Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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.


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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. 


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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!


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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!

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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.


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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!


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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.


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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.


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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. 


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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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.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent reveals the power of community in fostering long-term musical success. Drawing from his own unexpected journey as a newfound New York Rangers fan, he uncovers the transformative impact of shared interests and camaraderie in fueling passion and motivation.

Brent illuminates the profound connection between community engagement and musical growth, highlighting the importance of finding support, inspiration, and belonging within a like-minded group of individuals.  He challenges listeners to embrace the enriching experience of communal learning and collaboration as a catalyst for jazz mastery and fulfillment.

He offers a compelling blueprint for cultivating a supportive network that not only accelerates musical progress but also enriches the journey of jazz exploration with shared passion, camaraderie, and inspiration. Tune in to this enlightening episode to discover the secret to unlocking your full musical potential through the power of community.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent responds to a thought-provoking question from Peter Hakenan, a classically trained trumpet player seeking guidance on bridging music theory with improvisational prowess. Brent unravels the complexities of jazz improvisation, emphasizing the transformation of theoretical knowledge into musical expression.

Through engaging examples and step-by-step guidance, Brent empowers aspiring improvisers to transcend scale-based thinking and embrace the creative freedom of musical expression, fostering a deeper connection with the art of jazz improvisation.

By cultivating a diverse repertoire of jazz language and developing the ability to manipulate musical ideas, aspiring jazz musicians can unlock new avenues of artistic expression and enhance their improvisational fluency.

Join Brent for an enlightening exploration of the intersection between music theory and improvisation, where theory meets practice, and creativity flourishes in the realm of jazz.


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In this episode, Brent explores the intricate art of jazz phrasing, responding to a query from Suze, an Inner Circle member seeking guidance on refining her improvisational skills. Brent elucidates the essence of jazz phrasing, emphasizing its rhythmic nuances and expressive elements that transcend mere note choices.

By dissecting the rhythmic patterns and melodic contours of jazz standards, Brent empowers aspiring jazz musicians to internalize the language of jazz and develop their unique improvisational voice, fostering a deeper connection with the music and enhancing their artistic expression.

Furthermore, he underscores the importance of diversity in learning sources, urging listeners to explore a wide range of jazz musicians across different instruments to glean insights into varied phrasing approaches.  Join Brent for a transformative journey into the heart of jazz phrasing, where knowledge meets action, and practice yields profound musical growth.


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In this episode, Brent addresses an essential aspect of jazz improvisation raised by listener Keith Cramlinger: creating space in solos for a more melodic and musical expression. He shares practical insights and strategies to overcome common challenges faced by jazz players, whether it's developing longer musical phrases or avoiding overwhelming density in improvisations.

Brent highlights the importance of mindfulness, imitation, and rhythmic variation in crafting engaging and dynamic solos. By incorporating some techniques, he empowers listeners to cultivate a sense of spaciousness in their playing, fostering a deeper connection with the music and enhancing their improvisational prowess.

This episode offers valuable guidance and actionable strategies to elevate your improvisational artistry. Tune in to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and embark on a transformative journey toward creating more expressive, melodic, and compelling jazz solos.

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In this captivating episode, Brent explores the practical applications of Lydian and Lydian dominant scales in jazz improvisation, addressing a listener's query about using these scales effectively in soloing. Brent's clear explanations and musical examples demystify the Lydian scale's composition and its relationship to the major scale, making complex musical concepts accessible to listeners of all levels.

Brent's emphasis on experimentation and creativity underscores the essence of jazz music. By sharing practical tips and actionable insights, he emphasizes integrating the Lydian scale into the improvisational practice, fostering a deeper understanding of modal harmony and enhancing musical expression.

This episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration to elevate your playing and enrich your jazz journey. Tune in to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and embark on a musical adventure filled with discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities.


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In this Fast Track Friday episode,  Brent introduces the concept of the "tune of greatness," a powerful strategy for mastering jazz tunes while deepening musical understanding. Drawing from the teachings of jazz mentor Justin Nielsen, Brent elucidates how practitioners can select a tune they love and use it as a canvas for musical exploration and growth.

Brent offers practical advice for identifying an ideal "tune of greatness," emphasizing the importance of selecting a song that resonates deeply and shares harmonic commonalities with other jazz standards.

Through insightful examples and criteria, he empowers listeners to embark on a journey of musical discovery, leveraging their chosen tune as a vehicle for continuous improvement and creative expression. 


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Join Brent today as he tackles a common query from Craig about infusing pentatonic and blues scales with a jazzy flair. He begins by dissecting the essence of jazziness, exploring techniques to elevate these foundational scales into sophisticated improvisational tools.

Brent's insightful approach transcends mere scale manipulation, exploring the realm of musicality and language development within jazz improvisation. He encourages moving beyond rote scale patterns to embrace musical lines and licks that embody the jazz tradition authentically.

Through practical demonstrations and theoretical insights, Brent provides a roadmap for aspiring jazz musicians to cultivate a nuanced understanding of improvisational language. Brent's podcast offers invaluable guidance to elevate your jazz playing to the next level. Tune in to embark on a transformative journey of musical discovery and mastery.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In the latest episode, Brent addresses a pivotal query posed by Kevin Mummy: how to strike a balance between imitation and innovation in jazz practice. Brent underscores the importance of emulating jazz luminaries as a means of mastering the musical vernacular, advocating for techniques like solo transcription to absorb the language's nuances fully.

By exploring improvisation and composition, he contends that practitioners can unlock avenues for personal expression, paving the way for originality within the tradition. Brent provides a roadmap for aspiring jazz musicians to cultivate their unique identity while honoring the rich heritage of the genre.

With engaging anecdotes and actionable tips, his discussion resonates with jazz enthusiasts at all skill levels, from beginners seeking to build a solid foundation to seasoned players aiming to refine their artistic identity. 


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode,  Brent offers a comprehensive guide to essential jazz standards, answering a listener's question about the top 25 tunes every musician should know. With his extensive knowledge and infectious passion for jazz, Brent curates a diverse list that spans various styles and forms, from classic swing tunes to modal compositions and bossa nova classics.

By breaking down each selection and highlighting its unique characteristics, Brent provides invaluable insights for aspiring jazz musicians, offering a roadmap for building a strong repertoire and thriving in jam-session scenarios.

From iconic melodies like "Autumn Leaves" and "Take the A -Train" to lesser-known gems such as "Alone Together" and "St. Thomas," this episode serves as a treasure trove of musical inspiration and guidance. Brent's expert recommendations provide a solid foundation for embarking on a rewarding musical journey.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent discusses the intricate world of jazz theory, tackling listener questions and demystifying the elusive Phrygian mode. With his signature enthusiasm and clarity, he guides listeners through the nuances of scale theory, shedding light on the practical applications of Phrygian in jazz improvisation.

Brent's insightful explanations provide invaluable insights for jazz musicians at all levels, offering a roadmap for navigating complex harmonic landscapes with confidence and creativity. He makes abstract concepts accessible, empowering listeners to deepen their understanding of jazz theory and expand their improvisational toolkit.

This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to fuel your musical journey. Tune in to discover the transformative power of Phrygian and embark on a thrilling exploration of jazz theory with Brent as your guide.


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Join Brent on Fast Track Friday as he reflects on the week's themes and offers strategic advice for cultivating a mindset conducive to musical flow.  In this enlightening episode, Brent explores the intricacies of achieving a state of effortless improvisation, drawing parallels between musical performance and everyday experiences.

Through insightful anecdotes and practical tips, Brent explores the importance of relinquishing ego and embracing vulnerability to unlock the full potential of musical expression.  This episode offers valuable insights into transcending self-doubt and tapping into the limitless creativity of the human mind.

From letting go of the fear of failure to embracing the spontaneity of improvisation, Brent shares actionable strategies for fostering a deeper connection with music. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your musical journey and discover the transformative power of the flow state.


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Addressing a query from Patrick LeBlanc, this episode offers insightful tips from Brent on infusing quarter-note-based basslines with the infectious groove of swing. From emphasizing subdivisions to tastefully incorporating triplets, Brent provides practical strategies for enhancing the rhythmic vitality of basslines, catering to musicians of all levels seeking to elevate their jazz improvisation skills.

Through engaging anecdotes and expert analysis, this episode illuminates the art of jazz bass playing, offering a blend of technical expertise and artistic sensibility. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or an aspiring jazz musician, Brent's guidance on achieving rhythmic fluidity and musical maturity promises to enrich your understanding of jazz improvisation.

Subscribe now to the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and embark on a journey of musical discovery, where every episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for mastering the language of jazz.


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In this episode, Brent addresses Joss Martin's question about the balance between improvising and thinking about chord progressions during a solo. He highlights the importance of preparation in achieving the ability to improvise without conscious thought, emphasizing the role of practice, learning standards, and analyzing chord progressions.

Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, Brent explores the journey toward improvisational freedom, offering valuable strategies for developing a natural and intuitive approach to soloing.

Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion that will help you navigate the complexities of jazz improvisation and enhance your musicality. Subscribe now for more insightful episodes and expert advice on your favorite podcast platform.

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 In this episode, Kevin raises a query about comping on the piano, seeking clarification on placing the melody note within voicings. Brent breaks down the distinction between chord melody and melodic comping, emphasizing the importance of creating movement and melodies within accompaniment.

Through practical examples and clear explanations, Brent gives guidance in enhancing comping skills, offering valuable insights for pianists, guitarists, and other comping instruments.

Don't miss out on Brent's expertise as he explores the nuances of melodic comping and shares strategies for elevating your musical accompaniment. Subscribe now for more enriching discussions and jazz wisdom on your favorite podcast platform.


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In this episode,  Brent discusses the question of whether musicians should explore styles beyond jazz, particularly jamming with those who play country or rock. He emphasizes the immense value in venturing into diverse musical realms, citing the enrichment it brings to one's understanding of music as a whole. 

Brent encourages embracing musical exploration while recognizing the balance between mastering jazz and delving into other genres. He acknowledges the trade-offs involved, acknowledging that dividing time between different styles may slow progress in any one area but emphasizing the holistic growth it facilitates.

He concludes with a reminder of the importance of actionable knowledge and focused practice, inviting listeners to subscribe for more insights and discussions on navigating the multifaceted world of music.

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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent dives into the crucial topic of learning jazz solos by ear. Building upon previous discussions about jazz education and practice strategies,  he explores the multifaceted benefits of mastering jazz language through ear training. He explains the purpose behind this practice, highlighting how it strengthens ear-to-instrument connection, enhances rhythm and time feel, and fosters a deep understanding of the language of jazz.

Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, Brent emphasizes the transformative power of ear training in jazz education. He addresses common challenges faced by learners and encourages those navigating the sometimes tedious journey of learning by ear.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting your jazz journey, this episode offers invaluable guidance for honing your skills and mastering the language of jazz.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent tackles a thought-provoking question from Kevin Pritchett about the balance between learning at different speeds and knowing when to move on. Through insightful commentary and practical advice, Brent navigates the complexities of musical learning, offering strategies for maximizing practice time and achieving musical goals effectively.

Drawing on his experience as an educator and musician, Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding personal objectives and tailoring practice sessions to address specific needs, whether it's mastering technical execution or absorbing jazz language.

Whether you're grappling with tempo challenges or seeking guidance on optimizing practice routines, this episode provides invaluable insights to elevate your musical growth and enhance your jazz playing.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent talks about the nuances of jazz blues, responding to a listener's query about the differences between traditional 12-bar blues and its jazz counterpart. With clear explanations and musical demonstrations, he breaks down the chord progressions and structural variations characteristic of jazz blues, offering valuable insights for jazz musicians of all levels.

From the basic 12-bar format to more complex evolutions like the bird blues, Brent provides a comprehensive overview of jazz blues forms, emphasizing the importance of learning various jazz blues heads to enhance improvisational skills and repertoire.

Through practical examples and thoughtful analysis, Brent empowers aspiring jazz musicians to deepen their understanding of blues harmony and develop their improvisational prowess. With engaging anecdotes and helpful tips for effective practice, this episode promises to inspire listeners as they embark on their jazz journey.


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In this episode, Brent addresses a listener's question about soloing over modal tunes like "So What" or "Maiden Voyage." He breaks down the concept of modal jazz and offers practical advice for creating engaging improvisations over limited chord changes.

By explaining the modal scales associated with each chord and emphasizing the importance of melody creation, he provides valuable insights for jazz musicians at all skill levels.

Throughout the episode, Brent delves into the art of improvisation,  offering a crash course in modal harmony, and exploring triad patterns and chromatic notes while prioritizing creativity and expression. Through practical tips and musical demonstrations, he encourages elevating improvisational skills and embracing the rich possibilities of modal jazz.


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In this episode, Brent introduces a listener's question about classical violinists transitioning into jazz music. He highlights the challenges classical musicians face, particularly with improvisation, compared to their familiarity with sheet music interpretation. Brent breaks down the process of learning jazz for classical musicians by providing practical steps and insights. 

