Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Podcast


Latest Episodes

What Makes You Happy As a Musician?
April 19, 2024

In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent discusses the critical importance of finding joy and happiness as a musician. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, he explores the detrimental effects of self-doubt and

What's the Difference Between a Scale Tone and a Chord Extension?
April 18, 2024

In this podcast episode, Brent discusses a fundamental music theory concept brought up by listener Andy Berry regarding the distinctions between scale tones and chord extensions. Brent equips listeners with a deeper understanding of how the elements of di

How to Gain Confidence to Play With Other Musicians
April 17, 2024

In this episode, Brent addresses a common concern voiced by Cherie Vodica from Raleigh, North Carolina, about regaining confidence in playing with other musicians after spending a significant amount of time practicing alone, particularly due to the isolat

How A Minor 2-5-1 Chord Progression Works
April 16, 2024

In this episode, Brent tackles an essential aspect of jazz theory: the minor 2-5-1 chord progression. Responding to a listener's inquiry, Brent provides a comprehensive breakdown of this foundational progression, elucidating its significance and outl

How Do I Overcome Self Doubt As A Musician?
April 15, 2024

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 mu

The Big Myth About Playing What You Hear
April 12, 2024

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

The Importance of Muscle Memory and Jazz Improv
April 11, 2024

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 tr

How Do I Play What I'm Hearing In My Head?
April 10, 2024

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 conn

Should I Plan Out My Jazz Solos?
April 09, 2024

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. Draw

Why The Blues Is Important For Jazz?
April 08, 2024

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