
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


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 and reflect on their learning journey.
In celebration of the season, Brent shares his top 26 tips for playing jazz, highlighting essential practices such as active listening, learning solos by ear, and focusing on instrument-specific techniques. He emphasizes the importance of listening deeply to jazz music to truly understand its language and the benefits of transcribing solos to enhance ear training and muscle memory. Brent also stresses the significance of practicing techniques tailored to individual instruments, ensuring that technical limitations do not hinder one's ability to express musical ideas.
Concluding the episode, Brent underscores the critical role of rhythm in jazz, the necessity of developing a strong ear, and the value of frequent improvisation. He advises listeners to study jazz harmony to gain a comprehensive understanding of chord progressions and to establish a strategic practice routine to avoid aimless noodling. Brent's tips provide a roadmap for continuous improvement, encouraging jazz enthusiasts to engage deeply with the music and cultivate their skills methodically.
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 Podcast
Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!
By Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur4.8
449449 ratings
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 and reflect on their learning journey.
In celebration of the season, Brent shares his top 26 tips for playing jazz, highlighting essential practices such as active listening, learning solos by ear, and focusing on instrument-specific techniques. He emphasizes the importance of listening deeply to jazz music to truly understand its language and the benefits of transcribing solos to enhance ear training and muscle memory. Brent also stresses the significance of practicing techniques tailored to individual instruments, ensuring that technical limitations do not hinder one's ability to express musical ideas.
Concluding the episode, Brent underscores the critical role of rhythm in jazz, the necessity of developing a strong ear, and the value of frequent improvisation. He advises listeners to study jazz harmony to gain a comprehensive understanding of chord progressions and to establish a strategic practice routine to avoid aimless noodling. Brent's tips provide a roadmap for continuous improvement, encouraging jazz enthusiasts to engage deeply with the music and cultivate their skills methodically.
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 Podcast
Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

38,860 Listeners

154,067 Listeners

1,053 Listeners

153 Listeners

112,835 Listeners

14,317 Listeners

17 Listeners

28,462 Listeners

2,052 Listeners

10 Listeners

68,005 Listeners

16,096 Listeners

31 Listeners

40 Listeners

2,885 Listeners