Throughout the episode, Brent emphasizes the importance of active engagement and experimentation in learning jazz. He encourages classical musicians, and musicians of all backgrounds, to embrace the process of improvisation and explore new musical territory with patience and an open mind. 

By demystifying the transition from classical to jazz music, Brent empowers listeners to embark on a journey of musical discovery and self-expression, reminding them that progress comes from consistent practice, experimentation, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones.

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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent discusses the critical importance of finding joy and happiness as a musician. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, he explores the detrimental effects of self-doubt and dissatisfaction on musical growth and fulfillment.

Through thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions, Brent invites listeners to explore the sources of happiness in their musical pursuits, whether through enjoyable practice routines, fulfilling challenges, supportive musical environments, or the right equipment.

Brent offers a refreshing perspective on overcoming obstacles and cultivating a positive mindset in the pursuit of musical excellence. Tune in to this episode for invaluable insights and inspiration to infuse your musical journey with joy, fulfillment, and lasting satisfaction.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this podcast episode, Brent discusses a fundamental music theory concept brought up by listener Andy Berry regarding the distinctions between scale tones and chord extensions. Brent equips listeners with a deeper understanding of how the elements of different chord extensions shape harmonic structures and contribute to the rich tapestry of jazz music.

With his expert guidance, he shares insights on how to navigate the nuances between scale tones and chord extensions. Through engaging explanations and insightful analogies, Brent empowers musicians to enhance their improvisational skills and expand their harmonic vocabulary.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a budding musician eager to deepen your understanding of music theory, this episode offers valuable insights to enrich your musical journey.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent addresses a common concern voiced by Cherie Vodica from Raleigh, North Carolina, about regaining confidence in playing with other musicians after spending a significant amount of time practicing alone, particularly due to the isolation brought on by the pandemic. Through insightful advice and practical strategies, Brent offers valuable guidance on overcoming self-doubt and preparing oneself for collaborative musical endeavors.

With a blend of empathy and actionable advice, Brent encourages taking proactive steps toward reconnecting with the joy of playing music with others. He advocates for a holistic approach that combines exposure therapy with deliberate practice.

By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and embracing a mindset of curiosity and resilience, musicians can navigate the transition from solitary practice to collaborative performance with confidence and enthusiasm.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent tackles an essential aspect of jazz theory: the minor 2-5-1 chord progression. Responding to a listener's inquiry, Brent provides a comprehensive breakdown of this foundational progression, elucidating its significance and outlining the various chord qualities and extensions commonly employed.

By going into the mechanics of the minor 2-5-1 progression, Brent shares practical knowledge and actionable insights to enhance one's understanding of jazz theory and improvisation. With a focus on demystifying complex concepts and offering tangible examples, he empowers musicians of all levels to navigate the intricacies of chord progressions with confidence and creativity.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a novice looking to expand your musical repertoire, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of jazz harmony and inspire new avenues for exploration in your musical journey.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this week's episode, Brent discusses a common struggle many musicians face: self-doubt. Through a poignant listener question, he addresses the pervasive nature of self-doubt and shares personal anecdotes, making it evident that even world-class musicians experience this phenomenon.

Throughout the episode, Brent offers actionable insights and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt. By reframing self-doubt as a natural part of the creative process, musicians can cultivate resilience and confidence in their abilities.

With Brent's guidance, listeners are empowered to navigate their musical journey with courage, curiosity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that will inspire you to approach music with acceptance and joy.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent revisits the week's episodes and delves deeper into the theme of playing what you hear. He reflects on a recent question posed during one of the Inner Circle's live Q&A sessions, where a member sought advice on the best approach to improvisation. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, he navigates the complexities of auditory perception and instrumental fluency, offering listeners invaluable guidance on cultivating a holistic approach to musical development.

Through a candid exploration of improvisational techniques and the nuances of musical expression, Brent empowers listeners to embrace trial and error as essential components of the learning process. He shares practical strategies for deepening the connection between auditory imagination and instrumental execution, fostering a nuanced understanding of jazz improvisation.

With engaging anecdotes and expert commentary, Brent embarks on a journey of musical discovery, giving encouragement to explore new horizons and embrace the joy of creative expression. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to playing jazz.

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In this episode, Brent discusses an intriguing question posed by listener Alan Kahn regarding the challenge of transitioning to a wind synthesizer from the trumpet and recapturing the ability to play by ear. Alan shares his previous experiences playing trumpet in various musical settings without extensive music theory knowledge, relying solely on his intuitive ability to improvise and captivate audiences. However, upon switching to the wind synthesizer and adapting to saxophone fingering, Alan finds himself grappling with the need to redevelop his capacity to play by ear. Brent expertly dissects Alan's dilemma, shedding light on the fundamental relationship between auditory perception and instrumental proficiency in jazz improvisation.

Brent emphasizes the critical role of muscle memory in bridging the gap between mental musical concepts and their execution on the instrument. Drawing parallels between conscious pattern recognition and subconscious improvisational fluency, He underscores the necessity of developing a profound understanding of one's instrument to unlock improvisational prowess.

Through practical examples and insightful commentary, Brent elucidates the intricate interplay between auditory acuity and technical mastery, empowering listeners to cultivate a holistic approach to musical development. With engaging anecdotes and expert guidance, he encourages musicians to embrace the journey of musical exploration and discovery, reminding them that true knowledge is manifested through action and deliberate, quality practice.


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In this episode, Brent addresses a crucial question posed by listener Troy West about bridging the gap between auditory imagination and instrumental execution in jazz improvisation. He offers invaluable insights and practical exercises to enhance the connection between what musicians hear in their minds and what they play on their instruments. He begins by discussing the fundamentals of ear training, emphasizing the importance of interval and chord recognition as essential skills for strengthening one's ear.

Brent highlights the inner circle's dedicated ear training course, "How to Play What You Hear," as a valuable resource for aspiring jazz musicians seeking to refine their auditory perception and improvisational abilities.

Continuing the discussion, Brent introduces two pivotal exercises: melodic dictation and learning melodies and solos by ear. Through melodic dictation, musicians develop the skill to swiftly translate musical ideas heard in their minds onto their instruments. Brent underscores the significance of this exercise in cultivating spontaneous creativity and strengthening the connection between auditory perception and instrumental execution.

Tune in to embark on a transformative journey of musical growth and mastery.


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent answers a thought-provoking question from listener Winfried Wilms about achieving a final version of improvisation. Through a captivating exploration, Brent unpacks the complexities of planning versus improvising in jazz solos. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a jazz musician and educator, he navigates the nuances of preparing for performances while maintaining the essence of improvisation.

He emphasizes the importance of balancing structured practice with spontaneity, highlighting how composition exercises can enhance improvisational skills without sacrificing creativity. Through insightful analogies to sports and music, Brent demonstrates the dynamic interplay between preparation, muscle memory, and improvisational fluency, offering valuable insights for musicians at any level.

Brent brings on a journey of musical discovery and growth, exploring the intersection of practice, performance, and creativity in jazz improvisation. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice, he empowers aspiring jazz musicians to embrace the joy of spontaneous expression while honing their craft through deliberate practice.


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In this week's episode, Brent delves into an intriguing question from listener Cliff Bryant: Which came first, the blues or jazz? Through a captivating exploration, Brent unravels the historical and musical connections between these two iconic genres. From the roots of the blues in African American culture to its profound influence on the birth of jazz in early 20th-century New Orleans, Brent paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness between these musical traditions.

Drawing upon his wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling, Brent demonstrates why understanding the blues is essential for any jazz musician and why it continues to resonate deeply in modern jazz and beyond.

Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the timeless significance of the blues and its enduring impact on diverse musical styles, from rock and R&B to hip-hop and pop. He highlights how the essence of the blues permeates modern jazz, even in avant-garde expressions, and underscores the importance of studying this foundational genre for jazz improvisation and musical understanding.

So tune in, subscribe, and join Brent on this fascinating exploration of the blues and its profound influence on jazz and beyond.


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In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent dives into the intricacies of crafting an effective set list for jazz gigs. With a keen focus on maintaining energy levels and providing variety, he will walk you through an eight-song set list example, offering valuable insights into song selection and sequencing.

From upbeat tunes like "My Shining Hour" to soulful ballads like "Misty," each song choice is carefully explained in terms of its impact on the overall vibe and flow of the performance. Brent's practical tips and strategic approach to constructing setlists provide aspiring jazz musicians with a blueprint for curating engaging and memorable live performances.

He demonstrates how thoughtful planning can enhance the audience's experience and keep them engaged throughout the gig. Whether you're a seasoned performer looking to refine your set list or a budding musician seeking guidance on structuring your repertoire, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to elevate your live performances.

Tune in now to discover how to create compelling setlists that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.


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In this engaging episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question posed by Tiago Leyte about contrafacts and their role in jazz improvisation. Explaining the concept of contrafacts as new melodies crafted over existing chord progressions, Brent shares the benefits of exploring and composing these musical variations. Drawing on examples like rhythm changes and the classic contrafact "Oleo" by Sonny Rollins, he demonstrates how creating original counter-effects can enhance improvisational skills by focusing on crafting expressive melodies rather than relying solely on scales and patterns.

He discusses invaluable insights into the process of composing counter-effects, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, singability, and thematic repetition. Through practical advice and demonstration, he encourages musicians to experiment with composing their own melodies over familiar chord changes, fostering a deeper understanding of melody and musical expression in jazz improvisation.

Don't miss this opportunity to unlock new creative avenues in your jazz journey by exploring the world of contrafacts. Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and practical tips to elevate your improvisational skills.


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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent addresses a fundamental question posed by Philip Sorge: What distinguishes a beginner jazz soloist from a master jazz soloist? 

Exploring the differences in mindset and approach, Brent touches on how beginners often rely on scales and patterns, while seasoned improvisers prioritize spontaneity and a deep connection between ear and instrument.

Highlighting the journey from mechanical execution to expressive improvisation, he offers insights into how active listening and learning by ear can help aspiring jazz musicians develop their own unique voices on their instruments.

Through insightful analysis and practical advice, Brent encourages jazz musicians to embrace a holistic approach to jazz improvisation, rooted in creativity, spontaneity, and a deep connection between musical intuition and instrumental proficiency.  Tune in to discover the secrets behind crafting melodies that resonate with the soul of jazz.


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In this insightful episode, Brent offers valuable insights on crafting the perfect setlist for jazz gigs, drawing from his extensive experience as a seasoned musician. Beginning with the importance of understanding one's role in performance, he discusses tailoring the setlist to suit different venues and atmospheres, whether it be background music for an upscale restaurant or energizing tunes for a lively bar setting.

He shares a structured approach and practical advice that contributes to a cohesive and engaging musical experience for both the audience and the performers.

From starting with high-energy crowd-pleasers to concluding on a memorable note, Brent's thoughtful recommendations provide practical guidance for musicians seeking to curate engaging and cohesive performances.

Don't miss out on Brent's upcoming Fast Track Friday episode, where he'll demonstrate how to apply these concepts with a sample setlist. Subscribe now to the podcast and elevate your jazz gig game to new heights!


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In this captivating episode, Brent explores the intricacies of rhythm and syncopation, offering invaluable insights and practical exercises to enhance your musical prowess.

Through a listener's inquiry about improving left-hand steadiness while navigating syncopated rhythms in the right hand, Brent expertly breaks down fundamental rhythmic concepts, guiding through various subdivisions and metronome exercises to strengthen their rhythmic foundation. With clear explanations and relatable examples, he demonstrates how to develop dexterity and independence between hands, providing valuable tips applicable to pianists and comping instrumentalists alike.

Brent's engaging discourse on rhythm and syncopation is sure to inspire and empower you in your quest for jazz excellence. Tune in to this enlightening episode and take the first step towards unlocking your rhythmic potential!


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In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent shares a candid and humorous account of his most embarrassing moment playing jazz, offering valuable insights and lessons learned from the experience. Through this relatable anecdote, he underscores the importance of rhythm and time feel in jazz improvisation, emphasizing that impeccable note choices and musical knowledge can be overshadowed by deficiencies in rhythmic proficiency.

Drawing from his own journey of improvement, Brent provides practical tips and exercises for enhancing one's sense of rhythm and inner subdivision. He also highlights resources available to Inner Circle members for further development in this crucial aspect of jazz musicianship.

With humor and humility, Brent encourages one to embrace their weaknesses and work diligently to strengthen their rhythmic foundation, ultimately fostering growth and confidence in their jazz improvisation endeavors. Tune in to this insightful episode for a dose of inspiration and practical guidance on the road to becoming a better jazz musician!


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In this episode, Brent explores the foundational elements of jazz improvisation, answering a compelling question posed by Martin Kendall: Can we establish globally applicable first three steps to jazz improvisation basics? With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Brent introduces the concept of the "three pillars of jazz improvisation," offering a comprehensive roadmap to enhance improvisational skills, regardless of whatever instrument one plays.

