Season 2 Finale - 26 Top Tips For Playing Jazz

Season 2 Finale - 26 Top Tips For Playing Jazz

Author: Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur June 28, 2024 Duration: 46:20
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 structured season-based format in 2024, aiming to engage with listeners' questions. Throughout season two, Brent has provided invaluable insights and advice on various jazz topics. He encourages listeners to revisit past episodes to extract actionable knowledge...

There's a certain magic in hearing a great jazz standard played well, but the path from enthusiast to confident player is often shrouded in mystery. Learn Jazz Standards Podcast cuts through that fog with practical, actionable guidance delivered every week. Host Brent Vaartstra-a working jazz musician, author, and entrepreneur-draws from his own experience to demystify the process. He approaches the music not as an untouchable art form, but as a language you can learn to speak. You'll find that this podcast is less about abstract theory and more about the tangible steps you can take in your practice room. Episodes zero in on specific musical concepts, techniques, or standards, breaking them down into understandable parts. Brent answers the real questions musicians face, whether you're working on improvisation, chord voicings, or simply trying to internalize a tune's melody. Alongside these deep dives, the show features interviews with other musicians, sharing their stories and hard-won advice. The consistent thread is a belief that while jazz is challenging, it doesn't have to feel impossibly hard. If you're looking for a resource that feels like a trusted teacher offering clear direction, this is it. The Learn Jazz Standards Podcast builds a comprehensive toolkit, one episode at a time, for anyone committed to deepening their connection to this vibrant music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What Are Jazz Contrafacts and How Are They Useful? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:33
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 chor…
What's the Difference Between a Beginner and Pro Jazz Solo? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:27
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 minds…
How to Create a Setlist for a Jazz Gig [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:28
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…
How to Improve Rhythm and Syncopation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:10
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 le…
My Most Embarrassing Moment Playing Jazz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:50
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 anecd…
The 3 Steps for Jazz Improvisation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:13
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 basic…
How Do I Not Forget Jazz Licks I've Learned? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:57
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 unveil…
How Do I Improvise Over Giant Steps? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:15
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 strategie…
What Are Quartal Voicings and How Do You Use Them? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:30
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…
10 Jazz Solos You Should Learn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:24
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 storytel…