure...

Should I Transcribe Myself?

May 21, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.6 MB

In this episode, Brent discusses a listener question from Michael George about transferring solo ideas from the mind to the instrument. Brent addresses the disconnect between musical ideas in one's head and their execution on an instrument, highlighting the common challenge of bridging the gap between ear and instrument. He suggests a valuable method for internalizing musical concepts using the L.I.S.T. approach. In addition to offering practical strategies for musical development, Brent's...

Should I Learn Piano to Help With Jazz Improv?

May 20, 2024 13:00 - 8 minutes - 6.23 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles a compelling question from Robert about the necessity of learning piano for musicians aiming to master improvisation. Drawing from his own experience as a guitarist navigating the intricacies of harmony, Brent explores the unique advantages that the piano offers in understanding music theory and chordal structures. Through practical insights and expert advice, Brent offers listeners a roadmap for incorporating basic piano skills into their musical toolkit, hi...

The Secret to Long-Term Musical Progress

May 17, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.45 MB

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent reveals the power of community in fostering long-term musical success. Drawing from his own unexpected journey as a newfound New York Rangers fan, he uncovers the transformative impact of shared interests and camaraderie in fueling passion and motivation. Brent illuminates the profound connection between community engagement and musical growth, highlighting the importance of finding support, inspiration, and belonging within a like-minded group of i...

How Do I Use Music Theory to Improvise?

May 16, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.61 MB

In this episode, Brent responds to a thought-provoking question from Peter Hakenan, a classically trained trumpet player seeking guidance on bridging music theory with improvisational prowess. Brent unravels the complexities of jazz improvisation, emphasizing the transformation of theoretical knowledge into musical expression. Through engaging examples and step-by-step guidance, Brent empowers aspiring improvisers to transcend scale-based thinking and embrace the creative freedom of musica...

How Do I Get Great At Jazz Phrasing?

May 15, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.36 MB

In this episode, Brent explores the intricate art of jazz phrasing, responding to a query from Suze, an Inner Circle member seeking guidance on refining her improvisational skills. Brent elucidates the essence of jazz phrasing, emphasizing its rhythmic nuances and expressive elements that transcend mere note choices. By dissecting the rhythmic patterns and melodic contours of jazz standards, Brent empowers aspiring jazz musicians to internalize the language of jazz and develop their unique...

How Do I Create Space In My Solos?

May 14, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.54 MB

In this episode, Brent addresses an essential aspect of jazz improvisation raised by listener Keith Cramlinger: creating space in solos for a more melodic and musical expression. He shares practical insights and strategies to overcome common challenges faced by jazz players, whether it's developing longer musical phrases or avoiding overwhelming density in improvisations. Brent highlights the importance of mindfulness, imitation, and rhythmic variation in crafting engaging and dynamic solo...

How Do I Use the Lydian Scale?

May 13, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.46 MB

In this captivating episode, Brent explores the practical applications of Lydian and Lydian dominant scales in jazz improvisation, addressing a listener's query about using these scales effectively in soloing. Brent's clear explanations and musical examples demystify the Lydian scale's composition and its relationship to the major scale, making complex musical concepts accessible to listeners of all levels. Brent's emphasis on experimentation and creativity underscores the essence of jazz ...

Finding and Using Your Tune of Greatness

May 10, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.43 MB

In this Fast Track Friday episode,  Brent introduces the concept of the "tune of greatness," a powerful strategy for mastering jazz tunes while deepening musical understanding. Drawing from the teachings of jazz mentor Justin Nielsen, Brent elucidates how practitioners can select a tune they love and use it as a canvas for musical exploration and growth. Brent offers practical advice for identifying an ideal "tune of greatness," emphasizing the importance of selecting a song that resonates...

How Do I Make the Pentatonic Scales Jazzier?

May 09, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.17 MB

Join Brent today as he tackles a common query from Craig about infusing pentatonic and blues scales with a jazzy flair. He begins by dissecting the essence of jazziness, exploring techniques to elevate these foundational scales into sophisticated improvisational tools. Brent's insightful approach transcends mere scale manipulation, exploring the realm of musicality and language development within jazz improvisation. He encourages moving beyond rote scale patterns to embrace musical lines a...

How Do I Balance Imitating and Innovating for Jazz?

May 08, 2024 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.81 MB

In the latest episode, Brent addresses a pivotal query posed by Kevin Mummy: how to strike a balance between imitation and innovation in jazz practice. Brent underscores the importance of emulating jazz luminaries as a means of mastering the musical vernacular, advocating for techniques like solo transcription to absorb the language's nuances fully. By exploring improvisation and composition, he contends that practitioners can unlock avenues for personal expression, paving the way for origi...

The Top 25 Jazz Standards You Need to Know

May 07, 2024 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.7 MB

In this episode,  Brent offers a comprehensive guide to essential jazz standards, answering a listener's question about the top 25 tunes every musician should know. With his extensive knowledge and infectious passion for jazz, Brent curates a diverse list that spans various styles and forms, from classic swing tunes to modal compositions and bossa nova classics. By breaking down each selection and highlighting its unique characteristics, Brent provides invaluable insights for aspiring jazz...

How Do I Use the Phrygian Mode?