Through engaging examples and insightful commentary, he underscores the significance of jazz repertoire, jazz language, and technique as essential components for aspiring jazz musicians.

Beginning with the importance of learning jazz standards as the cornerstone of jazz improvisation, Brent navigates through the realms of jazz language acquisition, emphasizing the value of listening to jazz masters and internalizing their musical vocabulary. He then transitions seamlessly into the realm of technique, both instrument-specific and jazz-specific, highlighting the critical role they play in honing one's improvisational prowess.


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In this episode, Brent addresses a common concern among jazz musicians: how to effectively internalize and recall jazz licks and patterns for improvisation. Through engaging dialogue and insightful guidance, Brent unveils a transformative approach to learning and incorporating musical vocabulary into one's playing.

Drawing from his own experiences and the questions posed by Alain Londes, Brent challenges conventional wisdom, emphasizing that the goal isn't simply to memorize endless licks but rather to assimilate them into one's musical language authentically.

With a step-by-step breakdown, Brent outlines a dynamic process for integrating learned licks into improvisational freedom. From learning by ear and practicing in all 12 keys to re-composing and ultimately improvising, he empowers listeners to cultivate a personal musical voice rooted in genuine expression.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz practitioner or a budding enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your improvisational skills and unlock the true essence of jazz.


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In this episode, Brent discusses about the challenging realm of improvisation over John Coltrane's "Giant Steps." With a captivating blend of humor and expertise, he tackles Jeremy's question head-on, exploring strategies to navigate the complexities of this legendary jazz standard.

From unraveling the intricate chord progressions to dissecting Coltrane's improvisational techniques, Brent offers invaluable insights aimed at demystifying the daunting task of soloing over "Giant Steps."

Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding harmony, slowing down the tempo, and implementing melodic patterns. Drawing from his own experiences and the wisdom of jazz luminaries like Peter Bernstein, Brent equips aspiring jazz musicians with the tools and confidence to tackle this formidable composition.


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In this episode, Brent addresses a question from an Inner Circle member about quartal voicings and their application in chord progressions. Brent breaks down the concept, explaining how they differ from traditional chord voicings by being stacked in fourths rather than thirds.

He explores their versatility, emphasizing their common use in modal playing and how they can enhance chord progressions, even in traditional diatonic harmony settings like two-five-one progressions.

Throughout the episode, Brent offers practical insights and examples, demonstrating how quartal voicings can add depth and texture to playing while also acknowledging their inherent ambiguity. Drawing on examples from jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, he encourages experimenting with quartal voicings in various musical contexts, adding that understanding the sound we aim to produce is key to using quartal voicings effectively.


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Join Brent on another exciting episode for a deep dive into jazz solos worth learning. In this special Fast Track Friday edition, he reflects on the week's episodes and shares invaluable insights into the art of storytelling through jazz improvisation. From Miles Davis's iconic solo on "So What" to Chet Baker's emotive vocal solo on "It Could Happen To You," Brent highlights 10 captivating solos that offer valuable lessons in jazz language and storytelling.

Discover the melodic richness of Miles Davis's solos on "Freddie Freeloader" and "So What," perfect for beginners looking to delve into jazz improvisation. Explore the bebop brilliance of Charlie Parker's "Now Is The Time" and the thematic approach of Hank Mobley's "Someday My Prince Will Come" solo.

From the rhythmic mastery of Wynton Kelly's "Freddie Freeloader" to the raw emotion of Chet Baker's vocal improvisation, these solos offer a diverse range of styles and techniques for musicians of all levels.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your jazz vocabulary and enhance your improvisational skills!


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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Don't miss today's podcast where Brent answers a question by Anthony, a seasoned music educator who poses a thought-provoking question about developing the ability to create narrative-driven solos rather than relying on pre-learned licks.

Brent dives deep into this topic, offering actionable strategies to help musicians of all levels infuse their improvisations with compelling storytelling. From composing your own solos to playing free and practicing motivic development, he provides invaluable insights to help you break free from the constraints of lick playing and elevate your improvisational skills to new heights.

Join Brent as he shares not only practical techniques but also classic jazz solos that exemplify great storytelling. Tomorrow's Fast Track Friday episode promises to be an enriching exploration of jazz legends who masterfully weave narratives into their improvisations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your musical journey!


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Get ready to unlock the secrets of jazz learning tools and software with Brent on the latest episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast. Caitlin, an Inner Circle member, poses a question that resonates with all jazz enthusiasts: What software and tools are helpful for learning and practicing jazz?

Brent dives deep into this topic, providing valuable insights and recommendations for musicians of all levels. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to enhance your learning experience, whether you're transcribing melodies, practicing with backing tracks, or organizing your practice sessions. His thorough exploration covers essential tools like slow downers, backing track software, practice organizers like Audacity, recording apps, and music notation software, offering practical advice to help you level up your jazz skills.

Don't miss out on this enlightening episode packed with actionable tips and recommendations to supercharge your jazz learning journey!


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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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In this episode, Brent explores the world of jazz voicings. Phil, an Inner Circle member, poses a thought-provoking question about drop two voicings and their relevance across different instruments, sparking an insightful discussion.

Brent breaks down the concept of drop two voicings and their practical applications, not only for guitarists but also for horn and piano players. Through clear explanations and musical demonstrations, he reveals how drop two voicings can enhance harmony, create melodic possibilities, and add depth to improvisation.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting your jazz journey, this episode offers valuable insights into the versatility of drop two voicings and their role in jazz music. Tune in, subscribe, and share the podcast to explore new horizons in jazz playing!


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In this episode, Brent explores the intricacies of resolving licks and lines on chord tones, shedding light on why certain resolutions are more effective than others. Drawing from a listener's question about chord resolutions, he breaks down the importance of targeting specific chord tones like the third and fifth, rather than solely relying on the root note.

Through insightful explanations and musical demonstrations, Brent gives guides on how to incorporate these techniques into actual playing, offering practical exercises and jazz language insights. Tune in to enhance your improvisational skills and take your jazz playing to the next level.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your practice sessions with focused, effective techniques!


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In this episode, Brent reflects on the theme of motivation in practicing, an aspect crucial for sustained improvement and progress in jazz and music. With insightful commentary drawn from the experiences of Inner Circle members, he explores the various strategies to stay motivated and inspired on the musical journey. From cultivating a supportive community to setting performance goals and embracing quality education resources, Brent offers a holistic approach to keeping the fire alive in your practice routine.

Listen as you are treated to a wealth of practical advice and motivational insights, ranging from the importance of remembering one's "why" to the transformative power of engaging with great music. Whether you're seeking to reignite your passion for music or looking for actionable strategies to enhance your practice routine, this episode provides invaluable guidance to help you stay motivated and focused on your musical goals.

Tune in now to discover how to cultivate a mindset of sustained motivation and unlock your full potential as a musician.


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In this episode, Brent answers an intriguing question posed by Ben Collis about playing pianistically, a topic relevant to musicians of all instruments, not just pianists. Brent unravels the concept of playing pianistically, focusing on chord voicings and voice-leading techniques that can enhance musicianship across the board.

With insightful commentary and practical examples, he breaks down the essence of pianistic playing, offering valuable insights into chord voicings, voice leading, and the nuances of musical expression.

Dive into the comprehensive exploration of pianistic techniques applicable to various instruments, including guitar, saxophone, and trumpet.  Whether you're a seasoned musician or a budding enthusiast, this episode provides actionable advice and fresh perspectives to elevate your musical prowess.

Tune in now to discover how to infuse your playing with pianistic flair and unlock new dimensions of musical expression.


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In this episode, Brent tackles a common query from Inner Circle member James Abrams: How do you know when you've truly mastered a jazz tune and it's performance-ready? Through insightful commentary and personal anecdotes, Brent dives deep into the nuanced psychology of performance readiness, offering a wealth of practical advice for aspiring jazz musicians. He challenges the notion of ever feeling fully prepared for performance while providing a roadmap for achieving a level of readiness that instills confidence and competence.

Listen as Brent explores the perpetual pursuit of musical excellence, as he unpacks the essential components of performance readiness. With a refreshing blend of realism and encouragement, he empowers musicians to embrace the inherent uncertainty of performance while equipping them with the tools to navigate challenges with confidence.

Tune in to this episode for actionable insights, invaluable tips, and a newfound perspective on the journey to musical mastery.


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In this episode, Brent answers a thought-provoking question posed by an Inner Circle member, Aaron Albrecht: Should musicians consider learning a second instrument to enhance their jazz playing? Brent navigates the complexities of this inquiry by exploring the pros and cons, offering invaluable insights to listeners grappling with similar decisions. Through personal anecdotes and practical analysis, Brent illuminates the potential benefits of diversifying one's musical skill set while also acknowledging the inherent challenges and trade-offs involved.

Listen to Brent's journey of self-discovery and musical exploration as he unpacks the multifaceted implications of pursuing proficiency on a second instrument. From unlocking new perspectives and synergies to confronting the inevitable time constraints and sacrifices, Brent provides a nuanced framework for weighing the decision's merits.

With his signature blend of enthusiasm and expertise, he empowers aspiring jazz musicians to make informed choices that align with their goals and aspirations. Tune in to this enlightening episode for actionable advice, compelling anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on the age-old question of whether to embrace a second instrument in the pursuit of musical excellence.


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In this week's episode, Brent addresses one of the most common challenges faced by jazz musicians: staying within the form while improvising. Through an insightful listener question, Brent explores practical strategies to overcome this hurdle, emphasizing the importance of preparation and developing a strong sense of rhythm and time.

Valuable insights and actionable advice are discussed, as Brent points out the significance of thorough song preparation. He also shares effective practice techniques to enhance internal timekeeping skills.

By breaking down complex improvisation challenges into manageable exercises and emphasizing the iterative nature of practice, Brent empowers musicians of all levels to navigate jazz standards with confidence and proficiency and unlock the secrets to mastering improvisation while staying firmly rooted within the song form.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.


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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.

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Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
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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.

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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.

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In today's Fast Track Friday episode, Brent unveils the Bad Jazz Solo method, an innovative approach designed to revolutionize your practice routine.

The Bad Jazz Solo, represented by the acronym B-A-D, is a strategic tool for self-improvement. Brent walks you through the process, emphasizing the importance of bravery in leaving your ego at the door, taking risks, and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth.

By going into the process, you'll gain invaluable insights into your playing, discover your strengths and weaknesses, and then develop actionable strategies to address areas needing improvement. With Brent's guidance, you'll learn how to become your own jazz coach, unlocking new levels of self-awareness and musical proficiency.

Don't settle for mediocrity in your jazz playing. Tune in now to learn how the B.A.D Jazz Solo strategy can elevate your musical journey to a new level.


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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.


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 This podcast episode discusses about the common struggle of feeling stuck in your musical journey and offers actionable advice to reignite your progress.

Join Brent as he addresses a question from Inner Circle member Eric about overcoming the feeling of stagnation in your jazz playing. You'll gain valuable insights about recognizing and overcoming obstacles that may be hindering your improvement.

Discover the importance of taking breaks, analyzing your practice routine, and identifying areas for growth to maximize your practice time effectively. Brent's practical strategies and relatable anecdotes will inspire you to approach your musical journey with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.

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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.

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In this podcast episode, Brent is back to tackle another round of jazz music questions. Bernard from Germany asks a crucial question: how can he make his solos sound more like bebop without diving deep into learning all the different bebop scales?

Brent dives into the essence of bebop, highlighting its significance as the foundational dialect of jazz. While acknowledging the relevance of bebop scales, he suggests alternative approaches to infusing bebop style into your solos, emphasizing the importance of understanding chromatic passing notes.

Tune in to discover Brent's two key strategies for achieving that authentic bebop sound, promising to make your jazz journey less daunting and a lot more fun. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your jazz improvisation skills.

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Throughout the week, Brent has been uncovering the secrets of a game-changing concept: mastering jazz without touching your instrument. And now, on this Fast Track Friday episode, he's ready to share his ultimate strategy!

Get ready for a sonic adventure as Brent reveals how to dissect jazz recordings like a seasoned pro. Discover the hidden intricacies of your favorite jazz standards by marking their forms and uncovering the rhythmic and harmonic tapestry that lies within.

But that's just the beginning. he takes it a step further, showing you how to zoom in on individual instruments, from Miles Davis' evocative trumpet to Wynton Kelly's mesmerizing piano, unlocking a world of musical nuances you never knew existed.

So, if you're ready to take your jazz journey to the next level, don't miss out on this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast!

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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.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent tackles a common concern voiced by inner circle member Keith about preparing for gigs or recording sessions when away from one's instrument. Offering practical advice and insights, he discusses the importance of staying connected with music even when not physically practicing.

 Brent emphasizes the importance of staying connected with music through active listening as a form of practice, offering practical tips to internalize melodies, bass lines, and solos away from the instrument. 

