Music

Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur

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Latest episodes

Season 2 Finale - 26 Top Tips For Playing Jazz

June 28, 2024 · 46 min

In this episode, Brent wraps up season two of the podcast with a special finale episode, reflecting on the journey and the changes implemented over the years. Originally starting in 2016, the podcast evolved from informal episodes to a…
Should Non-Bass Players Learn Bass Lines?

June 27, 2024 · 12 min

In this episode, Brent answers a question from Kevin Pritchett about the importance of bass lines for non-bass players. Kevin, a piano player, wonders if learning bass lines can benefit his playing and improvisation. Brent explains that…
How Do I Perform Solo?

June 26, 2024 · 15 min

Welcome to another episode where Brent answers your jazz and music questions five days a week. Today, we have an intriguing question from Ken Bryan from York, Pennsylvania, about resources and advice for a jazz guitarist aiming to perform…
How Do I Know What To Practice?

June 25, 2024 · 13 min

In this episode, Michael, a piano player, asks how to efficiently allocate practice time to various topics like scales, voicings, improvisation, and more. Brent emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 20% of practice that yields 80%…
How Should Horn Players Play Together In a Jazz Band?

June 24, 2024 · 8 min

In this episode, Brent responds to a question from Louis Thompson about the lead instrument in a small jazz ensemble with a trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and rhythm section. Brent discusses the dynamics of horn players working together…

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The Importance of Your Practice Engine

June 21, 2024 · 13 min

In this episode, Brent explores a crucial topic: the practice engine. He highlights the importance of mastering the art of practicing, explaining that it's not just about following routines but treating practice as a skill in itself. This…
Can I Work On Instrument Technique and Songs At The Same Time?

June 20, 2024 · 11 min

In this episode, Brent answers an insightful question from Robert Banagay about balancing technical proficiency with learning jazz standards. Robert, a musician returning to his instrument after a long hiatus, wonders if he can improve his…
How to Compose For a Jazz Group

June 19, 2024 · 9 min

In this episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question from Bruno Morelos about composing for a jazz band. Bruno wonders how professional jazz musicians handle compositions, especially when each band member has a solo. Brent explains that…
How Do I Not Overthink When I Solo?

June 18, 2024 · 10 min

In this episode, Brent tackles a listener's question about avoiding overthinking during solos. Anton Visser, a long-time listener, asks how to play more intuitively without feeling compelled to fill every bar with notes. Brent advises that…
How Long Should My Jazz Solos Be?

June 17, 2024 · 11 min

In this episode, Brent addresses a great question from listener Mani Murray about the appropriate length of a solo in different musical settings. Brent emphasizes that a solo should last as long as it remains interesting and musically…
The Worst Mistakes to Make At a Jazz Gig

June 14, 2024 · 16 min

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the common pitfalls musicians face when preparing for and performing at jazz gigs. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offers invaluable advice to ensure you’re fully prepared and…
How Do I Learn Jazz Solos by Ear?

June 13, 2024 · 10 min

In this episode, Brent tackles a fantastic question from Arjun about mastering jazz solos by ear. He highlights the importance of this skill for learning jazz language and improvisation, while also clarifying that it's not the only way to…

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About the show

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!