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!
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/podcast
Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 10 days 2 hours 15 minutes
episode 75: The Big Myth About Playing What You Hear
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...
episode 74: The Importance of Muscle Memory and Jazz Improv
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...
episode 73: How Do I Play What I'm Hearing In My Head?
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...
episode 72: Should I Plan Out My Jazz Solos?
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...
episode 71: Why The Blues Is Important For Jazz?
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...
episode 70: Steal My Jazz Gig Setlist!
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...
episode 69: What Are Jazz Contrafacts and How Are They Useful?
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...
episode 68: What's the Difference Between a Beginner and Pro Jazz Solo?
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...
episode 67: How to Create a Setlist for a Jazz Gig
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...
episode 66: How to Improve Rhythm and Syncopation
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...