Don't miss out on this insightful episode filled with actionable tips to level up your musical skills!

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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!

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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!

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Brent is wrapping up the week on the podcast with a Fast Track Friday episode, reflecting on the fascinating discussions from the week. Topics ranged from bebop scales to the role of music theory in the journey of jazz greats. However, he identifies a potential pitfall: the "patternistic" and linear approach often associated with theory and scales.

In response, Brent introduces a powerful exercise aimed at enhancing your melodic prowess. The focus shifts to allowing your ear and intuition to guide your improvisation, fostering a melodic approach over a theoretical one.

Learn through practical examples as he demonstrates the beauty of creating tension, resolution, and evolving melodies without the shackles of predetermined constructs.

 The exercise promotes a more organic, responsive, and melodic style of playing that aligns with the essence of jazz. 
 
 
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In this Learn Jazz Standards podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Tim Sly about whether jazz greats from the early days thought about music theory. He emphasizes how early jazz evolved spontaneously and wasn't necessarily written down.

Discover how jazz evolved without heavy reliance on theory, and why embracing both theory and ear training is crucial for a well-rounded musical journey.

Brent shares insights into the balance between learning by ear and understanding theory, creating a harmonious approach to jazz education.

Learn the role of theory in jazz while emphasizing the importance of improvisation and the rich heritage of this extraordinary musical genre.
 
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In this episode, Brent answers a question from Kevin, an Inner Circle member. This time, the spotlight is on a dilemma many players face: how much should you practice, and when does the time come to ease up?

Brent shares insights into the effectiveness of consistent, strategic, and enjoyable practice, emphasizing quality over quantity. Is it about practicing for hours on end, or can efficient and focused sessions get you where you want to be?

Discover the keys to mastering the art of practicing from the best jazz musicians and how it contributes to their proficiency. Whether you're starting your jazz journey or navigating the path to becoming a pro, this episode promises valuable insights to make your practice time truly count.

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In this podcast episode, Brent answers a question from Ed from St. Louis on how to construct killer solos when the breaks are short and snappy.

Whether facing a 12-bar blues or navigating complex jazz standards, Brent discusses his principles that hold the key to unlocking improvisational prowess.

Listen as he provides examples and encourages experimentation. Learn about his perspective on the practical application of bebop scales in improvisation. 

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In this podcast episode, Brent breaks down the application of bebop scales in major, dominant, and minor chords, revealing the magic of chromatic passing tones. He emphasizes viewing the bebop scale as a tool to grasp chromaticism in jazz language rather than as rigid improvisational rules.

Discover the art of improvisation and learn how bebop scales can elevate your jazz playing. Uncover practical insights and gain a fresh perspective on utilizing scales in your musical expression.

The goal is to deepen the understanding of the bebop scale's practical application in jazz playing.

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In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent discusses strategies for developing one's own sound in jazz improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of taking influence from a wide variety of jazz musicians, exploring other instruments, and diversifying musical influences outside of jazz.

Brent suggests that learning solos from musicians who don't play the same instrument can provide fresh perspectives and ideas. Additionally, he encourages the practice of composition as a means of internalizing and expressing individual musical ideas.

Finally, Brent recommends experimenting with different approaches to the instrument, such as exploring various scales, fingerings, or tunings, to foster creativity and unique sounds.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses Gary Cavallar's question on shifting focus from playing notes to creating more organic saxophone solos. Brent explores ways to enhance creativity and improvisation. He suggests analyzing habits and incorporating new tools to break repetitive patterns.

Learning more jazz language, including licks and solos from musicians, is crucial for expanding musical ideas. Brent emphasizes the importance of composition, either composing full solos or individual choruses, to internalize and refine ideas.

Lastly, he advises self-analysis by recording and evaluating one's playing to identify strengths and areas for improvement, thus fostering a more creative and natural approach to improvisation.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses the age-old question of proper etiquette when two chording instruments, such as guitar and piano, play together in a jam session.

He emphasizes the importance of serving the music and avoiding a chaotic clash of chords. Brent suggests various scenarios, such as taking turns comping or having one instrument play a more subtle role. Personal preference may lead to being the primary or secondary comper, but the key is always serving the music and respecting each musician's role.

The key is to prioritize musicality and ensure that everyone contributes to creating a cohesive and enjoyable musical experience.

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In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Roxanna, a classically trained pianist struggling with jazz rhythm and phrasing. Brent explains the essence of the swing feel in jazz, emphasizing the triplet-based rhythm. 

He advises starting with simple exercises, such as playing major scales with a swing feel. The discussion extends to jazz phrasing, highlighting the importance of learning by ear from great jazz musicians. 

Brent encourages musicians, especially those from classical backgrounds, to internalize jazz phrasing and rhythm through this immersive process, making it an integral part of their practice routine.

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In this podcast episode, Brent addresses Jacqueline's question about chromatic passing tones and accents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding swing feel and how it influences accenting in jazz.

Brent introduces two types of chromatic note and provides insights into accenting these notes, highlighting that accents often depend on individual musical intuition and can vary based on the context, the musician's style, and specific nuances in phrasing.

Brent encourages experimentation and learning from other musicians to develop a natural feel for accenting chromatic lines.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent discusses three mindset shifts to improve at jazz faster. The first mindset shift is the "growth mindset," inspired by Carol Dweck's book "Mindset," emphasizing the view that failures are opportunities to grow and learn, rather than fixed definitions of ability.

The second mindset shift is recognizing that "perfection is the enemy of progress." Brent encourages listeners not to obsess over perfection, but rather to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, especially in improvisation.

The third mindset is "less is more," advising musicians to focus on fewer elements in their practice sessions, allowing for better retention and improvement. Brent emphasizes the concept of focusing on one jazz standard a month in the Learn Jazz Standards inner circle to illustrate the effectiveness of this mindset.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent answers a question from inner circle member Kevin Pritchett about recognizing and using secondary dominants in jazz standards.

Brent explains the concept of secondary dominants and he illustrates the idea using a one, six, two, five chord progression in the key of C, emphasizing the importance of turning the six chord into a dominant seventh chord to tonicize the following two-chord. He highlights examples of secondary dominants in jazz compositions, such as rhythm changes and "But Not For Me."

He addresses Kevin's question on recognizing and applying secondary dominants by emphasizing the importance of analyzing jazz standards, learning new tunes, and understanding where secondary dominants naturally occur.

Brent concludes by discussing the application of tension and resolution in improvisation over secondary dominants, showcasing how jazz musicians enhance their lines with added complexity and interest.

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In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from a listener named Lewis. Lewis is interested in transitioning smoothly between unrelated keys in jazz improvisation, specifically dealing with non-diatonic chord progressions. 

Brent emphasizes the importance of thinking about voice leading, even when faced with unrelated chords. He uses examples from jazz standards like "Beatrice" and "Well You Needn't" to illustrate the concept. Brent suggests focusing on resolving notes melodically and encourages listeners to experiment with various ways of connecting unrelated chords. 

He also touches on the importance of instrument navigation, suggesting that musicians explore different registers and positions to enhance their ability to connect chords seamlessly. 

The episode concludes with a reminder to practice creatively and address specific musical challenges systematically.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses a question from Jim about learning jazz on non-traditional instruments, specifically the bluegrass-style five-string banjo. Brent emphasizes that, regardless of the instrument, all musicians need to focus on common aspects of jazz, such as learning songs, playing melodies, understanding chords, and improvisation. 

He highlights that the core principles of playing jazz apply universally, regardless of the instrument played. Brent discusses the instrument-specific challenges that musicians may face but emphasizes that these are limitations specific to the instrument, not the genre. He mentions examples of ukulele, dobro, and lap steel players in the LearnJazzStandards Inner Circle, demonstrating how musicians with diverse instruments can contribute and learn together. 

Brent also provides insights into how the Inner Circle can assist musicians on non-traditional instruments with its instrument-agnostic approach, offering resources like chord tone maps, guide tone maps, jazz solos, and ear training. 

The episode concludes with Brent encouraging musicians to embrace the uniqueness of their instruments and explore the possibilities of playing jazz on any instrument.

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In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from David Garcia about his biggest challenge in jazz. Brent candidly discusses the significant obstacle he faced throughout his jazz journey—the fear of sounding bad. 

He emphasizes how this fear, rooted in concerns about ego and judgment, can impede progress, hinder creativity, and diminish the joy of playing music. 

Brent shares his personal experience of gradually overcoming this challenge by adopting a growth mindset, embracing mistakes, and focusing on the joy of the musical journey. He highlights the importance of mindset in jazz and suggests that at least 50% of playing music is about cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset. 

Brent concludes by encouraging musicians to equally prioritize their mental well-being alongside technical proficiency in their musical endeavors.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses a strategy to improve improvisation. He discusses the common issue of playing short and choppy phrases in solos and suggests an exercise called the "subdivisions exercise" to overcome this habit.

The exercise involves playing continuous quarter notes, eighth notes, and triplets against a metronome or backing track to develop longer flowing eighth note lines. Brent encourages musicians to exaggerate this process to make playing continuous lines feel more natural.

He emphasizes the importance of incorporating longer flowing lines to enhance the professionalism of a solo. The episode concludes with a reminder about the significance of taking action on acquired knowledge and engaging in effective practice.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses a question from Paul Elwood about connecting scales/arpeggios and improvisation. Brent emphasizes that scales and arpeggios are foundational tools but suggests a shift in mindset from thinking about chord tones or scales to improvising more instinctively.

He introduces a framework involving learning, recomposing, composing, and improvising to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and creative expression.

Brent encourages musicians to experiment, let their ears guide them, and embrace the joy of improvisation. The episode concludes with a reminder about the importance of knowledge in action and focused, effective practice.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent answers a question from Marlene about ghost notes in jazz soloing. He describes ghost notes as less intentional and more of a stylistic and phrasing element in jazz improvisation.

Using the example of Charlie Parker's "Scrapple from the Apple," Brent illustrates how ghost notes are integrated into jazz melodies. He emphasizes that ghost notes are best learned organically through playing and phrasing jazz in a certain style, rather than planning them deliberately.

The episode concludes with a reminder about the importance of knowledge in action and the effectiveness of focused practice.

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In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent explores the question of who the greatest jazz guitarist is. Acknowledging the subjectivity of such a determination, Brent highlights influential figures like Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery, and many other jazz guitar legends.

Emphasizing the importance of studying various players regardless of one's instrument, Brent encourages listeners to delve into the unique sounds and styles of these guitarists to enhance their own musicality.

The episode concludes with a reminder that knowledge without action and quality practice is not truly beneficial.

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In this episode, Brent from Learn Jazz Standards addresses a question from Elmer Pickett about hand position on the guitar neck to enhance ease of play and minimize the risk of injury.

Brent emphasizes the importance of technique in playing jazz well but acknowledges exceptions. He shares a personal experience with bassist John Patitucci providing guidance on hand position.

Brent explores the idea that the best technique is the one that allows you to play your best, citing examples of famous musicians with different approaches. The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritize good posture and technique to avoid injury and ensure longevity in playing.

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In this podcast episode, Brent introduces the "One Jazz Standard Strategy for Jazz." The philosophy behind this strategy is rooted in the belief that the most effective way to improve jazz playing is by learning new songs.

The strategy involves dedicating one month to learning a single jazz standard, focusing on the melody, chords, and choosing one specific area of improvement.

The approach aims to deepen understanding, address weaknesses, and manage practice expectations effectively. This focused strategy has proven successful for students, emphasizing the quality of practice over quantity. 

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In this episode, Brent addresses a question about balancing learning new jazz songs and retaining previous ones, especially with limited practice time. He highlights the importance of mindset, emphasizing that not every song needs to be remembered forever.

The key is understanding the purpose of learning a song for playing with others or educational benefits. Brent suggests incorporating periodic review sessions into practice routines, dedicating time to refresh and maintain the songs already learned.

Balancing learning new songs with occasional review helps strike an effective practice routine.

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Brent discusses the role of metronomes in jazz practice, responding to a question about the pulse metronome. He emphasizes that metronomes help develop internal time and a steady time feel.

Suggesting online metronomes, he provides exercises for flexibility in time feel. Brent underscores the value of playing with recordings and adapting to different tempos, urging musicians to use metronomes judiciously as one tool among many.

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In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Cliff Dunn about counting while soloing. Brent advises against counting while soloing, emphasizing the challenge of trying to coordinate two different tasks simultaneously. 

Instead, he recommends practicing feeling the time and provides various strategies, such as listening to recordings, working with a metronome, and breaking down the feeling of a measure. Brent encourages musicians to focus on feeling the music in their bodies and offers practical tips to improve time perception during solos.

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In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Ed Robinson about the preference between a jazz trio or a quartet. Brent emphasizes the value of playing with other musicians and highlights the diverse challenges and experiences that come with different band settings.

