Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

The season finale dives into 26 essential tips that transform jazz playing. Active listening and mastering solos by ear are highlighted as crucial practices. Brent emphasizes the need to focus on instrument-specific techniques to express musical ideas effectively. Regular improvisation and a strong grasp of rhythm are vital for growth. Attending live performances can deepen understanding, while maintaining a practice journal tracks progress. Listeners are encouraged to revisit past discussions for ongoing learning and inspiration.

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.Brent shares his personal experience of learning bass lines and how it helped him during his early gigs with a piano player. He discusses the importance of practicing quarter notes, which are foundational in jazz, and how bass players' focus on chord tones and rhythmic patterns can benefit other instrumentalists. Brent also highlights that learning bass lines can improve a musician's sense of pulse and time, essential for any jazz player, whether they are accompanying or soloing.In addition to learning bass lines, Brent encourages musicians to explore solos and techniques from other instruments, broadening their musical perspective. He concludes by urging listeners to try learning a bass line, regardless of their primary instrument, to gain new insights and improve their jazz playing. Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Discover the secrets to captivating solo jazz guitar performances. Learn how to find your unique voice and build a dynamic repertoire. Explore the transformative power of improvisation and storytelling through music. Brent shares tech tips, like using loop pedals, to enhance your sound. Dive into practical advice on mastering jazz standards and setting performance goals to elevate your skills. With consistent practice and a personal approach, anyone can shine on stage!

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 improvisation. By focusing on these pillars, musicians can streamline their practice routine and ensure they're working on the most impactful areas.Discover how to create a focused practice plan, avoid the myth of the perfect practice routine, and benefit from feedback loops and coaching. Brent's insights will help you practice smarter and achieve your musical goals faster. Don't miss out on this episode and enhance your jazz practice today!Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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, creating counterpoint lines, or trading off the lead, there are numerous ways for horn players to collaborate and make the music shine. Tune in to discover how multiple horn players can harmonize, create counterpoint lines, and share the spotlight in jazz performances. Brent's insights will help you better understand ensemble playing and enhance your jazz skills. Don't miss this episode and make sure to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for more valuable tips and advice.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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-functioning practice engine,  progress will stall. He provides insights into how you can optimize your practice routines to ensure effective learning and improvement. He also offers practical tips for developing a strong practice engine.   This episode is packed with valuable advice to help you transform your practice sessions and accelerate your jazz journey. Tune in to discover how to fine-tune your practice engine and make the most of your musical efforts.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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 technique, whether it's instrument-specific or jazz-specific, doesn't have to be done in isolation. He uses the analogy of a pizza to illustrate how repertoire forms the crust, supporting everything else. This integrated approach allows musicians to practice technical skills and jazz language in a musical context, making the learning process more cohesive and effective.Ultimately, Brent encourages listeners to jump into learning songs while addressing technical gaps as they arise. He shares wisdom from his own experience. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their jazz skills and strike a balance between technical exercises and musical application. Tune in to gain valuable insights and take your jazz playing to the next level.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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 improvisational flair.  He also highlights the balance between structured composition and the spirit of jazz, which thrives on improvisation and personal expression. For those interested in jazz composition, this episode offers valuable insights into creating music that allows musicians to explore and inject their personality while maintaining the essence of the composition. Tune in to learn more about the art of jazz composition and get inspired to create your own musical masterpieces.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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 repetition and familiarity.Brent also emphasizes the importance of practicing leaving space in solos and suggests exercises to help with this, like alternating between playing and resting bars. He encourages listeners to practice improvising freely, without backing tracks or strict adherence to chord changes, to build confidence in their musical instincts. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help jazz musicians play more naturally and confidently. Don't miss out on this valuable advice—subscribe to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast today and take your jazz journey to the next level.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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 importance of considering the context and etiquette when deciding the length of your solo. He explains that understanding when to end a solo, whether in a jam session with multiple players or during a dinner gig, is crucial for enhancing the overall musical experience. By following these guidelines, musicians can ensure their solos contribute positively to the performance and respect the dynamics of the group. Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights on soloing and practical advice to enhance your jazz journey.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!