Learn Jazz Standards Podcast Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur

In this week's episode, Brent discusses a common struggle many musicians face: self-doubt. Through a poignant listener question, he addresses the pervasive nature of self-doubt and shares personal anecdotes, making it evident that even world-class musicians experience this phenomenon.

Throughout the episode, Brent offers actionable insights and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt. By reframing self-doubt as a natural part of the creative process, musicians can cultivate resilience and confidence in their abilities.

With Brent's guidance, listeners are empowered to navigate their musical journey with courage, curiosity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Don't miss out on this insightful episode that will inspire you to approach music with acceptance and joy.


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!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this Fast Track Friday episode, Brent revisits the week's episodes and delves deeper into the theme of playing what you hear. He reflects on a recent question posed during one of the Inner Circle's live Q&A sessions, where a member sought advice on the best approach to improvisation. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, he navigates the complexities of auditory perception and instrumental fluency, offering listeners invaluable guidance on cultivating a holistic approach to musical development.

Through a candid exploration of improvisational techniques and the nuances of musical expression, Brent empowers listeners to embrace trial and error as essential components of the learning process. He shares practical strategies for deepening the connection between auditory imagination and instrumental execution, fostering a nuanced understanding of jazz improvisation.

With engaging anecdotes and expert commentary, Brent embarks on a journey of musical discovery, giving encouragement to explore new horizons and embrace the joy of creative expression. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that promises to revolutionize your approach to playing jazz.

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!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this episode, Brent discusses an intriguing question posed by listener Alan Kahn regarding the challenge of transitioning to a wind synthesizer from the trumpet and recapturing the ability to play by ear. Alan shares his previous experiences playing trumpet in various musical settings without extensive music theory knowledge, relying solely on his intuitive ability to improvise and captivate audiences. However, upon switching to the wind synthesizer and adapting to saxophone fingering, Alan finds himself grappling with the need to redevelop his capacity to play by ear. Brent expertly dissects Alan's dilemma, shedding light on the fundamental relationship between auditory perception and instrumental proficiency in jazz improvisation.

Brent emphasizes the critical role of muscle memory in bridging the gap between mental musical concepts and their execution on the instrument. Drawing parallels between conscious pattern recognition and subconscious improvisational fluency, He underscores the necessity of developing a profound understanding of one's instrument to unlock improvisational prowess.

Through practical examples and insightful commentary, Brent elucidates the intricate interplay between auditory acuity and technical mastery, empowering listeners to cultivate a holistic approach to musical development. With engaging anecdotes and expert guidance, he encourages musicians to embrace the journey of musical exploration and discovery, reminding them that true knowledge is manifested through action and deliberate, quality practice.


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!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this episode, Brent addresses a crucial question posed by listener Troy West about bridging the gap between auditory imagination and instrumental execution in jazz improvisation. He offers invaluable insights and practical exercises to enhance the connection between what musicians hear in their minds and what they play on their instruments. He begins by discussing the fundamentals of ear training, emphasizing the importance of interval and chord recognition as essential skills for strengthening one's ear.

Brent highlights the inner circle's dedicated ear training course, "How to Play What You Hear," as a valuable resource for aspiring jazz musicians seeking to refine their auditory perception and improvisational abilities.

Continuing the discussion, Brent introduces two pivotal exercises: melodic dictation and learning melodies and solos by ear. Through melodic dictation, musicians develop the skill to swiftly translate musical ideas heard in their minds onto their instruments. Brent underscores the significance of this exercise in cultivating spontaneous creativity and strengthening the connection between auditory perception and instrumental execution.

Tune in to embark on a transformative journey of musical growth and mastery.


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!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this episode, Brent answers a thought-provoking question from listener Winfried Wilms about achieving a final version of improvisation. Through a captivating exploration, Brent unpacks the complexities of planning versus improvising in jazz solos. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a jazz musician and educator, he navigates the nuances of preparing for performances while maintaining the essence of improvisation.

He emphasizes the importance of balancing structured practice with spontaneity, highlighting how composition exercises can enhance improvisational skills without sacrificing creativity. Through insightful analogies to sports and music, Brent demonstrates the dynamic interplay between preparation, muscle memory, and improvisational fluency, offering valuable insights for musicians at any level.

Brent brings on a journey of musical discovery and growth, exploring the intersection of practice, performance, and creativity in jazz improvisation. With engaging anecdotes and practical advice, he empowers aspiring jazz musicians to embrace the joy of spontaneous expression while honing their craft through deliberate practice.


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!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this week's episode, Brent delves into an intriguing question from listener Cliff Bryant: Which came first, the blues or jazz? Through a captivating exploration, Brent unravels the historical and musical connections between these two iconic genres. From the roots of the blues in African American culture to its profound influence on the birth of jazz in early 20th-century New Orleans, Brent paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness between these musical traditions.

Drawing upon his wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling, Brent demonstrates why understanding the blues is essential for any jazz musician and why it continues to resonate deeply in modern jazz and beyond.

Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the timeless significance of the blues and its enduring impact on diverse musical styles, from rock and R&B to hip-hop and pop. He highlights how the essence of the blues permeates modern jazz, even in avant-garde expressions, and underscores the importance of studying this foundational genre for jazz improvisation and musical understanding.

So tune in, subscribe, and join Brent on this fascinating exploration of the blues and its profound influence on jazz and beyond.


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!
Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.