Jazz Advice – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com Jazz advice and Jazz tips for Jazz musicians Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:09:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Jazz Advice – Learn Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com 32 32 50 MUST-KNOW JAZZ STANDARDS (LEARN THESE JAZZ STANDARDS FIRST) https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/50-jazz-standards-you-need-to-know/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/50-jazz-standards-you-need-to-know/#respond Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:09:00 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=23603 There are so many jazz songs out there. When learning jazz, it’s hard to know where to start and which jazz standards are the most important to learn. That’s why… We’ve created this list to help you and other beginner jazz musicians filter out the most important jazz standards to help you improve your jazz […]

The post 50 MUST-KNOW JAZZ STANDARDS (LEARN THESE JAZZ STANDARDS FIRST) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/50-jazz-standards-you-need-to-know/feed/ 0 All Of Me nonadult Jazz Improvisation Crash Course: 3 Steps To Master Jazz Improvisation https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-improvisation-made-simple/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-improvisation-made-simple/#respond Fri, 29 Dec 2023 14:57:56 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=65226 Mastering jazz improvisation is the holy grail for many aspiring jazz musicians. We all want to become better jazz improvisers and take our jazz improvisation skills to the next level, but many musicians aren’t sure how to improve their jazz chops. You may relate to one or more of the following problems: Listen, I get […]

The post Jazz Improvisation Crash Course: 3 Steps To Master Jazz Improvisation appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-improvisation-made-simple/feed/ 0 5 Myths About Learning to Play Jazz nonadult How to Learn Jazz Standards In 3 Easy Steps https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-learn-jazz-standards/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-learn-jazz-standards/#respond Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:41:13 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=47115 I get emails quite often from our readers and podcast listeners who come to Learn Jazz Standards looking for answers. They want to become jazz musicians. In fact, just about all of our jazz community members are here for this reason, and I imagine you are in the same boat. While everyone comes from different […]

The post How to Learn Jazz Standards In 3 Easy Steps appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-learn-jazz-standards/feed/ 0 15 Jazz Ballads You Need To Know (And Why Learning Jazz Ballads Is Important) https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/15-jazz-ballads/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/15-jazz-ballads/#respond Tue, 21 Nov 2023 14:16:29 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=34845 Learning jazz ballads is an essential part of learning the language of jazz. There are many reasons why you should focus some of your practice time on learning the art of the jazz ballad. Not only do jazz ballads make for beautiful and passionate musical experiences, but they are way more challenging to play than […]

The post 15 Jazz Ballads You Need To Know (And Why Learning Jazz Ballads Is Important) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/15-jazz-ballads/feed/ 0 How To Get Into Jazz: A 5-Step Beginners Guide https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-get-into-jazz/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-get-into-jazz/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 19:45:14 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=32000 Okay, so you want to know how to get into jazz but don’t know where to start. That’s okay—this post will help you break through and dive deep into the jazz world! Learning jazz, playing jazz, and listening to jazz music is a very rewarding experience. Once you get your foot in the door, you’ll […]

The post How To Get Into Jazz: A 5-Step Beginners Guide appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-get-into-jazz/feed/ 0 The ONLY Jazz Standards You Need to Know nonadult 9 Jazz Waltz Tunes You Should Know https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/9-jazz-waltzes/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/9-jazz-waltzes/#respond Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:18:45 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=36082 So, what’s important about the jazz waltz? Well, there are several reasons why learning jazz waltzes are crucial for your musical development. Whether you play the piano, the trumpet, the guitar, or drum set, you are going to want to study the jazz waltz for the following reasons⁠— Is playing in odd time a challenge […]

The post <strong>9 Jazz Waltz Tunes You Should Know</strong> appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/9-jazz-waltzes/feed/ 0 3 Lessons I Learned From Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman” https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-lessons-i-learned-from-ornette-colemans-lonely-woman/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-lessons-i-learned-from-ornette-colemans-lonely-woman/#respond Tue, 05 Mar 2019 15:06:17 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=75837 Though it is practically a cliché in the jazz world today, it is nonetheless true to remark that 1959 was a profoundly significant year in jazz history. In an astonishing creative outpouring, at least five seminal jazz recordings were created and released at the close of the 1950s, all of which suggested intriguing and contrasting […]

