Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How 2 Chords Fooled a Pro Jazz Musician May 31, 2024

Show notes

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 straightforward it may seem.
He highlights that technical simplicity doesn't equate to ease of execution and that every piece of music requires careful attention and practice.
This episode is packed with practical tips and personal anecdotes that offer valuable lessons for both novice and experienced musicians, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their musical skills and understanding.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
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Can I Play Chord Extensions Even If My Bandmates Are Not? May 30, 2024

Show notes

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 listening and reacting to fellow musicians, players can enhance their overall performance.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of jazz improvisation and to learn practical strategies for enhancing your jazz practice and performance.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

How Do I Improvise While Sight Reading? May 29, 2024

Show notes

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 harmonic structures. He shares practical advice on improving sight reading by regularly practicing with new sheet music, making mistakes, and learning from them. He underscores the necessity of a dual approach: enhancing both sight reading and improvisation skills simultaneously.
This episode is packed with actionable tips and insights, making it an invaluable listen for anyone looking to elevate their jazz-playing and sight-reading capabilities. Don't miss Brent's expert guidance to fast-track your journey in jazz improvisation!
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

How Do I Learn Chords By Ear? May 28, 2024

Show notes

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 especially useful for those new to learning jazz by ear, providing actionable advice to simplify the process and build a strong musical foundation.
Moreover, he underscores the value of learning multiple jazz standards to recognize recurring chord progressions and patterns. Using "Autumn Leaves" as an example, he explains how repeated exposure to common progressions like the 2-5-1 in various keys can significantly enhance a musician's ability to learn chords by ear. Brent also shares his personal experiences and tips for starting with simpler tasks before tackling more complex progressions.
This episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of jazz harmony and improve their ear training skills. Don't miss out on Brent's expert guidance to elevate your jazz-playing journey!
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

Should I Imitate a Musician That Doesn't Play My Instrument? May 27, 2024

Show notes

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 encourages musicians to explore solos and melodies across different instruments, as this approach broadens their understanding of jazz language and enhances their overall musicianship.
He elaborates on the benefits of learning solos from instruments different from one's own, sharing his personal experience as a guitarist who often transcribed solos from piano, saxophone, and trumpet players. Tune in to gain valuable insights on maximizing your practice and expanding your jazz repertoire, regardless of your instrument.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

How to Measure If You Are Improving Or Not May 24, 2024

Show notes

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 not only about boosting your confidence but also about making informed decisions on what to practice next. He shares insights from his inner circle members, who use weekly audit recordings and compare their current abilities with their past selves to track their progress.
This episode is packed with valuable tips and encourages you to adopt a structured approach to measuring your musical improvement, ensuring that you stay motivated and on the right path in your jazz journey. Don't miss out on these essential strategies—tune in to gain a fresh perspective on your musical growth!
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

What Is The Difference Between Jazz and Classical Harmony? May 23, 2024

Show notes

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 jazz typically features chord symbols that allow for improvisation and interpretation.
Brent emphasizes the freedom and flexibility inherent in jazz harmony, contrasting it with the more structured approach found in classical music. He discusses how jazz musicians have the creative liberty to explore various chord voicings and extensions, fostering a spirit of improvisation and individual expression.
Through insightful examples and comparisons, Brent provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of jazz harmony and its contrast with classical conventions. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this episode offers valuable insights into the rich and diverse world of musical harmony.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

How Do I Practice Enclosures? May 22, 2024

Show notes

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 enclosures, unlocking new possibilities for musical expression. Brent's passion for jazz education shines through as he shares practical exercises and encourages listeners to take action on their musical journey.
Tune in to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast for expert advice, engaging discussions, and actionable tips to help you reach your full potential as a jazz musician.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

Should I Transcribe Myself? May 21, 2024

Show notes

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 engaging and conversational style makes this episode an enjoyable listen for jazz enthusiasts of all levels. His passion for helping musicians navigate their jazz journey shines through as he shares personal anecdotes and words of encouragement.
Whether you're a seasoned player looking to refine your improvisational skills or a beginner seeking guidance on where to start, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your musical growth.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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

Should I Learn Piano to Help With Jazz Improv? May 20, 2024

Show notes

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, highlighting the benefits of exploring shell voicings, scales, and chord progressions to deepen their understanding of harmony and enhance their improvisational prowess.
This episode serves as a testament to the transformative power of community engagement and collaborative learning in fueling musical progress and personal development. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the role of the piano in jazz improvisation, and discover practical strategies for integrating piano skills into your musical journey.
Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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