He shares personal insights, expressing a preference for a quartet setting with bass, drums, guitar (himself), and a saxophone. Brett encourages musicians to explore various settings to grow as jazz players and musicians.

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In this podcast episode, Brent talks about adopting the Batch Practice Method to improve jazz skills. and outlines a simple but focused approach to achieve measurable progress by breaking learning goals into small, manageable batches to master over multiple practice sessions before moving on incrementally.

Key steps include defining a concrete overall project like learning a new standard monthly, then batching subsets like intervals of melody, chords, or solos to deeply ingrain before adding more.

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In this episode, Brent answers a question from an inner circle member of the Learn Jazz Standards community, on whether musicians should think while improvising or just play what they feel.

Brent explains that the best improvisers utilize both conscious thinking to guide their playing and subconscious reactions to melodies and emotions.

He advises practicing 'playing free' without goals to enter a relaxed mental state, as well as deeply studying theory, chords, and licks in the practice room so this knowledge becomes instinctive during performances.

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In this episode, Brent answers a listener's question asking how to use melodic minor scales over dominant seventh chords in jazz improvisation. Brent explains music theory provides tools to conceptualize improvisation, though the goal is applying scales flexibly to add textures and flavors.

He demonstrates three uses of melodic minor scales: over half-diminished II chords in minor key progressions, a half-step up from the root of dominant V chords, and the root of minor I chords. Key takeaways are understanding scale applications as devices for tension and resolution rather than playing rigid patterns.

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In this episode, Brent answers a listener's question on who was the first jazz musician in history. He explains there is no definitive single originator but rather an evolution in New Orleans reflecting diverse musical and cultural influences.

Key musicians mentioned are Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong, among others. Brent emphasizes understanding jazz history and listening to key recordings to appreciate how the music developed and continues evolving.

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In this episode, Brent provides beginner jazz musicians advice on the best standards for learning jazz improvisation. He recommends simple tunes covering basic concepts like modal playing, blues forms, and ii-V-I progressions to get started.

Key takeaways explain building blocks like scales, relative major/minor keys, and chord/melody relationships.

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Today's episode marks the 2nd season of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast. Brent explains shifting the show's direction to better serve listeners by focusing on answering their specific jazz learning questions, with shorter 10-minute episodes four days a week and 'Fast Track Friday' strategy episodes. The host conveys excitement for the coming daily content and urges listeners to subscribe.

In this episode:

1. Taking Season 2 in a slightly different direction
2. New podcast schedule

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Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Okay, so this is the second time I'm restarting recording this episode. I want to get this right. So I am taking a break from the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, and I'm going to talk about what's gone into this decision, what this means for the future, what it means for you as the podcast listener, and why I'm actually incredibly excited about the future and you should be too.

And why this isn't goodbye by any stretch or any sort of way. I'll leave with that up front, but let's talk about that.

In this episode:

Why this isn't a goodbye...


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!

"Music and the opportunity for music is all around us. And you can find inspiration in conversation or just the rhythm of something happening around you. And so I would just take these snippets, get home, and say, what can I do with this?

And I would start to sing a melody around those words and think about what the story could be that surrounds those words."

That was Christian Schrader, a self-described hobbyist musician who recently created a pro jazz album. He described this as one of the biggest musical accomplishments of his entire life. And so if you're ever someone who's thought about reaching this really high aspirational musical or jazz goal, but just didn't feel like you had what it took, this is gonna be an inspirational episode.

I talked to Christian and we did an interview and just went through this whole process, went through his head, how did he create this album? And there are so many great lessons along the way. I'm excited for you to listen to this.

In this episode:
1.  Christian Schrader's "regular life" and his musical background
2.  Favorite jazz musicians who influenced his love for jazz
3.  How the album started and the little help he got from friends
4.  The process of completing his music
5.  On good attitude and the right 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!

Do you ever get that feeling when you're looking at your instrument sitting there in the corner and you just don't feel like picking it up? It's kind of a strange feeling because deep inside you're excited about music and jazz and you want to improve and you know you have that idea of practicing but then when you actually go to do it there's some kind of resistance there.

And sometimes the reason that is is because practicing can sometimes be boring. That is if you practice in a boring way.

So in today's episode, we're going to talk about five ways to make practice not boring so that you're having fun when you go to pick up your instrument and learn new things.

In this episode:

5 Ways to Make Practice Not Boring

1.  Practice things you like to practice
2.  Practice high-leverage activities, things that give you big results.
3.  Add purpose to your practice. Don't just be doing a meaningless task for no reason.
4.  Practice in a fun way, ways that are fun for you to practice.
5.  Practice with a goal in mind or goals in mind.

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!

If you're a complete beginner to jazz, this episode is for you. If you are an intermediate jazz player, this episode is for you. And if you consider yourself an advanced jazz player, this episode is also for you.

In today's episode, we are going to be talking about the fundamentals of learning jazz. Whether you are brand new and you need to know this information or you're somewhere down the line, it is important for us to continually revisit what actually works and what we actually do need to know when it comes to learning jazz, improving as jazz improvisers and playing as we've never, ever dreamed we could.

In this episode:

The 4 categories for learning jazz:

Category #1:  Fundamentals of learning jazz
Category #2:  Jazz Theory
Category #3:  The 3 Pillars of Jazz Improvisation
Category #4:  Practicing


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!

So a common piece of advice when learning jazz and becoming a better improviser, learning songs is you should do it by learning it by ear rather than reading sheet music. And there are a plethora of reasons why teachers will say this is a good idea.

However, for someone who is new to this idea or who was trained to read music or use tablature, this could be a very scary, foreign, and frustrating concept.

So in today's episode, I want to go over ten tips that I regularly share with my Inner Circle members for how to learn music by ear.

In this episode:

10 Tips for Learning Music By Ear

Tip #1:  Start small
Tip #2:  Adjust your expectations
Tip #3: Check your work with notation at first
Tip #4:  Use a slow-downer
Tip #5:  Learn more tunes
Tip #6:  Practice melodic dictation
Tip #7:  Practice ear-training fundamentals
Tip #8:  Mindfully listen to music
Tip #9:  Sing before you play
Tip #10: Have a process

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!

The best way to learn jazz and improve over time is simply to learn more songs, aka jazz standards. But those jazz standards, those songs are made up of chord progressions.

The good news is that even though there are a lot of complex chord progressions, or at least seemingly complex chord progressions in jazz standards, a lot of them come up time and time again, over and over.

So once you learn one jazz standard in two or three, you're going to start seeing those same chord progressions come up in many, many other ones. So what are the chord progressions that you need to know for jazz?

In this episode, we're going to talk about nine of them that are really common and you'll see come up a lot. 

In this episode:

1. The major 2-5-1 chord progression
2. The minor 2-5-1 chord progression
3. The major 1-6-2-5 chord progression
4. The minor 1-6-2-5 chord progression
5. Chord progression #5 is when the 3 chord replaces the 1
6.  Chord progression #6 is when the sharp one diminished, replaces the 6th
7.   The 1-4-3-6 chord progression
8.  The chromatic 2-5s or sidestep 2-5s
9.  The tritone sub of 5

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!

Hey, my friends, Brent here from Learn Jazz Standards. Here on the podcast for the month of August, we've been doing a themed month called Free Masterclass August, where I've been giving away different Masterclasses that we've done in the past here on Learn Jazz Standards, whether it be from our virtual summits, retreats or otherwise, just to, you know, it's the summer, it's the end of the summer. 

We're about to go into the fall coming up here soon, and I just kind of wanted to unleash a lot of value and information for you to kind of set you up for when perhaps you're going to be more active in practicing and getting back to it, improving and getting to your musical goals again.

Today's masterclass, honestly, if I'm being really honest with you, I had a little bit of a hard time pulling the trigger on sharing this one with you. The reason for that is because this is kind of one of our most valuable Signature Masterclasses that I usually ask for an exchange of an email address to receive this Masterclass.

So it usually is free, but of course, with the exchange of an email address. So I had a little bit of hesitation just kind of sharing this here on the podcast today. But again, in the spirit of the Free Masterclass August, I decided if it makes me feel just a tad bit uncomfortable, then it probably is a good thing just to unleash all the value on you this month and just help you improve.

So in that spirit, I'm sharing with you our masterclass called Jazz Standards Mastery Formula, our signature masterclass. It really sort of gives the big overarching philosophy behind our company, Learn Jazz Standards.

How do you learn to play jazz songs? How do you improvise over jazz songs? This is kind of like our approach and really is a lot of what we actually do in our Inner Circle membership. You will hear me give a little bit of a hard pitch for the Inner Circle membership at the end of Jazz Standards Mastery Formula here.

But just know that everything I teach here in this masterclass can be used outside of our Inner Circle membership. Our Inner Circle membership just makes it easier for you to execute on some of these things.

And also, just a little note as well is, obviously this masterclass was originally presented in a video format, so there are examples on the screen at times. There are visuals, there are slides. And so while you won't be able to see those today, you'll still be able to really get a lot out of just listening to the master class in itself.

So, my friends, our signature masterclass Jazz Standards Mastery Formula.

In this episode:

1. Secret #1: How to learn jazz standards so you don't get lost or forget them.
2. Secret #2: How to start improvising over Jazz standards from scratch, from zero to hero.
3. Secret #3: The 3-Step strategy for Skyrocketing your practice results, all while practicing less.
4. What has pizza got to do with this?
5. Applying the L.I.S.T. process.
6. Less is always more.


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!

Hey, my friends, Brent here from Learn Jazz standards. We are continuing our themed month of August called Free Masterclass August, where I'm giving away some Masterclasses here on the podcast that we've done in the past at various different events and mediums just to give a little extra special, a little bit of fun here and value for finishing up the summer so.

So, I hope you enjoy it. We've had some great Masterclasses this month on the podcast. Already today, I want to share a Masterclass that was given during our Learn Jazz Live Virtual Summit in 2022 by a team member of mine, Brett Pontecorvo.

And those of you who are Inner Circle members know Brett very well because he's in the community coaching, and he creates some of our content for our monthly Jazz Standard Studies. And he gave a really great masterclass that year called "Orchestrating Your Musical Breakthrough".

So, a lot of us sometimes feel a little stuck in our playing, feel like we hit plateaus, or perhaps just don't really understand that we have so much potential as musicians. And so what Brett does is he talks about in this Masterclass ways for us to start achieving a musical breakthrough.

That "AHA!" moment where you feel like you're improving and you get excited. That moment that we're all really searching for when we sit down with our instruments. So without further ado, let's go ahead and get Brett Pontecorvo on to give this masterclass, "Orchestrating Your Musical Breakthrough". 

In this episode:

Achieve breakthroughs and make progress in learning jazz with the following strategies:

1. Define a game you can win by setting clear and achievable goals with measurable victory conditions

2. Develop a strategy to achieve these goals by overcoming barriers like negative self-talk, lack of time, and lack of information 

3. Take consistent action by practicing regularly in short bursts, making the process fun, and sticking to your plan

4. Acknowledge your wins and progress to stay motivated, and repeat the process to continue improving. 

The overall mindset is to become the type of person who takes action and achieves breakthroughs through deliberate practice and persistence.

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!

Hey, my friend Brent here from LearnJazz Standards. We are continuing our themed month here in the podcast of free masterclass August, where I'm giving away different masterclasses that we've done in the past here on LearnJazz Standards.

Last week, we came out with a free masterclass podcast episode and we're continuing that on here in today's episode. So really excited to dive into this one. This particular masterclass was a masterclass that was conducted at our Inner Circle Retreat earlier this year.

Now this Inner Circle Retreat was an invite -only event for our Inner Circle members, our LearnJazz Standards Inner Circle members. So you'll hear a lot of stuff in the masterclass referring to the Inner Circle and the things that we do in the Inner Circle.

So of course, if that's something that you're interested in, definitely go check it out, lgsinnersercle .com, or you'll find the link to that in the description down below. And just to note, this was, of course, a live event. So it was conducted over Zoom.

I was sharing slide presentations and so on and so forth. So there are visual elements to it. However, the audio version of this is going to work just fine. You'll also notice as well during the masterclass that I'm referring to other workshops and masterclasses that are yet to come, this being the very first masterclass we conducted during this retreat.

And so while we won't be giving those away, especially out of respect for our Inner Circle members who pay to attend this, you'll still get a lot of value from the material presented here at this masterclass, 100% really valuable stuff here.

So I hope you enjoy this masterclass. This is called your best jazz playing ever.

In this episode:

Things that hold us back from attaining our jazz goals:
1. Doing the same things and expecting different results
2. Unrealistic expectations
3. Ineffective practicing
4. Loss of motivation

Steps to move us forward toward our jazz goals:
1. Step #1:  Complete a monthly project that sets you up to win every single time
2. Step #2:  Commit to taking 365 B.A.D. jazz solos
3. Step #3:  Master P.B.R. practice

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!