The post 3 Lessons I Learned From Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman” appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-lessons-i-learned-from-ornette-colemans-lonely-woman/feed/ 0 3 Rhythm Changes Strategies from John Coltrane on Oleo https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-rhythm-changes-strategies-from-john-coltrane-on-oleo/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-rhythm-changes-strategies-from-john-coltrane-on-oleo/#respond Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:14:46 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=78204 In the 1950’s, Miles Davis released a series of iconic recordings of jazz standards with his “first great quintet,” which, in its most classic format, featured Miles on trumpet, John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and “Philly” Joe Jones. Miles rapidly released a series of classic albums in […]

The post 3 Rhythm Changes Strategies from John Coltrane on Oleo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-rhythm-changes-strategies-from-john-coltrane-on-oleo/feed/ 0 Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Phily Joe Jones - Oleo nonadult 3 Altered Licks All Jazz Musicians Should Know https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-altered-licks-all-jazz-musicians-should-know/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-altered-licks-all-jazz-musicians-should-know/#respond Wed, 23 Jan 2019 15:26:36 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=70898 There are some melodic lines that are so iconic that, despite my outspoken general opposition to the idea of “lick playing,” I believe every jazz musician should practice and memorize them in all 12 keys. Once they’ve been internalized, they can be used as core melodic ideas that improvisers can use as starting points. Then […]

The post 3 Altered Licks All Jazz Musicians Should Know appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-altered-licks-all-jazz-musicians-should-know/feed/ 0 How to Practice Walking Bass Lines for All Jazz Instrumentalists https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-practice-walking-bass-lines-for-all-jazz-instrumentalists/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-practice-walking-bass-lines-for-all-jazz-instrumentalists/#respond Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:07:01 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=70882 Here on Learn Jazz Standards, there are a few great posts on walking bass lines for bass players: How to Keep Your Bass Lines Interesting and How to Write a Walking Bass Line. In this post, I want to take abstract concepts about how bass lines are constructed and use them to create practical exercises that […]

The post How to Practice Walking Bass Lines for All Jazz Instrumentalists appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-practice-walking-bass-lines-for-all-jazz-instrumentalists/feed/ 0 Using Chord Arpeggios as Jazz Blues Practice Tools https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/using-chord-arpeggios-as-jazz-blues-practice-tools/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/using-chord-arpeggios-as-jazz-blues-practice-tools/#respond Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:05:51 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=68352 When I’m learning a new song, one of the most important things I do is repeatedly play through the harmony of a tune. Repetition is a key component for committing new tunes to long-term memory. I’m primarily a saxophonist, and I don’t always have access to a piano. So for those of you in a […]

The post Using Chord Arpeggios as Jazz Blues Practice Tools appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/using-chord-arpeggios-as-jazz-blues-practice-tools/feed/ 0 3 Lessons Bill Evans Taught Me On “What is this Thing Called Love” https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-lessons-bill-evans-taught-me-on-what-is-this-thing-called-love/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-lessons-bill-evans-taught-me-on-what-is-this-thing-called-love/#respond Wed, 05 Sep 2018 14:06:04 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=65312 Bill Evans’s 1959 recording of “What is this Thing Called Love” from Portrait in Jazz was one of the first solos I transcribed as a jazz major in college. I learned improvisational strategies from this transcription that I still use regularly to this day. It would require thousands of words to properly analyze the entire […]

The post 3 Lessons Bill Evans Taught Me On “What is this Thing Called Love” appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-lessons-bill-evans-taught-me-on-what-is-this-thing-called-love/feed/ 0 Bill Evans Trio - What Is This Thing Called Love? nonadult How to Consistently Play to Your Full Potential on the Gig https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-consistently-play-to-your-full-potential-on-the-gig/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-consistently-play-to-your-full-potential-on-the-gig/#respond Wed, 25 Jul 2018 12:00:24 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=64624 (This is a guest post by Mark Morely-Fletcher.) Bird said it best. At least, I don’t know of anyone who’s said it better since. “You’ve got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.” That’s what we all […]

