505 episodes

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!

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

    • Music
    • 4.8 • 439 Ratings

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!

    The 3 Steps for Jazz Improvisation

    The 3 Steps for Jazz Improvisation

    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 basics? With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Brent introduces the concept of the "three pillars of jazz improvisation," offering a comprehensive roadmap to enhance improvisational skills, regardless of whatever instrument one plays.

    Through engaging examples and insightful commentary, he underscores the significance of jazz repertoire, jazz language, and technique as essential components for aspiring jazz musicians.

    Beginning with the importance of learning jazz standards as the cornerstone of jazz improvisation, Brent navigates through the realms of jazz language acquisition, emphasizing the value of listening to jazz masters and internalizing their musical vocabulary. He then transitions seamlessly into the realm of technique, both instrument-specific and jazz-specific, highlighting the critical role they play in honing one's improvisational prowess.


    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.

    • 12 min
    How Do I Not Forget Jazz Licks I've Learned?

    How Do I Not Forget Jazz Licks I've Learned?

    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 unveils a transformative approach to learning and incorporating musical vocabulary into one's playing.

    Drawing from his own experiences and the questions posed by Alain Londes, Brent challenges conventional wisdom, emphasizing that the goal isn't simply to memorize endless licks but rather to assimilate them into one's musical language authentically.

    With a step-by-step breakdown, Brent outlines a dynamic process for integrating learned licks into improvisational freedom. From learning by ear and practicing in all 12 keys to re-composing and ultimately improvising, he empowers listeners to cultivate a personal musical voice rooted in genuine expression.

    Whether you're a seasoned jazz practitioner or a budding enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your improvisational skills and unlock the true essence of 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.

    • 11 min
    How Do I Improvise Over Giant Steps?

    How Do I Improvise Over Giant Steps?

    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 strategies to navigate the complexities of this legendary jazz standard.

    From unraveling the intricate chord progressions to dissecting Coltrane's improvisational techniques, Brent offers invaluable insights aimed at demystifying the daunting task of soloing over "Giant Steps."

    Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding harmony, slowing down the tempo, and implementing melodic patterns. Drawing from his own experiences and the wisdom of jazz luminaries like Peter Bernstein, Brent equips aspiring jazz musicians with the tools and confidence to tackle this formidable composition.


    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.

    • 14 min
    What Are Quartal Voicings and How Do You Use Them?

    What Are Quartal Voicings and How Do You Use Them?

    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 voicings by being stacked in fourths rather than thirds.

    He explores their versatility, emphasizing their common use in modal playing and how they can enhance chord progressions, even in traditional diatonic harmony settings like two-five-one progressions.

    Throughout the episode, Brent offers practical insights and examples, demonstrating how quartal voicings can add depth and texture to playing while also acknowledging their inherent ambiguity. Drawing on examples from jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, he encourages experimenting with quartal voicings in various musical contexts, adding that understanding the sound we aim to produce is key to using quartal voicings effectively.


    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.

    • 9 min
    10 Jazz Solos You Should Learn

    10 Jazz Solos You Should Learn

    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 storytelling through jazz improvisation. From Miles Davis's iconic solo on "So What" to Chet Baker's emotive vocal solo on "It Could Happen To You," Brent highlights 10 captivating solos that offer valuable lessons in jazz language and storytelling.

    Discover the melodic richness of Miles Davis's solos on "Freddie Freeloader" and "So What," perfect for beginners looking to delve into jazz improvisation. Explore the bebop brilliance of Charlie Parker's "Now Is The Time" and the thematic approach of Hank Mobley's "Someday My Prince Will Come" solo.

    From the rhythmic mastery of Wynton Kelly's "Freddie Freeloader" to the raw emotion of Chet Baker's vocal improvisation, these solos offer a diverse range of styles and techniques for musicians of all levels.

    Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your jazz vocabulary and enhance your improvisational skills!


    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.

    • 13 min
    How Do I Tell A Story With My Solo (Not Just Licks)?

    How Do I Tell A Story With My Solo (Not Just Licks)?

    Don't miss today's podcast where Brent answers a question by Anthony, a seasoned music educator who poses a thought-provoking question about developing the ability to create narrative-driven solos rather than relying on pre-learned licks.

    Brent dives deep into this topic, offering actionable strategies to help musicians of all levels infuse their improvisations with compelling storytelling. From composing your own solos to playing free and practicing motivic development, he provides invaluable insights to help you break free from the constraints of lick playing and elevate your improvisational skills to new heights.

    Join Brent as he shares not only practical techniques but also classic jazz solos that exemplify great storytelling. Tomorrow's Fast Track Friday episode promises to be an enriching exploration of jazz legends who masterfully weave narratives into their improvisations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your musical journey!


    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.

    • 13 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
439 Ratings

439 Ratings

VRWC1 ,

Jazz Made Possible

As a public school band director of 33 years, I know the difficulty of teaching jazz. Brent has practical solutions or pathways to and through the roadblocks of real jazz playing that many people experience. He has a low-key approach that is ironically very motivating! Check it out!

Kyoung21b ,

A Classic

All of Brent’s podcasts are super and he’s such a generous soul for providing these to the community (even those who have a little trouble coughing up the cash for full LJS inner circle membership, though I’m sure that’s worth it’s weight in gold !). But even given all that, I couldn’t help commenting on what an absolute classic episode 332 is; for most of us geezers having access to something as useful as that would have been game changing but only accessible to those who had the rare opportunity of working with a master teacher.

Ian Saylor ,

Great podcast

Great advice for aspiring jazz musicians.

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