Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How to Prepare For a Jazz Performance Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

In this insightful Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the critical topic of preparing for jazz performances, whether it's a gig, a jam session, or any other musical engagement. Reflecting on the themes covered throughout the week, Brent emphasizes the importance of preparation in reducing stage fright, allowing licks to flow organically in solos and mastering jazz jam session etiquette. With a focus on practical strategies, Brent offers a roadmap to navigate the complexities of musical preparation with confidence and clarity.
Drawing from his own experiences as a musician and educator, Brent shares valuable insights and highlights the significance of understanding the musical context of a performance and tailoring one's preparation accordingly.
Through actionable advice and encouraging words, Brent inspires musicians to embrace the journey of preparation, reminding them that progress often begins with stepping outside one's comfort zone and taking action.
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 Good Jazz Jam Session Etiquette? Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent tackles a common concern for jazz musicians: jam session etiquette. Delving into a question from Monnie Murray about the appropriate duration of solos in a jam session, Brent offers insightful advice for navigating these musical gatherings with confidence and respect. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, to familiarize oneself with the repertoire of jazz standards likely to be played at the session.
Drawing from his own experiences and observations, he provides a comprehensive guide to jam session etiquette, addressing issues such as volume control, instrumental balance, and the art of ending a solo gracefully. He advocates for a mindset of musical generosity, encouraging musicians to prioritize the collective experience over individual prowess.
Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer to the jazz scene, this episode offers invaluable insights to enhance your jam session experience and foster meaningful musical connections.
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 Deal With Stage Fright? Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent explores a topic that resonates with every musician: stage fright. With a blend of personal anecdotes and professional advice, Brent navigates the multifaceted nature of performance anxiety, addressing both the fear of playing in front of audiences and the anxiety of performing in front of fellow musicians. Drawing from his own experiences and insights from mental health professionals, he offers practical strategies for managing stage fright, from deep breathing exercises to the cultivation of a growth mindset.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or a beginner grappling with performance anxiety, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom to help you navigate the challenges of live performance and unlock your full potential as a musician.
Tune in and embark on a transformative journey toward confidence, creativity, and musical fulfillment.
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 Get Licks To Come Out In My Solos? Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent tackles a common question: How can jazz musicians seamlessly integrate learned licks into their solos? He breaks down the purpose of learning licks as a means of understanding the jazz language and offers practical strategies for internalizing them effectively. Through insightful analogies and step-by-step guidance, Brent emphasizes the importance of ear training and repetition in mastering jazz vocabulary.
By exploring variations and crafting unique phrases, musicians can develop a deeper understanding of melodic construction and enhance their improvisational repertoire. Brent's approach emphasizes the importance of creativity and experimentation to evolve beyond imitation and cultivate one's own artistic identity.
Whether you're honing your skills in the practice room or jamming with fellow musicians, this episode offers invaluable guidance for unlocking your improvisational potential and elevating your jazz playing to new heights. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion packed with practical tips and inspiring insights.
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 Important Is Reading Music Notation for Jazz? Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent dives into a thought-provoking question: Is it necessary to read sheet music to learn jazz? Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Brent explores the role of sheet music in jazz education and highlights the importance of ear training in mastering the genre.
He navigates the nuances of learning music by ear versus reading notation, offering valuable insights for aspiring jazz musicians. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your jazz journey, this episode provides a comprehensive discussion on effective learning strategies and the significance of balancing traditional methods with innovative approaches.
Tune in for inspiring perspectives and practical tips that could transform your jazz playing.
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!

Using Composition to Improvise Great Jazz Solos Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent reflects on the week's discussions, focusing on the theme of turning theory into practical musical expression through improvisation.
He introduces composition as a powerful tool for jazz musicians to internalize musical language and develop their improvisational skills. By likening composition to slowed-down improvisation, Brent underscores its role in facilitating the creative process and fostering musical growth.
He encourages doing compositional exercises to explore musical ideas, apply theoretical knowledge, and track progress over time. Through composition, musicians can not only shape their improvisational vocabulary but also embark on a transformative musical journey, embracing the joy of creative expression and musical discovery.
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!

Are Pro Jazz Musicians Actually Improvising? Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent addresses a question from Jeff, a tenor saxophonist seeking advice on improvisation. Jeff describes himself as a "grinder" who takes time to develop musical ideas for jazz standards, often playing them similarly each time.
Brent explains how improvisation is similar to a natural conversation, where familiar phrases and expressions are woven into spontaneous dialogue. He emphasizes the importance of preparation in becoming a proficient improviser, highlighting techniques, internalizing musical vocabulary, and honing technical skills.
By understanding the dynamic interplay between rehearsed ideas and spontaneous creativity, musicians can embrace their unique journey of mastering the language of jazz.
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 Know the Real Melody to a Jazz Standard? Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent tackles a question from an inner circle member named Paul about determining the correct melody when faced with various interpretations of jazz standards. He emphasizes the importance of learning melodies by ear rather than solely relying on sheet music, as it enhances ear training and allows for a deeper understanding of musical expression.
He provides valuable insights into identifying the true melody of a jazz standard, suggesting that for Great American Songbook tunes, singers like Frank Sinatra serve as reliable sources for straight renditions of melodies.
Additionally, Brent advises turning to original recordings by jazz legends for jazz originals, highlighting the authenticity and intended interpretations found in these recordings. By prioritizing ear-based learning and seeking guidance from iconic recordings, musicians can develop a deeper connection to jazz standards and hone their improvisational skills.
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 Use Triad Pairs? Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Brent addresses a question from Chris Hercules about improvising with triads. He begins by explaining the concept of harmonizing triads within a diatonic context.
Brent breaks down how different triads can be derived from the scale, providing insights into understanding and utilizing triads effectively. He then introduces the concept of triad pairs, which involves using two triads generated from a diatonic scale to improvise.
He demonstrates how triad pairs can be applied in improvisation to create engaging and melodic lines. Brent emphasizes experimentation and practical application while offering valuable tips for incorporating triads into 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!

Why Diminished Arpeggios Sound Awesome Over Dominant 7ths? Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode, Brent answers an intriguing question posed by a podcast listener about using diminished arpeggios over dominant seventh chords.
He breaks down the theory behind this concept, explaining how diminished arpeggios can enhance improvisation and add tension and resolution to playing. He demonstrates how to apply this knowledge practically to create exciting new sounds.
By exploring the relationship between diminished arpeggios and dominant seventh chords, Brent provides valuable insights into jazz theory while emphasizing the importance of practical application in musical learning.
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!