The post How to Consistently Play to Your Full Potential on the Gig appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/how-to-consistently-play-to-your-full-potential-on-the-gig/feed/ 0 2 Pro Tips For Maximizing Your Jazz Practice Routine Results https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-pro-tips-for-maximizing-your-jazz-practice-routine-results/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-pro-tips-for-maximizing-your-jazz-practice-routine-results/#respond Wed, 18 Jul 2018 13:45:05 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=64275 As jazz musicians, we dream of becoming great soloists. For the vast majority of musicians that is the ultimate goal to achieve. However, it is not an easy task, and very few get to fulfill that desired dream. In my experience as a performer and educator, I’ve found that lack of discipline has a lot […]

The post 2 Pro Tips For Maximizing Your Jazz Practice Routine Results appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-pro-tips-for-maximizing-your-jazz-practice-routine-results/feed/ 0 Why Jazz Isn’t Defined By Your Personal Taste https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/all-about-jazz/jazz-opinion-blog/why-jazz-isnt-defined-by-your-personal-taste/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/all-about-jazz/jazz-opinion-blog/why-jazz-isnt-defined-by-your-personal-taste/#respond Wed, 13 Jun 2018 22:17:53 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=61590 In recent years I’ve noticed what I feel is a troubling trend among some – but, to be fair, not all – jazz musicians and enthusiasts. Sometimes, when someone hears a style, sub-genre, or offshoot (or whatever you want to call it) of jazz that they don’t particularly like, they’ll write it off and say […]

The post Why Jazz Isn’t Defined By Your Personal Taste appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/all-about-jazz/jazz-opinion-blog/why-jazz-isnt-defined-by-your-personal-taste/feed/ 0 Why Jazz Musicians Should Practice Slowly https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/why-jazz-musicians-should-practice-slowly/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/why-jazz-musicians-should-practice-slowly/#respond Wed, 16 May 2018 14:37:08 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=61517 If we go around and ask every professional and accomplished musician, I believe they will all agree on one thing, and that is that slow-practice routines are an essential part of their development and success. Slow-practice has been a crucial concept in music education for centuries, and it seems to work since a vast majority […]

The post Why Jazz Musicians Should Practice Slowly appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/why-jazz-musicians-should-practice-slowly/feed/ 0 18 Ways to Make Big Money as a Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/18-ways-to-make-big-money-as-a-jazz-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/18-ways-to-make-big-money-as-a-jazz-musician/#respond Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:32:02 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=61007 (Editors Note: This is a guest post by Chad Lefkowitz-Brown) If you Google “How much money does a jazz musician make?”, an NPR article will come up headlined, “Do Jazz Musicians Really Make $23,000 A Year?”. Within that article, a paragraph elaborates: “The number in the headline, $23,300, is the mean yearly music-related income for […]

The post 18 Ways to Make Big Money as a Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/18-ways-to-make-big-money-as-a-jazz-musician/feed/ 0 4 Tips For Not Getting Lost During a Drum Solo (for Non-Drummers) https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-tips-for-not-getting-lost-during-a-drum-solo-for-non-drummers/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-tips-for-not-getting-lost-during-a-drum-solo-for-non-drummers/#respond Wed, 18 Apr 2018 14:36:58 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=58620 Drum solos are entertaining and bring a ton of energy to the performance. However, they can also be a nightmare, because keeping your place during a drum solo is not always an easy task. For me, drum solos are challenging to follow because: 1. They are usually unaccompanied, No one is there to play changes or […]

The post 4 Tips For Not Getting Lost During a Drum Solo (for Non-Drummers) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-tips-for-not-getting-lost-during-a-drum-solo-for-non-drummers/feed/ 0 Clifford Brown & Max Roach Quintet - Daahoud nonadult 3 Pivotal Exercises to Improve Technique on Your Instrument https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-theory/3-pivotal-exercises-to-improve-technique-on-your-instrument/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-theory/3-pivotal-exercises-to-improve-technique-on-your-instrument/#respond Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:18:56 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=57600 As jazz musicians, we are all on a lifelong journey to constantly improve our technique on our instruments. Anyone who has tried to master a bebop tune or improvise at a fast tempo knows firsthand that jazz music is highly virtuosic and technically demanding. If you’re looking for practice ideas to improve your technique, there […]

