Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 8, 2024 • 15min
How to Prepare For a Jazz Performance
In this podcast, Brent discusses how to prepare for jazz performances, emphasizing reducing stage fright, improvising solos, and mastering jam session etiquette. He shares practical strategies for musical preparation and highlights the importance of understanding the musical context of a performance. Brent inspires musicians to step out of their comfort zone and take action towards progress.
Mar 7, 2024 • 14min
What Is Good Jazz Jam Session Etiquette?
Delve into jazz jam session etiquette with Brent as he discusses solo durations, preparation tips, and the art of ending a solo gracefully. Learn about volume control, instrumental balance, and prioritizing collective experience over individual prowess for a successful jam session.
Mar 6, 2024 • 14min
How Do I Deal With Stage Fright?
Explore practical strategies for managing stage fright in live performances, including deep breathing exercises and over preparation. Learn how seeking feedback can help cultivate a growth mindset and boost confidence on stage. Discover mental strategies for overcoming performance anxiety and fostering growth in music. Tune in to unlock your full potential as a musician!
Mar 5, 2024 • 13min
How Do I Get Licks To Come Out In My Solos?
Exploring the purpose of learning jazz licks, the importance of repetition and ear training, effective strategies for integrating licks into solos, and the process of incorporating jazz vocabulary into improvisational playing. Emphasizing the development of unique phrases and the evolution from imitation to personal artistic expression.
Mar 4, 2024 • 10min
How Important Is Reading Music Notation for Jazz?
Exploring the necessity of reading music notation in learning jazz, the podcast discusses different learning approaches, from sheet music to ear training. It emphasizes the benefits of improvisation and musical development by contrasting reading music notation and learning by ear. The value of being a proficient music reader and the advantages of ear training for musicianship in jazz are highlighted.
Mar 1, 2024 • 12min
Using Composition to Improvise Great Jazz Solos
This podcast delves into using composition to enhance jazz solos by emphasizing the link between theory and practical musical expression. It discusses how composition can help musicians internalize the musical language, develop improvisational skills, and track progress over time. The episode highlights the power of composition in fostering creative processes, shaping improvisational vocabulary, and facilitating musical growth.
Feb 29, 2024 • 11min
Are Pro Jazz Musicians Actually Improvising?
Exploring the true nature of improvisation in jazz music, discussing professional musicians' improvisational styles. Emphasizing the importance of preparation, drawing parallels between improvisation and natural conversation. Encouraging musicians to embrace their unique journey in mastering the language of jazz.
Feb 28, 2024 • 12min
How Do I Know the Real Melody to a Jazz Standard?
Exploring the importance of learning jazz standards by ear for a deeper musical understanding. Tips on identifying the authentic melody by referencing iconic singers like Frank Sinatra and original recordings by jazz legends. Emphasizing the connection to jazz standards and development of improvisational skills through ear-based learning.
Feb 27, 2024 • 11min
How Do I Use Triad Pairs?
Brent explains harmonizing triads within a diatonic context and introduces the concept of triad pairs for jazz improvisation. He provides insights on using different triads generated from a scale to create engaging and melodic lines. Brent offers valuable tips for incorporating triads effectively in jazz improvisation.
Feb 26, 2024 • 11min
Why Diminished Arpeggios Sound Awesome Over Dominant 7ths?
Learn how using diminished arpeggios over dominant 7th chords can enhance jazz improvisation, create tension and resolution, and add unique sounds. Explore the practical applications of this harmonic approach and gain valuable insights into jazz music theory.
