Episoder
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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 compelling. He discusses how to gauge when to end a solo, focusing on maintaining the quality of the music and avoiding the tendency to overplay.
Brent also shares practical tips for different scenarios, such as jam sessions and gigs, highlighting the importance of considering the context and etiquette when deciding the length of your solo. He explains that understanding when to end a solo, whether in a jam session with multiple players or during a dinner gig, is crucial for enhancing the overall musical experience.
By following these guidelines, musicians can ensure their solos contribute positively to the performance and respect the dynamics of the group. Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights on soloing and practical advice to enhance your jazz journey.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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 professional, such as the importance of being over-prepared, arriving early, and ensuring you have all your necessary gear. These foundational tips are crucial for setting yourself up for success and avoiding stressful, last-minute scrambles.
Whether it's controlling your volume to suit the venue or avoiding selfish playing that overshadows your bandmates, Brent suggests that understanding your role in the performance is key. He shares anecdotes to illustrate these points, highlighting the significance of making the gig enjoyable not just for yourself but for your audience and fellow performers as well.
Finally, Brent touches on maintaining professionalism during gigs, such as managing alcohol consumption and adhering to appropriate break lengths. He stresses the impact of your demeanor on the audience and the importance of maintaining a positive and professional attitude, even when mistakes happen. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that can help any jazz musician elevate their gig experience, making it a must-listen for those looking to improve their live performance skills.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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 learn. He acknowledges that different methods, such as theory and reading notated solos, can also be effective for some learners.
Brent introduces his LIST process for learning solos by ear, which stands for Listen, Internalize, Sing, and Transfer. This method ensures that the learner deeply understands the solo before attempting to play it, making the transfer to the instrument smoother and more intuitive.
To help listeners practice effectively, Brent recommends using tools like slow-down software to break the solo into manageable chunks and gradually learn it. He emphasizes the importance of quality practice time over quantity, ensuring that learners spend focused time with each solo to truly absorb the nuances of jazz language. Tune in to gain practical tips and insights that will enhance your jazz improvisation skills and make your practice sessions more productive and enjoyable.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this episode, Brent addresses a fascinating question from William Tino about the benefits of notating jazz solos. Brent explores the immense value of learning solos by ear, emphasizing how it enhances your ear, muscle memory, jazz vocabulary, and rhythm. This foundational skill is highly recommended by jazz educators and offers a significant return on investment for your practice time.
He explains that while notation can help document solos for later use or provide a visual aid for analyzing phrasing and rhythms, it might not always be the best use of your time. If you’re proficient with notation software and find it beneficial, it can certainly be a useful tool. However, Brent argues that learning solos by ear is primarily about absorbing jazz language organically rather than simply memorizing and reproducing it.
While notation can be a helpful supplement, Brent advices that it is not essential for mastering jazz improvisation. He encourages focusing on quality practice time and using tools that best support the learning journey. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a jazz enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you enhance your jazz skills and foster your creativity. Tune in to gain deeper insights and practical advice for your jazz journey.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this episode, Brent answers a listener's question about preparing for a jazz gig. Discover effective strategies for fostering creativity and reducing pre-performance anxiety. Brent emphasizes the importance of relaxation, the benefits of light warm-ups, and how listening to inspiring music can boost your creative energy.
Whether it's taking a break to refresh your mind or engaging in different practice routines, Brent highlights the importance of flexibility and avoiding overthinking. By focusing on your technical readiness and keeping your mind at ease, you can create a conducive environment for creativity to flourish.
Tune in to gain insights into Brent's personal routine for gig days and learn practical tips to ensure you're mentally and physically ready to perform. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you bring your best to the stage.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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Join Brent in this insightful podcast episode as he discusses the essential characteristics of a great jazz band and its members. Responding to a question from Arjun in the Netherlands, Brent explores the importance of musicians supporting each other, focusing on collective music-making rather than individual performance. He cites how unselfishness and a cooperative spirit are vital for creating outstanding jazz music.
Brent also emphasizes the significance of responsibility and preparedness in a band setting. From showing up on time to being well-prepared with all parts of a song, these traits are crucial for a successful group dynamic.
Listening skills are highlighted as a key component, enabling musicians to respond to each other's cues and adapt to different performance environments. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help you form and contribute to a stellar jazz band.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this engaging Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the crucial mindset required for jazz improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of focus, open-mindedness, and a willingness to make mistakes to excel in jazz improvisation. Brent stresses the significance of being open-minded to learning various approaches and techniques, even if they may seem challenging or unfamiliar.
Finally, Brent underscores the necessity of embracing mistakes and taking risks in improvisation. He encourages listeners to adopt a mindset that welcomes mistakes as opportunities for growth and exploration.
With practical advice and insights, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring jazz improvisers looking to enhance their skills and musicality.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this episode, Brent tackles a compelling question from listener Sebastian Watson about integrating jazz harmony and improvisation into other musical genres. Brent explores how studying jazz can deepen your musical knowledge and enhance your versatility, whether you're composing or improvising in different styles. By drawing from his own experiences and examples from other musicians, Brent illustrates how mastering jazz concepts can unlock new possibilities and transform your approach to music.
Brent also shares a personal anecdote about a guitarist who expanded his creative horizons. He highlights how jazz theory and ear training can bolster your skills and provide more freedom in your musical endeavors.
Tune in to discover how jazz can be a powerful tool in your musical toolkit, offering insights and techniques that transcend genres. Don't miss this episode for practical advice and inspiration on incorporating jazz elements into your musical journey.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this episode, Brent talks about the nuances of soloing over dominant chords in jazz, responding to a question from Alan Clayton, an Inner Circle member from Melbourne, Australia. Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of dominant chords within a progression, highlighting that knowing the chords before and after is crucial for effective improvisation.
He explains how focusing on chord tones and considering the overall function of the dominant chord can guide your note choices, making your solos more melodic and cohesive.
Brent also shares practical tips and illustrates these concepts with examples. By the end of the episode, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to navigate dominant chords and enhance your improvisation skills. Tune in to gain valuable insights and take your jazz playing to the next level.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this episode, Brent tackles an intriguing question from Thomas in Holland about mastering jazz intervals and chord tones. Brent breaks down essential exercises for playing chord tones, from basic 1-3-5-7 patterns to more advanced voice-leading techniques. He emphasizes the importance of chord tone mapping and how understanding and practicing these fundamentals can significantly improve your ability to play "in the changes," just like the pros.
Discover Brent's step-by-step methods for enhancing your jazz improvisation skills. You'll learn practical tips for incorporating extensions and how to use scales and patterns to elevate your musicality.
This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate complex chord progressions and create beautiful melodies. Don't miss out on this valuable episode—subscribe now and take your jazz playing to the next level!
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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In this episode, Brent talks about a listener's question regarding mastering the chord changes to "The Girl from Ipanema." He explores two essential methods for learning jazz chords and offers practical advice on chord recognition, pattern identification, and the importance of understanding theory. These are all aimed at helping you effortlessly memorize and navigate complex jazz standards.
Brent addresses common challenges musicians face when transitioning from chord melodies to understanding full chord progressions, offering step-by-step guidance and real-world examples. His practical advice and supportive teaching style will inspire you to tackle even the most complex jazz tunes with confidence.
Whether you're struggling with a specific tune or looking to deepen your overall jazz knowledge, this episode is packed with tips to enhance your learning process. Join the journey and discover how to simplify and categorize chords, making your jazz practice more enjoyable and productive. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion—subscribe now and elevate your jazz skills with every episode!
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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!
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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!
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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!
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
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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.
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 PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.
- Se mer