The post 3 Pivotal Exercises to Improve Technique on Your Instrument appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-theory/3-pivotal-exercises-to-improve-technique-on-your-instrument/feed/ 0 Pro Tip: Practicing Towards Killer Musical Performances https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/pro-tip-practicing-towards-killer-musical-performances/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/pro-tip-practicing-towards-killer-musical-performances/#respond Wed, 21 Mar 2018 14:59:54 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=57555 Practicing is an art in and of itself, and it is not easy. If we want to see results, we have to know what to practice and how to do so. Performing is an entirely different animal. We are supposed to see improvement in our performing by practicing a lot, however, if we are not […]

The post Pro Tip: Practicing Towards Killer Musical Performances appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/pro-tip-practicing-towards-killer-musical-performances/feed/ 0 6 Common Endings All Jazz Musicians Should Know https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/6-common-endings-jazz-musicians-know/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/6-common-endings-jazz-musicians-know/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2018 19:25:04 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=55066 How do you end a jazz standard? As jazz musicians, we spend so much time and energy working on learning jazz standards and developing the craft of improvisation that we sometimes forget to address very practical matters such as how to start and end tunes in real-life performance scenarios. Often, musicians simply don’t put much […]

The post 6 Common Endings All Jazz Musicians Should Know appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/6-common-endings-jazz-musicians-know/feed/ 0 3 Mistakes Jazz Musicians Make When Developing an Original Sound https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-mistakes-jazz-musicians-make-developing-original-sound/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-mistakes-jazz-musicians-make-developing-original-sound/#respond Wed, 24 Jan 2018 15:07:21 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=55389 I’ve encountered all kinds of students in the many years I’ve been teaching music. I often get the ones who are concerned about sounding original and finding their unique voice, which I think is a legitimate concern. But we have to be careful in our search for originality because in the process we can make some […]

The post 3 Mistakes Jazz Musicians Make When Developing an Original Sound appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-mistakes-jazz-musicians-make-developing-original-sound/feed/ 0 How to Improvise Over “Giant Steps” https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-giant-steps/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-giant-steps/#respond Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:00:28 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=54490 Giant Steps looms large in the jazz repertoire as one of the most challenging tunes on which jazz musicians cut their musical teeth. The iconic title track from Giant Steps helped cement saxophonist John Coltrane’s burgeoning reputation as a musical and creative force to be reckoned with when it was released in 1959. Now recognized […]

The post How to Improvise Over “Giant Steps” appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-giant-steps/feed/ 0 How to Play an Intro to a Jazz Standard https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-intro-jazz-standard/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-intro-jazz-standard/#respond Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:08:01 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=54487 Sometimes in jazz, like in life, the hardest thing to do is to just get started with something. When it comes to starting an activity like a song, it’s occasionally a challenge to break the ice and get over that first obstacle between you and your goal (making music). Once you’ve gotten a tune started […]

The post How to Play an Intro to a Jazz Standard appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-intro-jazz-standard/feed/ 0 How to Get Started as a Jazz Composer https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/get-started-jazz-composer/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/get-started-jazz-composer/#respond Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:36:55 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=52376 The emphasis on musicians composing and improvising their own music has been a central part of jazz culture since the music’s inception. When jazz musicians write their own music, it greatly contributes to their development as unique, distinctive, and innovative artistic personalities. Artists with particularly idiosyncratic musical styles are an important feature of jazz’s heritage […]

The post How to Get Started as a Jazz Composer appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/get-started-jazz-composer/feed/ 0 3 Important Skills for Becoming Great Rhythm Section Player https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-important-skills-becoming-great-rhythm-section-player/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-important-skills-becoming-great-rhythm-section-player/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:09:10 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=52892 If you are a pianist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, vibraphonist, or any other designated chordal or rhythmic instrument, you are a part of the rhythm section family. You are a vital part of what makes a great jazz group really come together and sound tight. As a professional musician and bandleader, when choosing rhythm section musicians […]