During the month of August, we are doing a themed month called Free Masterclass August. For over the next four weeks, I'll be sharing with you different masterclasses that we've come out with in the past on Learn Jazz Standards.

Masterclasses that range from topics on jazz improv and practicing and theory and really just all kinds of stuff to help you improve your jazz playing. These are special masterclasses that were presented at events such as our Learn Jazz Live Virtual Summits that we've had in the past and then a few other mediums as well.

A special treat here for August to kind of end the summer here and jump right into September next month where a lot of us are gonna be diving a little bit deeper. And so I wanna give you guys a little bit of ammunition here to take into after the summer is over and start practicing.

So while most of these masterclasses are originally in video, they work really well for the podcast and the audio format, you'll still get quite a bit from them.

Today's masterclass is from our Learn Jazz Live 2022 Virtual Summit that we had. And this masterclass is called How to Effortlessly Improvise Amazing Jazz Solos. This is a masterclass that I gave at our Virtual Summit and I know that you're gonna find it really valuable.

Talking about how we go from learning jazz language, like learning solos by ear and licks by ear, stuff like this to actually bridging the gap to playing live, like going out and actually improvising so that stuff comes out naturally. Go over some really important strategies for how to do that.

In this episode:

1. There is a significant gap between learning jazz solos and actually improvising during live performances. 
2.  The L.I.S.T. method - listening, internalizing, singing, and transferring - is an effective way to learn solos by ear.
3.  Learning jazz solos by ear is crucial for jazz improvisers to internalize the language and vocabulary necessary for improvisation effectively.
4.  The LCI Strategy: The LCI (Learn, Compose, Improvise) strategy is a simple approach to bridging the gap between learning jazz solos and improvising.
5.  Learn: The first step is to learn a jazz solo or part of a solo using the L.I.S.T method.
6.  Compose: Composing involves slowing down the improvisation process and creating music based on what the learner can imagine at the moment.
7.  Improvise: Improvisation is done in smaller sections or contexts rather than attempting to improvise over the entire piece at once.

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!

Imagine someone calls you for a jazz gig that's to be performed in a couple of weeks and they hand you the list of repertoire, 20 songs, and you don't know any of those songs. What would you do in order to learn a lot of jazz songs quickly and is it even possible?

Well, in today's episode, I'm going to be talking about strategies to help you do that, to be successful in a situation like this, as well as some strategies that will help you in the long term.

In this episode:

Strategies and tools to help learn a large amount of jazz repertoire quickly for an upcoming performance

1. Get the list of repertoire.
2. Create a playlist.
3. Use chord charts.
4. Focus on the melody.
5. Batch your learning.
6. Manage your expectations.
7. Long-term learning.
8. Develop musical skills.
9. Learn jazz standards deeply.
10. Practice regularly: Consistent practice and exposure to jazz music will help you improve your skills and make it easier to learn new songs quickly when necessary.

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!

Here at Learn Jazz Standards, our philosophy is that the best way to learn jazz and improve is to learn jazz songs, aka. Jazz Standards. The fastest the best way to improve is to simply learn more songs, even if you're starting at the very beginning of your jazz journey.

But there may be some holes for you for how to go about learning. Learning a song, especially a jazz song. It can be an overwhelming task. You may wonder what the best way to do it is, and you may wonder how to improve faster by learning jazz repertoire.

So, in today's episode, we're going to talk about just the best way to learn a jazz song.

In this episode:

1.  Considering the time frame for learning a jazz standard.
2.  Having a goal-oriented, focused practice based upon projects like learning a jazz standard in one month to improve exponentially over time.
3.  Going through the L.I.S.T. process.
4.  Learning the chords no matter what instrument you play.
5.  The "Batching" strategy.
6.  Applying one tool or strategy for improvising over a jazz standard.


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!

So, what does it take to become a jazz master? I'm talking about someone who plays jazz at the highest possible level, feels comfortable playing in any situation, and always plays amazing music that wows other people.

I'm going to talk today about what I see as the formula for becoming a jazz master, everything that you need to essentially become really good at to get to that level.

In this episode:

- A jazz master is someone who is proficient at playing jazz and their instrument, whether famous or not.
- Mastery doesn't mean reaching the highest level of expertise, as there's always room for growth and innovation.
- What it takes to become a jazz master:
      #1. Instrument proficiency
      #2. Ear-training
      #3. Music theory knowledge
      #4. Mastery of rhythm and time feel
      #5. Having an extensive repertoire
      #6. Great reading skills
      #7. Ability to play well with other people
      #8. Possesses a high level of confidence

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!

So you've probably heard the advice before that learning material in All 12 Keys is a great idea, whether it be for the sake of playing jazz or any other style of music.

You've probably heard this conventional wisdom before and wondered to yourself is it really worth my practice time to learn things in All 12 Keys, or is it really just this frustrating process that doesn't really have a lot of net benefit?

Well, in today's podcast episode, we're going to talk all about playing in All 12 Keys, the pros and the cons, as well as some tips for going about learning material in All 12 Keys.

In this episode:

1. Pros of practicing in all 12 keys include developing instrument mastery and a fuller understanding of improvisation.
2. Practicing in all 12 keys expands options and allows playing in different keys.
3. It enhances musical versatility and adaptability.
4. Transposing music into different keys improves ear training and tonal recognition.
5. It aids in understanding music theory and chord-scale relationships.
6. Practicing in all 12 keys improves overall technical proficiency.
7. It stimulates creativity and fosters new musical ideas in each key.
8. Practicing in all 12 keys builds confidence for diverse musical situations.
9. It inspires and opens up new musical possibilities.
10. It deepens musical fluency and facilitates effective communication with other musicians.
11. Transposing music into different keys promotes a deeper understanding of harmony.
12. It cultivates a connection and appreciation for various musical genres and styles.
13. Cons may involve the amount of work and transposing required, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

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!

One of the most important things that you can do is listen to jazz music, and that seems so simple, but literally you are practicing when you listen to jazz music.

You will become a better jazz musician, simply by putting on your headphones or putting them on the speakers and just listening to how this music actually sounds.

So today I'm gonna talk about 25 jazz albums that every jazz musician absolutely needs to know, absolutely needs to listen to.

In this episode:

1. Listening to jazz is essential for becoming a great jazz musician.
2. Being aware of different styles and artists in jazz is important for personal growth and inspiration.
3. Jazz albums can have a transformative effect on a musician's playing.
 #1: Louis Armstrong's "Complete Hot Five and Hot Seven Sessions"
#2: Duke Ellington's "Live at Newport"
#3: Count Basie's "The Complete Deca Recordings"
#4: Benny Goodman's "The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert"
#5: Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie's "Quintet Jazz at Massey Hall"
#6: "Charlie Parker with Strings" - Charlie Parker
#7: Sonny Rollins' "Saxophone Colossus"
#8: John Coltrane's "Blue Train"
#9: Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers' "Moanin'"
#10: "Sonny Side Up" by Dizzy Gillespie
#11: "Boss Tenors" by Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt
#12: "Soul Station" by Hank Mobley
#13: Wes Montgomery's "Boss Guitar"
#14. "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis
#15: "Time Out" by Dave Brubeck
#16:  "Mingus Ah Um" by Charles Mingus
#17: "The Shape of Jazz to Come" by Ornette Coleman
#18: "Giant Steps" by John Coltrane
#19:  "A Love Supreme" by John Coltrane
#20: "The Blues in the Abstract Truth" by Oliver Nelson
#21:  "Bitches Brew" by Miles Davis
#22:  "Head Hunters" by Herbie Hancock
#23:  "Heavy Weather" by Weather Report
#24:  "Bright Size Life" by Pat Metheny
#25:  "Deep Song" by Kurt Rosenwinkel

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!

The movie Whiplash came out in 2014 and it's about this young jazz drummer named Andrew Nyman, who is determined to succeed as a jazz musician, and he's driven by his demanding music teacher, Terrence Fletcher, who can be best described as a harsh, ruthless yet highly respected instructor who really has abusive teaching methods.

And Andrew the drummer, a student at college, can best be described as an overly ambitious young musician who is completely obsessed with improving and, of course, fulfilling his desire to be a great musician.

And when this movie first came out and I watched it I absolutely hated it. I hated it because to me it seemed like this completely wrong view of what it's like to be an aspiring musician or what it's like to be instructed by great jazz musicians.

Is it really this abusive, horrifying, stressful, deprecating experience? And for me, I just absolutely hated the notion that this could possibly be true. Or let's go to another movie that depicts jazz, La La Land, where Ryan Gosling plays a character, where he's this musician trying to make it, a jazz musician trying to make it in Los Angeles, and his personality type is that of a very narrow, single-minded, focused, overly obsessed musician who has to "sell out" by starting to play in a jazz fusion band in order to prove to his girlfriend that he actually can make a living in the music.

So really, even though I actually liked some of the depictions of jazz within this movie and what it's like to be a musician, I still hated the fact that it seems like the characters are just absolutely swarmed in this dark cloud that is raining on them with self-loathing, with obsession, with all of this negativity. And then I realized why I hate it so much. And it's not because, unfortunately, that it's entirely untrue, as I originally had felt when I first washed Whiplash. Sure, absolutely very exaggerated examples of a problem that can exist.

But nevertheless, there's always a little bit of truth in things that you find so repulsive. There's always something in there that's actually correct. So in today's episode, I want to talk about the dark side of jazz musician culture and what can be done about it and how you should be thinking about improving as a musician, and the way that you want to enjoy playing this music.

In this episode:

1. Questioning the kind of jazz community one wants to be part of and the relationship with music.
2. Exploring the dark side of jazz musician culture, starting with the perception of superiority.
3. The negative effects of perceiving jazz as superior to other music styles.
4. The unhealthy mindset of considering oneself a superior musician.
5. The importance of avoiding the perception of superiority and embracing a more inclusive view of music.
6. The dark side of the "practice until your fingers bleed" mentality and its negative impact.
7. Advocating for practicing smarter, not harder, and surrounding oneself with musicians who share this mindset.
8. The detrimental "school of hard knocks" mentality and abusive teaching styles in jazz education.
9. Encouraging a more supportive and nurturing approach to teaching and collaboration in the jazz community.

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!

Have you ever played sports on a team before? Perhaps while you were growing up, and if you've ever done that before, you probably had a coach.

Now, I know for a fact that you have gone to school before, at least to some degree elementary school, high school, perhaps even college and while you were in school, you had what's called a teacher, and the difference between a coach and a teacher is actually quite interesting, and that's really what we're going to talk about today.

When it comes to your jazz playing and improving as a jazz musician, which one do you need, a jazz coach or a jazz teacher? And depending on where you're at and what you need to accomplish at this given moment in your musicianship, one may be better than the other for you.

In this episode:

1. The difference between jazz coaches and jazz teachers.
2. The importance of having both teachers to improve as a jazz musician.
3. While free resources like podcasts and YouTube are helpful, investing in music education is crucial for growth.
4. A jazz teacher imparts new information and skills, such as scales, music theory, and specific techniques.
5. A jazz coach refines and improves knowledge and abilities, provides direction, and helps players progress.
6. Jazz coaches are valuable for those with a basic understanding of their instrument, who need guidance and a pathway to improve faster.
7. Teachers and coaches can overlap in their roles, and individuals may require both at different stages of their musical journey.
8. Using the "B.A.D." framework used by jazz coaches to help students analyze their solos and improve strategically.

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!

The melodic minor scale is one of those scales that can be used to explain what we call "chord scale theory" in jazz improvisation.  It's essentially like the mixture of a minor scale and a major scale, having the major third included in it, and you can do all sorts of different cool things, playing the melodic minor scale in different sorts of ways over top of different kinds of chords.

Well, in today's episode, I want to simplify all of that. Forget about all of the possibilities that you could use the melodic minor scale and jazz improvisation and narrow it down to three. That, I think, will be really helpful for you for using the melodic minor scale.

In this episode:

The melodic minor scale is a versatile scale in jazz improvisation.

1. Simplify the approach by focusing on three specific applications of the melodic minor scale.
2. Scales are tools for conceptualizing note choices, not the primary resource for improvisation.
3. The first application is using the melodic minor scale a minor third up from a half-diminished chord.
4. The second application is using the melodic minor scale a half step up from a dominant seventh chord, creating an altered sound.
5. The third application is using the melodic minor scale of the minor chord itself.
6. The melodic minor scale can provide altered sounds and substitutions for minor chords.
7. Understanding the melodic minor scale and its applications help develop patterns and muscle memory for improvisation.
8. Jazz musicians focus on hearing the scale's sound rather than analyzing each note.
9. The melodic minor scale provides pitch collections that sound good over specific chords in jazz standards.

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!

Hey, I've got a question for you. What's your relationship with music like? Is it good? Is it bad? Is it perhaps a little bit of both? 

Well, on today's episode, I'm gonna get a little bit vulnerable with you, share a little bit my personal life experience with music, my journey with music, and how oftentimes in this journey of playing music and exploring it and getting better, it was quite an abusive and unhealthy relationship. 

