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 3 hours 13 minutes
episode 20: 3 Mindset Shifts to Improve At Jazz Faster
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...
episode 21: What's the Best Way to Play Chromatic Jazz Lines?
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 notes: passing notes and approach notes...
episode 22: How to Get Better At Swing Feel and Jazz Phrasing
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...
episode 23: How Jazz Pianists and Guitarists Should Play Together
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...
episode 24: How Do I Play More Creative Ideas in My Solos?
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...
episode 25: How to Develop Your Own Sound
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...
episode 26: How to Use the Bebop Scales In Jazz
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...
episode 27: How Do I Analyze Chord Changes And Construct Solos?
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...
episode 28: How Much Do I Need to Practice to Get Great At Jazz?
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...
episode 29: Did the Jazz Greats Use Music Theory?
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...