The post 3 Important Skills for Becoming Great Rhythm Section Player appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-important-skills-becoming-great-rhythm-section-player/feed/ 0 2 Jazz Improvisation Exercises Over Bluesette https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-jazz-improvisation-exercises-bluesette/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-jazz-improvisation-exercises-bluesette/#respond Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:09:26 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=52673 Bluesette, composed by jazz legend harmonica player Toots Thielemans in 1964, is to harmonica players what Hey Joe is to guitarists. It is a staple for jazz chromatic harmonica and a challenging jazz waltz with tricky changes. Of course, this tune isn’t just great for harmonica players to learn, it’s a great standard for all […]

The post 2 Jazz Improvisation Exercises Over Bluesette appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-jazz-improvisation-exercises-bluesette/feed/ 0 Toots Thielemans - Bluesette (1964) nonadult How to Avoid Musical Burnout as a Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/recharging-your-batteries/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/recharging-your-batteries/#respond Fri, 20 Oct 2017 14:51:36 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=22850 It happens to all of us who are serious about music. We get passionate, practice hard, practice even harder and then we get exhausted and hit a plateau. It’s our own musical version of a caffeine high; a huge burst of energy and excitement, only to bring about a sobering crash. Jazz musicians have a […]

The post How to Avoid Musical Burnout as a Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/recharging-your-batteries/feed/ 0 Music and Life - Alan Watts nonadult 5 Ways to Play “Outside” on the Blues https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-ways-play-outside-blues/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-ways-play-outside-blues/#respond Wed, 11 Oct 2017 14:27:36 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=50249 The 12-bar blues is one of the most simple, short, and iconic standard jazz forms. As jazz musicians, we all are used to playing blues tunes frequently, which can be both a blessing and a curse. With so many blues choruses to improvise over, it’s easy to find yourself stuck in a rut playing the […]

The post 5 Ways to Play “Outside” on the Blues appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-ways-play-outside-blues/feed/ 0 Why Jazz Musicians Should Practice Along With Records https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/every-jazz-drummer-practice-playing-along-records/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/every-jazz-drummer-practice-playing-along-records/#respond Wed, 27 Sep 2017 15:32:44 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=50531 Listening to records (and by that I mean albums) can have many benefits for all jazz musicians. We can get a lot of information just by listening to them. Records are also the best teacher anyone can ask for if you want to learn jazz. They offer an excellent opportunity to play side by side […]

The post Why Jazz Musicians Should Practice Along With Records appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/every-jazz-drummer-practice-playing-along-records/feed/ 0 3 Mistakes Musicians Make Learning Licks https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-mistakes-musicians-make-learning-licks/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-mistakes-musicians-make-learning-licks/#respond Thu, 27 Jul 2017 17:22:34 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=47397 One of the most important things a jazz musician can do is learn jazz language. Jazz language is simply the vocabulary used by jazz improvisers, and there are many ways to go about learning it. One way is by learning licks. Licks are short phrases, usually extracted from a particular chord progression or chord. They […]

The post 3 Mistakes Musicians Make Learning Licks appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-mistakes-musicians-make-learning-licks/feed/ 0 4 Reasons Why Every Musician Should Study Jazz https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-reasons-every-musician-study-jazz/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-reasons-every-musician-study-jazz/#respond Fri, 07 Jul 2017 15:39:18 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=46383 Musicians spanning all kinds of genres across the world all have one thing in common: they want to become better at their craft. They want to become better players within their genre, and they want to become more proficient on their instruments. The desire to become the best musicians we possibly can unites us. Every genre […]

The post 4 Reasons Why Every Musician Should Study Jazz appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-reasons-every-musician-study-jazz/feed/ 0 How to Improvise Over Rhythm Changes Like a Pro https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/improvise-rhythm-changes-like-pro/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/improvise-rhythm-changes-like-pro/#respond Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:50:03 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=44859 Like the Blues, “rhythm changes” is one of the most common song forms in jazz music. This 32-bar AABA form and its accompanying chord progression is derived from George Gershwin’s iconic composition “I Got Rhythm,” hence the name “rhythm changes.” Jazz history is rich with examples of contrafacts (which are original songs created by composing […]

