Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Top Questions About Playing Jazz Answered Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to episode 331 where today I answer the top questions I get asked about playing jazz. These questions come straight from my Monthly Jazz Mastermind Q&A sessions I have with our Inner Circle members, and are the most common ones that come up time and time again. See if you have any of these questions as well!
In this episode:
1. How do you know what the melody is to a jazz standard when the melody is played differently?
2. How do you know what the chord changes are to a jazz standard when different versions use different chords?
3. How do I know when to move on to the next thing?
4. Is there a step-by-step process for building a solo?
5. How do I retain the jazz standards I’ve learned so I don’t forget them?
6. How do I retain the solos and licks I learn?
7. Should I write down a solo I’m transcribing?
8. How do I transition from chord tone, guide tone, and approach tone maps to improvising solos?
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Quick Win: How to Use Jazz Licks In Your Solos (3 Steps) Mar 04, 2022

Show notes

I'm about to show you a powerful 3-step process for how to get jazz licks to come out naturally and effortlessly in your solos.
In this episode:
1. Intro
2. Learn this "L" first
3. Do not skip this "C"
4. "I" is for reacting!
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

3 Mindset Shifts That Helped Me Enjoy Playing Music More Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to episode 329 where today I talk about 3 mindsets that helped me start enjoying music more. It's a strange thing when something you used to enjoy doing a lot starts to lose its appeal for a variety of different reasons.
For me, it always comes down to mindset, and I share a few that have really helped me continue to have fun playing music.
In this episode:
1. How skiing taught me non-judgemental curiosity
2. How installing closet systems taught me patience during a challenge
3. How cooking taught me to appreciate my playing more
Important Links:
Show Notes
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

How to Effectively Practice Improvising Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to episode 327 where today I talk about how to effectively practice improvising. Often on this show we talk about tactics for learning how to play great jazz language, like learning jazz solos.
But we also need to actually practice improvising. So how do we do this effectively other than just doing it? That's exactly what you'll learn.
In this episode:
1. Why practicing improvising is different from improvisation tactics
2. Batching your improvising
3. Importance of slow practice
4. The mindset shift behind improv practice
Important Links:
Show Notes
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Should I Learn Jazz By Reading Music? Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to episode 325 where today I dive into the controversial question of whether or not it's a good idea to learn jazz by reading music notation.
Many musicians feel comfortable reading music but have heard that jazz is best learned by ear. I dive into my philosophy and why the answer to this question isn't so cut and dry.
Main Points:
1. How my philosophy has changed over the years
2. The benefits of learning by ear
3. The benefits of reading notation to learn jazz
4. My philosophy on learning jazz
Important Links:
Show Notes
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Quick Win: How to Instantly Learn Chord Progressions for Jazz Standards Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

So how can you play jazz standards at jam sessions and gigs even if you've never heard them before?
Well, today I'm sharing with you my top tips for recognizing chord progressions.
In this episode:
1. Intro
2. Tip #1 - Start understanding and getting familiar with these.
3. Tip #2 - Learn as many of these as possible!
4. Tip #3 - Not much in the ear realm.
5. Tip #4 - Get into the trenches and do the dirty work.
6. Tip #5 - This could help you if you're really not good at hearing chord qualities.
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Rhythm Changes Accelerator: A Powerful Course to Help You Master Rhythm Changes Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to this special bonus episode where today I talk about our new Rhythm Changes Accelerator course we just released in our Inner Circle membership.
Learn why learning rhythm changes is so powerful and how to master this important song form.
Important Links:
Get Access to Rhythm Changes Accelerator with LJS Inner Circle Membership

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Lot of Time to Practice? Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to episode 323 where today I answer the question of what you should practice if you don't have very much time to practice.
It's common for us to be time-poor when it comes to spending time improving our jazz skills. So what are the high-level activities we can work on, and how should we do them? This episode will help.
Main Points:
1. Debunking the false narrative that you need to practice a lot
2. The #1 activity I recommend practicing
3. Examples of how to work backwards from your practicing goal to create a practice plan
Important Links:
Show Notes
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Quick Win: 8 Must-Know Jazz Standards for Jazz Gigs Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

So what are some great jazz standards to learn for playing jazz gigs? Well, today I'm gonna go over 8 jazz standards you need to know.
In this episode:
1. A tune with a little bit more energy, swinging, and a lot of fun.
2. A more minor and bluesy kind of tune.
3. A little more introspective and a little bit different.
4. An up-tempo tune you should have in every jazz gig.
5. Every single gig should also have a ballad, like this one.
6. A medium-tempo tune
7. A modal tune
8. A high-energy blues
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
Get our Amazon Best Selling book

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

I Compose a Jazz Tune On The Spot (Again) Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to episode 321 where I compose a jazz tune on the podcast.
I put myself on the spot and rely on those creative juices to flow. You'll get a real-time look at how I compose, think about chord progressions, and even hear me improvise over my new tune for the first time.
Main Points:
1. I compose a jazz tune from scratch
Important Links:
Show Notes
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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