And this past of mine with a bad relationship with music has greatly informed how I approach teaching jazz and the way I help my inner circle members and beyond so that they don't have the same relationship with music for themselves. 

In this episode:

1.  My personal experience with music and how it has shaped his approach to teaching jazz.
2. Developing a strong attachment to your identity as a musician and the self-worth tied to your musical abilities.
3. The comparison game and the constant feeling of dissatisfaction with your own playing.
4.  The extreme practicing and the focus on becoming the best musician, leads to a skewed mindset.
5. The importance of dissatisfaction as a driving force for improvement that emphasizes the negative consequences of constantly feeling unsatisfied.
6.  The impact of stress and anxiety on playing, particularly when comparing yourself to others. 
7.  Avoiding the same mindset and mistakes others made by promoting a healthier and more enjoyable approach to playing music.

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

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"You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take".

 Have you ever heard that old Wayne Gretzky quote? That's the greatest hockey player that ever lived. Or was it Michael Scott from The Office? I get that one a little bit confused sometimes. Anyways, we're gonna talk about that quote, "You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take".

In today's episode, we're going to be talking about some musical mindset and how we can propel our music and our jazz playing forward.

In this episode:

1. The quote "You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take" is attributed to Wayne Gretzky, the famous hockey player.
2. The importance of taking action and not being afraid to try new things.
3. The analogy between hockey and music, emphasizing the need to take musical "shots" or try new ideas.
4. The significance of persistence and continuous practice in improving musical skills.
5. The idea of experimenting with different strategies and approaches to music to find what works best.
6. The concept of learning from mistakes and using trial and error to enhance musical abilities.
7. The role of improvisation in jazz music and the importance of taking risks and reaching for new ideas.
8. The connection between exploration and creativity in music.
9. The impact of AHA moments and how they can lead to breakthroughs in musical expression.

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

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Hey. Do you ever feel frustrated by your musical progress because you don't feel like you're improving quickly enough? Or do you feel overwhelmed because there are a lot of different things when it comes to playing jazz that you have to practice and learn?

Sometimes it feels like you're doing all this stuff in the practice room, but it just seems like a mess in your head and like you aren't really improving the way you want to. Perhaps a feeling of disorganization in the way that you're trying to improve as a musician.

Well, in today's episode, I want to talk to you about something that's going to be really encouraging and also really helpful, and that's the 1% mindset for high-achieving musicians. This mindset could be a huge game changer for you, and I want you to pay attention really closely.

In this episode:

1.  What is the 1% mindset for high-achieving musicians?
2.  How to overcome the loss of motivation
3.  How mindset can help you focus on the things that gives you sustainable benefits
4.  Know the mindset that I want you to start thinking more about and shifting towards
5.  Can the 1% mindset be measured?
6.  The 2 things that mindset does:
       - it propels you towards momentum
       - it starts shutting down unrealistic expectations
7.  The mindset of compounding musical improvement

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

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I recently ran a poll of over 2000 musicians playing all sorts of instruments over on our YouTube channel. And the question was, "What do you find most challenging about jazz improvisation?".

 And here were the options that we gave:

a) Creating melodic and cohesive solos
b) Understanding and applying jazz theory during improvisation
c) Developing a strong sense of timing and rhythmic feel
d) Building confidence to take risks and explore new ideas
e)Spontaneously connecting with other players during jazz jams

I'm about to reveal to you the answer and which one of those was the biggest challenge for musicians in this poll, as well as go through each five of these and give you actual strategies to improve on them.

In this episode:

The poll results show that out of 2000 musicians:
1.  51% said creating melodic and cohesive solos is the biggest challenge to jazz
                  improvisation.
2.  24% said that understanding and applying jazz theory during improvisation
3.  10% said developing a strong sense of timing and rhythmic feel
4.  9% said building confidence to take risks and explore new ideas
5.  7% said spontaneously connecting with other players during jazz jams
6.  The most important thing that you can do to create melodic and cohesive jazz solos
7.  How to do the melody development exercise
8.  Practicing with motivic development helps in creating cohesive jazz solos
9.  Learn and internalize jazz language
10. Composing your own solos helps in developing better improvisation
11. Jazz theory isn't thought about during jazz improvisation
12. How to develop a strong sense of timing and rhythmic feel
13. The essence of improvisation
14.  Playing with other musicians helps develop spontaneity in connecting with other
         players during jazz jams


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

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I'm wondering if you can identify with a personality type that I happen to identify myself with, and that is that of a high achiever. Now a high achiever is someone who just naturally always wants to be progressing, like isn't usually completely satisfied with where they're at in any arena of life and always wants to continue to go forward and get better, which has been a great thing for a lot of aspects of my life and has really helped me out and been a great tool.

 On the other side of things, sometimes it's actually been quite the detriment because not feeling satisfied with where you're at continually can be a big problem and you have to learn how to manage that.

Well, musicians and creative types often identify with this kind of personality type. They want to move past musical plateaus and become better musicians continually.

So, in today's episode, I want to talk about six things you can do if you find yourself on a musical plateau and how you can start overcoming that, and also managing the feeling of being on a musical plateau.

In this episode:

1. New podcast music intro
2. The phase of our brand new website
3. 6 things you can do when you find yourself on a musical plateau:
     #1. Take a break
     #2. Practice something different
     #3. Get expert help
     #4. Ask a fellow musician how you can improve
     #5. Audit your playing
     #6. Start a musical project

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!

Back when I was in college, going to music school, there was a running joke between me and my friends where we would, perhaps after practicing or playing a gig, proclaim that we had finally figured out the secret to jazz.

It was a funny statement, I guess you could say. But the reason we would say such a thing is because, you know, at times jazz can be a little bit befuddling, like, confusing and frustrating and feeling like you're stuck.

And how do you improvise better? How do you get to the next level? How do you sound like your favorite jazz musicians? It would be so easy if there is just a secret, right? There must be some kind of secret out there that if you just knew this secret, everything would be easier.

Well, that was a joke back then. But on today's podcast episode, I'm actually taking it a little bit more seriously and sharing with you what I actually do believe today, years later, is the secret to jazz improvisation.

In this episode:

1. The 2 Elements to the secret of jazz improvisations:
         Element #1: Being able to hear music in your head.
         Element #2: Developing muscle memory
2. Strategies to start developing element #1
3. How listening, composing your own solos, and learning solos by ear helps solidify
     what you hear in your head.
4. Practice patterns, scales, and arpeggios to develop or improve muscle memory.

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

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What if you could improve your jazz playing, and just by thinking about it? Sounds a little too good to be true?

Well, in today's episode, I'm going to show you how it is actually completely possible with 8 different strategies for simply thinking in improving your jazz playing.

In this episode:

1.  Deep listening
2.  Analyze recordings
3.  Analyze your own playing
4.  Establish jazz goals
5.  Develop a practice plan
6.  Visualize harmony
7.  Practice visualization
8.  Mentally reframe negative musical experiences

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

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What makes a successful jazz musician?

Today, on the podcast, I'm going to break down 10 habits that I find in successful jazz musicians, all the way from those who are just amateur players who are just trying to have a lot of fun to the best of the best jazz musicians that exist today in the world.

In this episode:

1.  Focus on mastering the art of practicing
2.  Record themselves
3.  Create feedback loops
4.  Learn the jazz language consistently
5.  Play with other musicians
6.  Consistent practicing
7.  Perseverance
8.  Experimentation
9.  Goal setting
10.  They seek help

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

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I got a special episode on the podcast for you today. On the show is Leander Young from the Improv Exchange, and we had a fun little conversation, actually, after I recorded a podcast for his podcast, and just started talking jazz, started talking about playing music, learning how to play music, great jazz musicians, a whole slew of other things.

I know you're going to have a lot of fun listening to this one and you'll learn some things along the way.

In this episode:

1. How Leander started playing drums
2. Between music and soccer
3. Leander's philosophy that contributed to his improvement
4. Memorable experience
5. How learning other styles of music helps
6. Leander's mentors and favorite musicians
7. About Improv Exchange
 
Important Links:
Visit Improv Exchange to listen to more of their podcasts
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!

Today, on the podcast, we're going to talk about "ghost notes", how to recognize them when you hear them, how to use them, and of course, what are they in the first place.

In this episode:

1. Definition of a ghost note
2. Sample of ghost notes from Scrapple from the Apple
3. How ghost notes are played on some instruments
4. Spotting ghost notes
5. Some artists who often use ghost notes
6. How adopting ghost notes can benefit your 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!

Having observed the playing of thousands of musicians through teaching online with Learn Jazz Standards, I've found that there are, in general, 3 different kinds of jazz musicians and I'm wondering which one of them you are.

So, today, on the podcast, we are going to talk about those 3 different kinds of jazz musicians, and we're going to dive deep into what the individual challenges that you may face as one of these jazz musicians and how to get to the next level at every single step.

In this episode:

1. The problems of jazz beginners and how to solve them
2. Getting off from the plateau of the intermediate phase
3.  The continuing journey of the advanced jazz musicians

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!

Back when I was in college, I studied with a great jazz guitarist in New York City named Steve Cardenas.

Steve is a fantastic jazz musician, tours around the world with lots of different artists, and has recorded albums. In all senses of the word, a very accomplished musician and seasoned jazz player.

In one of our lessons, one time, when I went up to his house in Brooklyn, he told me something that was slightly disturbing, at least to the way I was thinking about learning music and jazz at that time. And that was, he told me that he had never transcribed a jazz solo before.

And this shook me because many of us understand that conventional advice for learning jazz is to learn jazz solos by ear, transcribe jazz solos and he didn't do that, and that kind of threw me in a whirlwind and kind of turned my world around.

So, today, I'm going to talk about 5 reasons why you actually might not want to be transcribing jazz solos to learn how to play jazz and improve your solos.

In this episode:

1. What is transcribing in the jazz context
2. Transcribing solos is time-consuming
3. Transcribing solos is frustrating
4. Transcribing solos doesn't always translate to better solos
5. Transcribing solos won't help you develop your own voice
6.  Transcribing solos may not fit your learning style

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!

If you play guitar, saxophone, trumpet, bass, and piano, this episode is for you.

On this podcast, we talk about jazz improvisation and things that literally all harmonic and melodic instruments need to be doing to improve at playing jazz.

But, inevitably, there are certain technical elements of each one of these instruments that do need to be addressed that will help you actually play jazz better.

So, on today's episode, we're going through each one of these instruments. We're also going to talk about things that all of them need to do, and if you are not one of those instruments, you're going to learn something here today.

In this episode:

What all these instruments need to be doing to improve at jazz:
1. All of these instruments need to be learning jazz standards
2. Working on micro and macro jazz language
3. The technical aspects that each of these instruments need to be working on


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!

Hey, so we know there's a lot of jazz standards out there to learn and sometimes we wonder which ones should we be learning to be able to play with other musicians who play at jam sessions or even play at gigs.

And so, it can really be helpful to understand what the categories are that we need to be focusing on, the subgenres of jazz that will come up time and time again as far as tunes being called in public settings.

So, today on the podcast, we're talking about 7 categories of songs that you need to be learning for jazz.

In this episode:

The 7 Categories of Jazz Standards You Need to Learn
1. Blues
2. Rhythm changes
3. Great American songbook
4. Bebop
5. Modal
6. Bossa nova
7. Ballads

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!

Today, on the podcast, we are talking about chord extensions and alterations, what are they, how can we use them in our comping and how can we even use them in our soloing to spice up our jazz improv and jazz playing.

In this episode:

1. The 5 qualities of 7th Chords that are commonly used in jazz:
      a) Major 7th chords
      b) Dominant 7th chords
      c) Minor 7th chords
     d) Half Diminished chords
     e) Fully Diminished chords
2. What are Extensions and Alterations
3. Extensions we can add on top of the chords
4. Characteristics of suspended chords
5. Using altered extensions to create tension and resolution
6. The Basic structure of Minor 7th chords and their acceptable extensions and
     alterations

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

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I hear from a lot of you that a big goal is to play at a public jazz jam session. But there may be some barriers, either in your mind or your actual playing ability that is stopping you from actually doing that.

So, how do you prepare to play at jazz jam sessions and with other musicians in general?

That's why we're going to go back into the vault of the LJS podcast, pull out an episode where I get two of my good friends and professional jazz musicians, Wallace Stelzer and Diego Baldonado, and we have a discussion where we talk about this subject.

I know you're going to find it incredibly valuable.

In this episode:

1. What are some of the basics you need down to play live?
2. Watching jam sessions and taking notes
3. Using playing with others to practice vs. perform
4. How to know when you are ready to start going to jam sessions

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!

Today, on the podcast, I want to talk about thinking big.  Thinking big in your jazz playing. What I mean by that is aspiring to be something that you probably could never attain.