The post How to Improvise Over Rhythm Changes Like a Pro appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/improvise-rhythm-changes-like-pro/feed/ 0 Why Ear Training Is Important For Jazz Musicians https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/ear-training/ear-training-important-jazz-musicians/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/ear-training/ear-training-important-jazz-musicians/#respond Fri, 23 Jun 2017 15:34:03 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=45197 When it comes to jazz or any music that revolves around improvisation, having strong ears is of utmost importance. What is improvisation anyway? It’s playing in the moment. There is no time to pre-meditate the lines you are going to play. You don’t get to try a bunch of variations of a lick and decide on […]

The post Why Ear Training Is Important For Jazz Musicians appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/ear-training/ear-training-important-jazz-musicians/feed/ 0 How to Get Huge Results From a 30 Minute Jazz Practice Session https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/get-huge-results-30-minute-practice-session/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/get-huge-results-30-minute-practice-session/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2017 15:39:46 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=44656 As jazz musicians we know we need to practice. Practicing our instruments is essential especially when dealing with music like jazz which demands a lot of musical competence and ability. We often hear stories of jazz heroes like John Coltrane, or any accomplished musician, practicing excruciatingly long hours. In an interview with Paul Desmond, Charlie Parker […]

The post How to Get Huge Results From a 30 Minute Jazz Practice Session appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/get-huge-results-30-minute-practice-session/feed/ 0 Jazz Lick of the Week #17: “Ornithology Lick” https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-licks/jazz-lick-week-17-ornithology-lick/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-licks/jazz-lick-week-17-ornithology-lick/#respond Fri, 02 Jun 2017 23:57:09 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=44362 This week features an awesome jazz lick for you to use which I call the “Ornithology Lick”. This lick refers to Charlie Parker’s bebop composition Ornithology. This tune is actually what we call a contrafact to the jazz standard How High the Moon. Contrafact meaning that it uses the same chord changes of an existing […]

The post Jazz Lick of the Week #17: “Ornithology Lick” appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-licks/jazz-lick-week-17-ornithology-lick/feed/ 0 2 Easy Exercises for Improving Your Jazz Improvisation https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-easy-exercises-improving-jazz-improvisation/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-easy-exercises-improving-jazz-improvisation/#respond Fri, 26 May 2017 16:04:26 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=43959 As a jazz musician always trying to improve, I’m constantly looking for different ways to practice. While the most classic tips for becoming a better jazz improviser include, learning solos by ear, licks, and learning jazz standards, all of those things can be lots of work and time. Sometimes I just want to practice something […]

The post 2 Easy Exercises for Improving Your Jazz Improvisation appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-easy-exercises-improving-jazz-improvisation/feed/ 0 3 Ways to Get Jazz Gigs https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-ways-get-jazz-gigs/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-ways-get-jazz-gigs/#respond Wed, 17 May 2017 16:19:10 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=43425 When it comes to becoming a better jazz musician, we all know that we need to spend time in the practice room. We have to hone our craft, get to know our instrument better, and learn jazz language. But when it comes down to it, there is no substitution for getting onto the bandstand and […]

The post 3 Ways to Get Jazz Gigs appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-ways-get-jazz-gigs/feed/ 0 Stuck On One Chord: Strategies to Improve Your Modal Jazz Solos https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-theory/stuck-one-chord-strategies-dramatically-improve-modal-jazz-solos/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-theory/stuck-one-chord-strategies-dramatically-improve-modal-jazz-solos/#respond Wed, 03 May 2017 15:37:56 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=42026 Very often iconic modal jazz tunes, such as Miles Davis’s “So What,” are among the first songs young, inexperienced, and newly aspiring musicians learn how to improvise on. Although modal tunes (which are songs that have relatively static harmonic progressions with only a few chords that alternate slowly/infrequently) are frequently used as jazz teaching and […]

The post Stuck On One Chord: Strategies to Improve Your Modal Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-theory/stuck-one-chord-strategies-dramatically-improve-modal-jazz-solos/feed/ 0 How to Become a Professional Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/become-professional-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/become-professional-musician/#respond Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:24:16 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=42511 I get emails from readers from time to time, asking me if they should pursue music as a profession. They always start by telling me how passionate they are about music and how they long to do it for a living but aren’t sure if they can live a comfortable life doing so. I always decline […]