May 06, 2024 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.94 MB

In this episode, Brent discusses the intricate world of jazz theory, tackling listener questions and demystifying the elusive Phrygian mode. With his signature enthusiasm and clarity, he guides listeners through the nuances of scale theory, shedding light on the practical applications of Phrygian in jazz improvisation. Brent's insightful explanations provide invaluable insights for jazz musicians at all levels, offering a roadmap for navigating complex harmonic landscapes with confidence a...

How I've Reached Musical Flow State

May 03, 2024 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

Join Brent on Fast Track Friday as he reflects on the week's themes and offers strategic advice for cultivating a mindset conducive to musical flow.  In this enlightening episode, Brent explores the intricacies of achieving a state of effortless improvisation, drawing parallels between musical performance and everyday experiences. Through insightful anecdotes and practical tips, Brent explores the importance of relinquishing ego and embracing vulnerability to unlock the full potential of m...

How Do I Swing My Walking Bass Lines?

May 02, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.51 MB

Addressing a query from Patrick LeBlanc, this episode offers insightful tips from Brent on infusing quarter-note-based basslines with the infectious groove of swing. From emphasizing subdivisions to tastefully incorporating triplets, Brent provides practical strategies for enhancing the rhythmic vitality of basslines, catering to musicians of all levels seeking to elevate their jazz improvisation skills. Through engaging anecdotes and expert analysis, this episode illuminates the art of jaz...

How Do I Not Think When I Improvise?

May 01, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.21 MB

In this episode, Brent addresses Joss Martin's question about the balance between improvising and thinking about chord progressions during a solo. He highlights the importance of preparation in achieving the ability to improvise without conscious thought, emphasizing the role of practice, learning standards, and analyzing chord progressions. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, Brent explores the journey toward improvisational freedom, offering valuable strategies for develop...

How to Comp Melodically

April 30, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.71 MB

 In this episode, Kevin raises a query about comping on the piano, seeking clarification on placing the melody note within voicings. Brent breaks down the distinction between chord melody and melodic comping, emphasizing the importance of creating movement and melodies within accompaniment. Through practical examples and clear explanations, Brent gives guidance in enhancing comping skills, offering valuable insights for pianists, guitarists, and other comping instruments. Don't miss out o...

Should I Play Other Styles of Music? (Non-Jazz)

April 29, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 7.66 MB

In this episode,  Brent discusses the question of whether musicians should explore styles beyond jazz, particularly jamming with those who play country or rock. He emphasizes the immense value in venturing into diverse musical realms, citing the enrichment it brings to one's understanding of music as a whole.  Brent encourages embracing musical exploration while recognizing the balance between mastering jazz and delving into other genres. He acknowledges the trade-offs involved, acknowledg...

What's the Purpose of Learning Jazz Solos by Ear?

April 26, 2024 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MB

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent dives into the crucial topic of learning jazz solos by ear. Building upon previous discussions about jazz education and practice strategies,  he explores the multifaceted benefits of mastering jazz language through ear training. He explains the purpose behind this practice, highlighting how it strengthens ear-to-instrument connection, enhances rhythm and time feel, and fosters a deep understanding of the language of jazz. Through engaging anecdotes ...

Should I Learn a Jazz Solo at Original Tempo?

April 25, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.43 MB

In this episode, Brent tackles a thought-provoking question from Kevin Pritchett about the balance between learning at different speeds and knowing when to move on. Through insightful commentary and practical advice, Brent navigates the complexities of musical learning, offering strategies for maximizing practice time and achieving musical goals effectively. Drawing on his experience as an educator and musician, Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding personal objectives and tailo...

How Do I Play a Jazz Blues?

April 24, 2024 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.1 MB

In this episode, Brent talks about the nuances of jazz blues, responding to a listener's query about the differences between traditional 12-bar blues and its jazz counterpart. With clear explanations and musical demonstrations, he breaks down the chord progressions and structural variations characteristic of jazz blues, offering valuable insights for jazz musicians of all levels. From the basic 12-bar format to more complex evolutions like the bird blues, Brent provides a comprehensive ove...

How to Solo Over Modal Jazz Songs

April 23, 2024 13:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MB

In this episode, Brent addresses a listener's question about soloing over modal tunes like "So What" or "Maiden Voyage." He breaks down the concept of modal jazz and offers practical advice for creating engaging improvisations over limited chord changes. By explaining the modal scales associated with each chord and emphasizing the importance of melody creation, he provides valuable insights for jazz musicians at all skill levels. Throughout the episode, Brent delves into the art of impro...

How Classical Musicians Can Learn Jazz

April 22, 2024 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.41 MB

In this episode, Brent introduces a listener's question about classical violinists transitioning into jazz music. He highlights the challenges classical musicians face, particularly with improvisation, compared to their familiarity with sheet music interpretation. Brent breaks down the process of learning jazz for classical musicians by providing practical steps and insights.  Throughout the episode, Brent emphasizes the importance of active engagement and experimentation in learning jazz. ...

What Makes You Happy As a Musician?

April 19, 2024 12:00 - 11 minutes - 8.07 MB

In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent discusses the critical importance of finding joy and happiness as a musician. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, he explores the detrimental effects of self-doubt and dissatisfaction on musical growth and fulfillment. Through thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions, Brent invites listeners to explore the sources of happiness in their musical pursuits, whether through enjoyable practice rou...