Season 2 Finale - 26 Top Tips For Playing Jazz
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
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 ..read more
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Should Non-Bass Players Learn Bass Lines?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Brent answers a question from Kevin Pritchett about the importance of bass lines for non-bass players. Kevin, a piano player, wonders if learning bass lines can benefit his playing and improvisation. Brent explains that understanding bass lines is valuable for all musicians, not just bass players because it helps in grasping chord tones, time feel, and melodic resolutions. He emphasizes that playing bass lines can enhance one's overall musicality and time-keeping skills. Brent shares his personal experience of learning bass lines and how it helped him during his early gigs wi ..read more
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How Do I Perform Solo?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
Welcome to another episode where Brent answers your jazz and music questions five days a week. Today, we have an intriguing question from Ken Bryan from York, Pennsylvania, about resources and advice for a jazz guitarist aiming to perform solo at venues like bars, restaurants, and parties. Brent discusses this topic, sharing his personal experience and offering valuable tips for anyone looking to enhance their solo performance skills. Brent emphasizes the importance of finding a solo guitar style that resonates with you. He recalls his college days and the profound influence of Peter Bernstei ..read more
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How Do I Know What To Practice?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Michael, a piano player, asks how to efficiently allocate practice time to various topics like scales, voicings, improvisation, and more. Brent emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 20% of practice that yields 80% of the results, advising musicians to prioritize practicing what ails them the most or where they have the most potential. Brent shares practical tips to identify strengths and weaknesses. He also introduces the concept of the three pillars of jazz improvisation. By focusing on these pillars, musicians can streamline their practice routine and ensure they're ..read more
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How Should Horn Players Play Together In a Jazz Band?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Brent responds to a question from Louis Thompson about the lead instrument in a small jazz ensemble with a trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and rhythm section. Brent discusses the dynamics of horn players working together, exploring various approaches for melody and improvisation.  He explains how horn players usually play in a jam session. Brent emphasizes the importance of listening and adapting to each other’s playing to create a cohesive sound. Whether it’s harmonizing, creating counterpoint lines, or trading off the lead, there are numerous ways for horn players to col ..read more
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The Importance of Your Practice Engine
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Brent explores a crucial topic: the practice engine. He highlights the importance of mastering the art of practicing, explaining that it's not just about following routines but treating practice as a skill in itself. This approach, he emphasizes, differentiates amateur musicians from advanced players and is essential for significant progress in jazz playing. Brent illustrates his point by using the analogy of a car. Even with the best resources and tools, without a well-functioning practice engine,  progress will stall. He provides insights into how you can optimize your ..read more
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Can I Work On Instrument Technique and Songs At The Same Time?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Brent answers an insightful question from Robert Banagay about balancing technical proficiency with learning jazz standards. Robert, a musician returning to his instrument after a long hiatus, wonders if he can improve his technique while simultaneously diving into jazz tunes. Brent introduces the concept of the three pillars of jazz improvisation explaining how they interconnect and can be practiced together to enhance one's jazz playing. Brent emphasizes that working on technique, whether it's instrument-specific or jazz-specific, doesn't have to be done in isolation. He us ..read more
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How to Compose For a Jazz Group
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Brent tackles a fascinating question from Bruno Morelos about composing for a jazz band. Bruno wonders how professional jazz musicians handle compositions, especially when each band member has a solo. Brent explains that jazz compositions often involve creating a theme with melodies and harmonic foundations, allowing musicians to improvise freely. Brent discusses how composers can incorporate specific elements while still giving musicians the freedom to add their own improvisational flair.  He also highlights the balance between structured composition and the spirit of j ..read more
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How Do I Not Overthink When I Solo?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
In this episode, Brent tackles a listener's question about avoiding overthinking during solos. Anton Visser, a long-time listener, asks how to play more intuitively without feeling compelled to fill every bar with notes. Brent advises that while it's important to practice and understand the theory, the key to natural-sounding solos is to let intuition and emotional connection to the music guide you. He compares this to the ease of tying your shoes, which becomes second nature through repetition and familiarity. Brent also emphasizes the importance of practicing leaving space in solos and sugg ..read more
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How Long Should My Jazz Solos Be?
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast
by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
1M ago
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 unde ..read more
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