Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

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!

I'm wondering if you can identify with a personality type that I happen to identify myself with, and that is that of a high achiever. Now a high achiever is someone who just naturally always wants to be progressing, like isn't usually completely satisfied with where they're at in any arena of life and always wants to continue to go forward and get better, which has been a great thing for a lot of aspects of my life and has really helped me out and been a great tool.
On the other side of things, sometimes it's actually been quite the detriment because not feeling satisfied with where you're at continually can be a big problem and you have to learn how to manage that.
Well, musicians and creative types often identify with this kind of personality type. They want to move past musical plateaus and become better musicians continually.
So, in today's episode, I want to talk about six things you can do if you find yourself on a musical plateau and how you can start overcoming that, and also managing the feeling of being on a musical plateau.
In this episode:
1. New podcast music intro
2. The phase of our brand new website
3. 6 things you can do when you find yourself on a musical plateau:
#1. Take a break
#2. Practice something different
#3. Get expert help
#4. Ask a fellow musician how you can improve
#5. Audit your playing
#6. Start a musical project
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!

Welcome to episode 189 of the LJS Podcast where today I have on special guest pianist and educator Brett Pontecorvo to talk about making time to practice and setting up a masterplan to achieve your musical goals.
Not having time to practice is a common complaint, but this episode crushes that limiting belief and shows you a path to achieve more in your musical life.
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
View Show Notes

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Welcome to episode 184 of the LJS Podcast where today we kick off "Jazz Blues Month!" In this episode, I discuss 3 reasons why you need to master the jazz blues.
If you go deep into understanding and navigating a jazz blues it will unlock countless secrets for becoming a great jazz improviser. Here's why!
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
View Show Notes

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

Welcome to episode 187 of the LJS Podcast where we conclude "Jazz Blues Month!"
In this episode, I cover my philosophy on mastering musical material, and it especially applies to jazz blues. No, it's not a bunch of fancy licks, shortcuts, and hacks. It's a real process. I dig into that and how you can start taking action.
Important Links:
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
View Show Notes

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!