Should I Learn Piano to Help With Jazz Improv?

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 jazz, which thrives on improvisation and personal expression. For those interested in jazz composition, this episode offers valuable insights into creating music that allows musicians to explore and inject their personality while maintaining the essence of the composition. Tune in to learn more about the art of jazz composition and get inspired to create your own musical masterpieces.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 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 suggests exercises to help with this, like alternating between playing and resting bars. He encourages listeners to practice improvising freely, without backing tracks or strict adherence to chord changes, to build confidence in their musical instincts. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help jazz musicians play more naturally and confidently. Don't miss out on this valuable advice—subscribe to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast today and take your jazz journey to the next level.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 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 understanding when to end a solo, whether in a jam session with multiple players or during a dinner gig, is crucial for enhancing the overall musical experience. By following these guidelines, musicians can ensure their solos contribute positively to the performance and respect the dynamics of the group. Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights on soloing and practical advice to enhance your jazz journey.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 discusses the common pitfalls musicians face when preparing for and performing at jazz gigs. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offers invaluable advice to ensure you’re fully prepared and professional, such as the importance of being over-prepared, arriving early, and ensuring you have all your necessary gear. These foundational tips are crucial for setting yourself up for success and avoiding stressful, last-minute scrambles.Whether it's controlling your volume to suit the venue or avoiding selfish playing that overshadows your bandmates, Brent suggests that understanding your role in the performance is key. He shares anecdotes to illustrate these points, highlighting the significance of making the gig enjoyable not just for yourself but for your audience and fellow performers as well.Finally, Brent touches on maintaining professionalism during gigs, such as managing alcohol consumption and adhering to appropriate break lengths. He stresses the impact of your demeanor on the audience and the importance of maintaining a positive and professional attitude, even when mistakes happen. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that can help any jazz musician elevate their gig experience, making it a must-listen for those looking to improve their live performance skills.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 tackles a fantastic question from Arjun about mastering jazz solos by ear. He highlights the importance of this skill for learning jazz language and improvisation, while also clarifying that it's not the only way to learn. He acknowledges that different methods, such as theory and reading notated solos, can also be effective for some learners.Brent introduces his LIST process for learning solos by ear, which stands for Listen, Internalize, Sing, and Transfer. This method ensures that the learner deeply understands the solo before attempting to play it, making the transfer to the instrument smoother and more intuitive.To help listeners practice effectively, Brent recommends using tools like slow-down software to break the solo into manageable chunks and gradually learn it. He emphasizes the importance of quality practice time over quantity, ensuring that learners spend focused time with each solo to truly absorb the nuances of jazz language. Tune in to gain practical tips and insights that will enhance your jazz improvisation skills and make your practice sessions more productive and enjoyable.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 fascinating question from William Tino about the benefits of notating jazz solos. Brent explores the immense value of learning solos by ear, emphasizing how it enhances your ear, muscle memory, jazz vocabulary, and rhythm. This foundational skill is highly recommended by jazz educators and offers a significant return on investment for your practice time.He explains that while notation can help document solos for later use or provide a visual aid for analyzing phrasing and rhythms, it might not always be the best use of your time. If you’re proficient with notation software and find it beneficial, it can certainly be a useful tool. However, Brent argues that learning solos by ear is primarily about absorbing jazz language organically rather than simply memorizing and reproducing it.While notation can be a helpful supplement,  Brent advices that it is not essential for mastering jazz improvisation. He encourages focusing on quality practice time and using tools that best support the learning journey. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a jazz enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you enhance your jazz skills and foster your creativity. Tune in to gain deeper insights and practical advice for your jazz journey.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 listener's question about preparing for a jazz gig. Discover effective strategies for fostering creativity and reducing pre-performance anxiety. Brent emphasizes the importance of relaxation, the benefits of light warm-ups, and how listening to inspiring music can boost your creative energy.Whether it's taking a break to refresh your mind or engaging in different practice routines, Brent highlights the importance of flexibility and avoiding overthinking. By focusing on your technical readiness and keeping your mind at ease, you can create a conducive environment for creativity to flourish.Tune in to gain insights into Brent's personal routine for gig days and learn practical tips to ensure you're mentally and physically ready to perform. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you bring your best to the stage.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

Join Brent in this insightful podcast episode as he discusses the essential characteristics of a great jazz band and its members. Responding to a question from Arjun in the Netherlands, Brent explores the importance of musicians supporting each other, focusing on collective music-making rather than individual performance. He cites how unselfishness and a cooperative spirit are vital for creating outstanding jazz music.Brent also emphasizes the significance of responsibility and preparedness in a band setting. From showing up on time to being well-prepared with all parts of a song, these traits are crucial for a successful group dynamic. Listening skills are highlighted as a key component, enabling musicians to respond to each other's cues and adapt to different performance environments. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will help you form and contribute to a stellar jazz band.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.

In this engaging Fast Track Friday episode, Brent discusses the crucial mindset required for jazz improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of focus, open-mindedness, and a willingness to make mistakes to excel in jazz improvisation. Brent stresses the significance of being open-minded to learning various approaches and techniques, even if they may seem challenging or unfamiliar.Finally, Brent underscores the necessity of embracing mistakes and taking risks in improvisation. He encourages listeners to adopt a mindset that welcomes mistakes as opportunities for growth and exploration. With practical advice and insights, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring jazz improvisers looking to enhance their skills and musicality.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn 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 tackles a compelling question from listener Sebastian Watson about integrating jazz harmony and improvisation into other musical genres. Brent explores how studying jazz can deepen your musical knowledge and enhance your versatility, whether you're composing or improvising in different styles. By drawing from his own experiences and examples from other musicians, Brent illustrates how mastering jazz concepts can unlock new possibilities and transform your approach to music.Brent also shares a personal anecdote about a guitarist who expanded his creative horizons. He highlights how jazz theory and ear training can bolster your skills and provide more freedom in your musical endeavors. Tune in to discover how jazz can be a powerful tool in your musical toolkit, offering insights and techniques that transcend genres. Don't miss this episode for practical advice and inspiration on incorporating jazz elements into your musical journey.Important Links:Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart WayLJS Inner Circle MembershipListen to the Learn Jazz Standards PodcastLearn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month! Want to get your jazz question answered on the podcast? Click here.