

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

Feb 23, 2024 • 12min
The B.A.D Jazz Solo Strategy
Discover the B.A.D Jazz Solo strategy for self-improvement in jazz playing. Embrace bravery, take risks, and learn from mistakes to unlock new levels of musical proficiency. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses, create actionable strategies, and become your own jazz coach. Elevate your musical journey with Brent's innovative approach.

Feb 22, 2024 • 11min
What's the Best Way to Learn How to Improvise?
In this episode, Brent celebrates his birthday by making a simple request. A question from Rob about how to learn improvisation without extensive music theory knowledge is discussed. Brent offers a comprehensive approach to improvisation, beginning with a simple yet effective tool. He underscores the importance of experimentation and gradual improvement, encouraging embracing the process of improvisation. Moreover, he introduces the concept of learning jazz language by dissecting small licks and ideas, illustrating how to apply and personalize them in improvisation. Additionally, he suggests understanding chord tones and expanding repertoire as crucial steps toward advanced improvisation skills. With over 400 episodes dedicated to jazz improvisation, Brent emphasizes the significance of actionable practice and continuous learning. 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!

Feb 21, 2024 • 10min
What to Do If Your Playing Is Not Improving
Explore practical strategies to overcome musical stagnation in jazz playing. Learn the importance of taking breaks, analyzing practice routines, and identifying areas for growth. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to approach your musical journey with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.

Feb 20, 2024 • 11min
How to Play At Faster Speeds
Dive into the rhythm and speed of jazz with Brent on this latest podcast! In this episode, Brent tackles a question from Peter Bowen about developing an impeccable time feel and playing faster without losing your groove. With Brent's expert guidance, you'll uncover the secrets to mastering both the technical and rhythmic aspects of playing at lightning speeds.Discover how to cultivate a solid time feel by practicing with subdivisions and varying tempos, and learn practical exercises to elevate your jazz piano skills and improvisational language. Brent's actionable tips and insights will empower you to take your jazz playing to new heights.Don't miss out on this opportunity to fine-tune your musical abilities and unleash your full potential. 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!

Feb 19, 2024 • 10min
How Can I Play Bebop Solos Without Learning Scales?
In this episode, Brent shares strategies on achieving an authentic bebop sound in your jazz solos without solely focusing on bebop scales. He highlights the essence of bebop, stresses the importance of chromatic passing notes, and offers two key strategies for infusing bebop style into your improvisation. This insightful discussion promises to make your jazz journey more enjoyable and less daunting.

Feb 16, 2024 • 10min
How to Improve Just By Listening to Jazz
Uncover the secrets of mastering jazz without touching your instrument. Dissect jazz recordings to discover hidden intricacies. Zoom in on individual instruments, from Miles Davis' trumpet to Wynton Kelly's piano. Enhance your jazz playing skills through deep listening and focus on specific elements of the music.

Feb 15, 2024 • 10min
The Best Jazz Guitar Albums Ever
In this podcast episode, Brent dives into the realm of jazz guitar albums, offering listeners a curated selection of classics and modern masterpieces. From the pioneering work of Django Reinhardt to the innovative compositions of Kurt Rosenwinkel. Brent provides a diverse range of albums that capture the essence of jazz guitar. He also explores the unique collaboration between Sonny Rollins and guitarist Jim Hall, highlighting its significance in showcasing the guitar's comping capabilities. This episode offers a captivating journey through the evolution of jazz guitar and the timeless albums that define its legacy. Tune in to discover the sounds that have shaped jazz guitar and inspired generations of musicians.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!

Feb 14, 2024 • 9min
How to Practice Without Your Instrument
Learn how to practice and keep musical concepts fresh in your mind even without access to your instrument. Explore strategies for practicing jazz music without your instrument, including creating playlists, focusing on solos, and engaging in applied ear training.

Feb 13, 2024 • 11min
How to Use an Altered Dominant Chord
In this episode of the podcast, Brent delves into the intriguing world of altered dominant seventh chords. From understanding their basic structure to exploring their role in jazz harmony and improvisation, he provides invaluable insights and practical tips to help master this essential aspect of jazz music.This episode promises to demystify altered dominant seventh chords and elevate your understanding of jazz theory and improvisation. In addition to unraveling the mysteries of altered dominant seventh chords, Brent emphasizes the importance of persistence and continuous learning in the journey of musical growth. Tune in now and discover how to add depth and complexity to your playing with altered dominant seventh chords!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!

Feb 12, 2024 • 11min
How to Reharmonize Jazz Standards
Join Brent on another engaging episode of the podcast, where he dives into the captivating world of reharmonization. From basic concepts like tritone substitution to more advanced techniques like re-composition, Brent provides a crash course in reharmonization strategies that will take your jazz playing to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this episode promises valuable insights and practical tips to help you feel more confident improvising and have more fun than ever playing your instrument. Tune in now and unlock the secrets of reharmonization!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!