Perhaps it's playing just as good as Sonny Rollins, perhaps it's playing with your own band at the Village Vanguard. Audacious goals that are really, really difficult to attain, if not, impossible for you to attain.

I want to talk about how this kind of thinking will actually propel you forward in your musical journey and will have a tremendous output for you when you allow yourself to think this way.

In this episode:

1. Thinking big: Why it's actually a good thing.
2.  Identifying your most audacious goals.
3.  Take your first steps toward the goal.
4.  Taking note of the elements of what makes jazz players great. 
5.  How projects trigger reward responses to create motivation.
6.  The dangers of thinking big.
7.  Recalibrating your expectations to energize you in the pursuit of progress.
8.  What is your audacious goal?

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!

One of my jazz mentors once said that the secret that pro-level jazz musicians have, some of the best jazz musicians in the world, is they've mastered the art of practicing.

In fact, he went on to say that, pro jazz musicians spend just as much time fine-tuning their actual practice as they do their actual jazz playing.

And so, today, I want to talk about the strategy called P.B.R. practice. Elements of practice sessions that will help set you up for success and jump-start your playing and help it improve a lot faster than it would, otherwise.

In this episode:

1.  What is P. B. R. practice
2.  The Planned Practice
3.  Different options for planning out a practice session
4.  The Batched Practice 
5.   The Regular practice

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!

So, tell me if you're going to relate any of this:

You want to go play at a public jam session, but you're kind of just afraid that you're not going to sound good and you're afraid of what the other jazz musicians are going to think of you and your playing.

Or, you go up to perform and all the eyes staring back at you make you tremble, make you clam up, and in general, it's just an incredibly uncomfortable experience that doesn't allow you to actually have fun performing and playing jazz.

Well, in today's episode, I'm going to share with you my personal experience with performance anxiety, whether it be for a crowd of people or in front of your peers, and how I've dealt with it and hopefully, you can learn a little bit from my story as well.

In this episode:

1.  Why we need to overcome performance anxiety
2.   When I started experiencing performance anxiety
3.   How jazz playing intensified my performance anxiety
4.   Factors that gradually helped me overcome my performance anxiety
5.   The best mindset for improving long-term as a 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

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Today, we're talking about the 6 lies of jazz success. Things that you've probably heard before are good things, but it turns out they actually aren't and could be holding you back from reaching your goals in your jazz playing, and becoming the musician that you want to be.

So, let's get ready to do this. Pay attention and grab your notebook.

In this episode:

The 6 lies about jazz success and the alternative ways to turn it around
Lie #1:  Everything you practice matters
Lie #2:  Practicing a lot of things gets more results
Lie #3:  We must practice the same things
Lie #4:  Willpower to practice can be summoned easily
Lie #5:  We must have balanced practice sessions
Lie #6:  Thinking big is bad

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!

So, we just got our Inner Circle Retreat this last weekend, and my friends, it was an absolutely amazing time. So motivating and so inspiring. A lot of our Inner Circle members came together. We did workshops, we did masterclasses, and we did group breakout sessions. It was an amazing time and we learned a lot together.

I want to share with you one little thing that we did talk about during the retreat 'cause I think it will be helpful for you as well, And that's this concept about playing "B.A.D" jazz solos and how playing "B.A.D" jazz solos all-year long could be the secret to massively and exponentially improving your jazz skills this year.

In this episode:

1.  What B.A.D. stands for
2.  Characteristics of a Brave solo
3.  What is an Audited solo
4.  Steps to Audit a solo
5.  Listen to my own jazz solo and how I audit it
6.  The Directional solo
7.   Looking at B.A.D. solos in a different perspective

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!

Hey, listen, there are a lot of jazz standards out there and it can be pretty overwhelming which ones to learn, how often should you learn a new one?

But if we can take all that pressure away and instead you are only responsible for becoming an expert in just one jazz standard? What would that look like? How would that work and how would that actually help you become a much better jazz player at all the other jazz standards out there as well?

So, I'm going to dive into that today. We're going to be talking about discovering your tune of destiny and how to utilize this strategy.

In this episode:

1. The concept of the "Tune of Destiny" by Justin Nielsen
2. The 3-Track System for Skyrocketing Your Jazz Playing
3. Criteria for picking a song of your destiny
      a) one that you really enjoy playing
      b) it contains a lot of common chord progressions in most jazz standards
      c) level of difficulty
4. How learning your song of destiny contributes to your progress at learning the
     other jazz standards and vice-versa.
5. Call to 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!

400 episodes of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, wow! So, I'm going to talk about this episode today, everything that I've learned over the last 400 episodes of recording and producing the show.

In this episode:

What I've learned over the course of creating 400 podcast episodes:
1.  Musically
2.  Personally
3.  About teaching music
4.  About content creation
5.  The future of Learn Jazz Standards Podcast


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!

We are 2 days away from the year 2023, and if you're listening to this episode it very well could be the year 2023. And a lot of people like to use the new year as a new beginning, or perhaps, a new chapter.

So, regardless of whether you're into the idea of new year's resolutions or the traditional sense of what that actually means, I do think it's a good idea to create a plan for what you're trying to achieve within the next year.

You listen to this podcast because you want to become a better jazz musician. You're excited about it, you enjoy playing jazz, and you want to sound like the musicians that you look up to and admire.

So, in this episode, we're going to talk about how to become a great jazz musician in the year 2023. I got a lot of important tips for you.

In this episode:

Important tips on how to become a great jazz musician in 2023

1) Make a goal to learn 1 jazz standard per month.
2) Improvise and record a lot
3) Continuously audit 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!

Today, on the podcast I'm going to be sitting down and improvising a little bit over a jazz standard that I like to play and just giving myself an opportunity to explore some new ideas, to allow myself to get musically creative.

I like you to join me in the process and see what you can discover along the way as well.

In this episode:

How I improvise on East of the Sun in 6 different ways
1. 1st jam session:  Improvising freely with no constraints
2. 2nd jam session: Focusing more on improving melodic direction
3. 3rd jam session: Expanding my improv throughout the range of my instrument
4. 4th jam session: Do a solo using more chord voicings
5. 5th jam session: Applying motivic development
6. 6th jam session: Making the lines more bluesy

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!

Alright, my friends, today's episode is going to be a bit cringy for me, but I'm going to do it anyways. We're going to be back to episode 1 of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast and it was called 4 Habits for Better Practicing.

And I'm going to look through those 4 habits, that advice that I gave all the way back in 2016, and show you what's changed and what stayed the same as far as my advice goes with jazz practicing and improvement and all that good stuff.

In this episode:

- What has changed and what I think should stay the same about my advice in 2016 on the following:
1. Practicing Habit #1: Set goals and write them down
2. Practicing Habit #2: Remove distractions
3. Practicing Habit #3: Practice what is ailing you, not what you are already good at
4. Practicing Habit #4: Be consistent

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!

Have you ever heard of "binge practicing" before? So, binge practicing is kind of what it sounds like, it's where you are practicing for large amounts at a time.

And you can also binge practice often, so you are binge practicing frequently. It's kind of like binge-watching Netflix. It's like you watch 5 hours one day and 5 hours the next day, and it keeps on going on like that.

Well, today, I want to talk about the pros of binge practicing and the cons of binge practicing for your jazz playing.

In this episode:

The pros of binge practicing
1.  Drastic improvement in technical proficiency
2.  Sheer exposure
3.  Gain more confidence in playing

The cons of binge practicing
1.  Tendency to get burned-out
2.  Inability to sustain binge practicing which leads to frustration
3.  Inability to notice one's progress
4.  Tendency to practice mindlessly
5.  Exposure to possible injury

- Recommendation

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!

Today, on the podcast, I'll be talking about 32 jazz standards that I had my students in my Inner Circle membership learn for very specific reasons that I want to share with you.

And I want you to also see, out of these jazz standards, which one do you know and which ones would you be interested in learning so that they can help you improve your jazz playing.

In this episode:

- Short demo and reasons why I chose these jazz standards for my students:
1) On The Sunny Side of the Street
2) Out of Nowhere
3) Recorda Me
4) Song for My Father
5) Misty
6) Doxy
7) Bye, Bye, Blackbird
8) Blues for Alice
9) Wave
10) Beautiful Love
11) In A Mellow Tone
12) Oleo
13) Impressions
14) Georgia On My Mind
15) Four
16) Beatrice
17) Softly, As In The Morning Sunrise
18) There Is No Greater Love
19) Corcovado
20) Yardbird Suite
21) My Shining Hour
22) Up Jumped Spring
23) Yesterdays
24) Darn That Dream
25) St. Thomas
26) But Not For Me
27) Black Orpheus
28) Giant Steps
29) Sandu
30) How High the Moon
31) Blue In Green
32) East of the Sun (West of the Moon)
- Call to 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!

Today's episode is what I would consider to be probably the most valuable episode I've ever come out with. And I hope that it becomes one of the most popular episodes I've ever come up with because I truly believe this is really important information that you need to be paying attention to.

We're gonna be talking about the 4 elements of mastering a jazz standard. Being able to play a jazz standard comfortably, being proficient at it, improvising great solos over it. Exactly what you need to do step-by-step.

In this episode:

1. Element #1: Mastering the melody
2. The L.I.S.T process
3.  Element #2: Mastering the chord tones
4.  Element #3:  Mastering memorization
5.  How spaced repetition helps
6.  The "secret sauce"
7,  Element #4:  Mastering improvisation
8.  Options for acquiring musical language
9.  Practicing improvisation
10. The Bonus Element
 

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!

Today on the podcast, I wanna show you 2 ways you can start improving your jazz improvisation today.

And I wanna share with you a few different people that I know who recently have implemented these things and have made clear progress in their jazz playing.

In this episode:

1. How 2 LJS Inner Circle members applied concepts to improve their jazz improv
2. Isolating a musical concept learned and experimenting with it
3. Addressing roadblocks to desired progress
4. Good tools for looping sections of a backing track

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!

So,  what is the secret to playing more creative jazz solos, playing more creative melodies, playing more creative comping, more creative basslines?

You name them. How do we become creative and tap into our inner creativity so it doesn't just sound like we're playing formulated music or regurgitated music, but something that comes from us, sounds original, sounds organic, and exciting?

Well, that's exactly what I'm going to talk about in today's episode. 

In this episode:
1. How do we become more creative musically?
2.  Secrets to tapping our inner creativity
3,  Restrictive practicing
4.  Drawing inspiration from things that are musical and non-musical
5. The act of composition
6.  Frequency is the key
7.  The leap of faith

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!

So, it's the year 2009, I'm in college at that time, going to school in Seattle, Washington. And in Seattle, there is a jazz jam session at this bar called the Owl N' Thistle. Cool little dive bar, exactly what you want in a jam session, kinda smells like stale booze, all the good stuff, right?

So, I go for the first time, even the second time, third time, fourth time, fifth time. Honestly, it really doesn't matter at this point in my life. The same feeling inside of my body was always the same, it was just always the same, and that was terrified, tightness, stress, and anxiety before I went up to play. I was scared, I was horrified to play.  I had serious problems with performance anxiety.

Now, also at the same time, some of my colleagues within the school, players that were a little bit older than me, a little bit more experienced than me, noticed that I was playing really tensely. They would look at my body when I was playing, when I was jamming with them and they would see that my shoulders would crunch up, that my hands were very tense and rigid.

And they point that out to me and said, "Brent, you know I feel like there's a lot of stress and tension in your body when you're playing, and even though you play a lot of good stuff, it's kinda coming across that way." So, the problem, my friends, is I had not figured out how to play music in a calm state.

So, in today's episode, what I wanna do is I wanna talk about the two sides of things. A- the performance anxiety side, but B - a secret to learning how to play calmly that we all can be working on and has helped me make a lot of improvements in this right now.

In this episode:
1.  How do we feel calm when we perform? 
2. 5 Tips for overcoming/avoiding  performance anxiety
4. Addressing the root cause and finding some tangible results
5. The secret to learning how to play calmly

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!

I got a question for you: Have you ever felt intimidated to learn jazz, or intimidated to play jazz with others, or perhaps you're someone on the outside looking in and it all looks a little bit overwhelming?

But, perhaps you're someone who is working on jazz right now, you're an avid practicer, but you feel often frustrated.

Well, there's a good chance that some of the reasons you're feeling that way are because of the culture of the jazz scene itself. the culture of the way this music is taught, the culture in which this music is played.

And I wanna talk about those problems today, break them down. But have hope you're one of those people I just described because I'm gonna talk a little bit of mind philosophies and how I believe things should work and just how we can create a more inclusive environment for those who want to learn how to play this music.

In this episode:

1. Jazz doesn't have to be that complicated: Feedback on a YouTube video comment
2. The easy ways to start learning jazz
3.  How important is learning music by ear to jazz playing
4.  Is there a best way to learn jazz?
5.  Breaking down some huge turn-offs in learning jazz
6.  Surviving in the intimidating jazz culture
7.  How we can help in creating a more inclusive environment for a better jazz culture

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