The post How to Become a Professional Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/become-professional-musician/feed/ 0 How to Become a Great Jazz Improviser https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/become-great-jazz-improviser/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/become-great-jazz-improviser/#respond Fri, 14 Apr 2017 16:09:57 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=41454 [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I was a year or two into being really serious about jazz, I used to lay in bed at night and wonder how I could improve quicker. Even though I had teachers telling me what to do and I was checking out the recordings, I would still lay there and wonder “how do I […]

The post How to Become a Great Jazz Improviser appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/become-great-jazz-improviser/feed/ 0 How to Avoid Getting Lost While Playing a Jazz Standard https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/avoid-getting-lost-playing-jazz-standard/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/avoid-getting-lost-playing-jazz-standard/#respond Fri, 07 Apr 2017 17:06:56 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=40755 You’re at a gig or a jam session, playing with a group of great jazz musicians. You’re waiting to take your solo, or perhaps you’re in the middle of your solo when that terrible feeling hits you. You have no clue where you are in the form. You’re lost. Absolutely, hopelessly lost. You know it, and […]

The post How to Avoid Getting Lost While Playing a Jazz Standard appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/avoid-getting-lost-playing-jazz-standard/feed/ 0 3 Game-Changing Rhythmic Secrets to Make Your Solos Swing Harder https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-game-changing-rhythmic-secrets-make-solos-swing-harder-ever/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-game-changing-rhythmic-secrets-make-solos-swing-harder-ever/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:37:50 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=39704 Making improvised lines truly swing is one of the biggest challenges jazz musicians face at all levels of their musical development. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro, a young player just starting out, or a hobbyist – we all want our music to be rhythmically compelling. We want to be able to swing […]

The post 3 Game-Changing Rhythmic Secrets to Make Your Solos Swing Harder appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-game-changing-rhythmic-secrets-make-solos-swing-harder-ever/feed/ 0 Why You Should Learn Jazz By Ear and Not Sheet Music https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/learn-jazz-ear-not-sheet-music/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/learn-jazz-ear-not-sheet-music/#respond Fri, 31 Mar 2017 15:11:19 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=40479 When it comes to learning jazz standards, solos and licks, there isn’t a wrong or right way. But there is the easy way and the better way. The easy way is just to buy some sheet music, read the melody and chords off the page, memorize (or sometimes not) and call it good. That’s certainly […]

The post Why You Should Learn Jazz By Ear and Not Sheet Music appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/learn-jazz-ear-not-sheet-music/feed/ 0 3 Melodic Secrets I Learned from the Jazz Masters https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-melodic-secrets-learned-jazz-masters/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-melodic-secrets-learned-jazz-masters/#respond Thu, 30 Mar 2017 14:20:35 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=39816 In my early years as a musician, I explored what I think is a pretty common approach to learning jazz improvisation. I was taught (or read somewhere) that the key to improvisation is to memorize scales/modes that corresponds to the chords in jazz harmonic progressions such as the ii-V-I. I tried plunking my way through […]

The post 3 Melodic Secrets I Learned from the Jazz Masters appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-melodic-secrets-learned-jazz-masters/feed/ 0 How Long and How Often Should I Practice? https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/long-often-practice/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/long-often-practice/#respond Thu, 16 Mar 2017 18:03:05 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=39950 The year I had between high school and college I would practice an average of 6 hours a day, sometimes more sometimes less. My first two years of college I kept up similar practice regiments. The longest practice session I ever had was 10 hours long, and I don’t say that in a bragging sort […]

The post How Long and How Often Should I Practice? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/long-often-practice/feed/ 0 How to Use the Melody of a Jazz Standard to Develop Solo Ideas https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/use-melody-jazz-standard-develop-solo-ideas/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/use-melody-jazz-standard-develop-solo-ideas/#respond Fri, 10 Mar 2017 17:17:58 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=39690 One of the most valuable parts of a piece of music is the melody. That may seem obvious, right? Think about it. When you’re walking around your house, driving in your car, taking a shower, or doing some mindless work, what is it that you are singing to yourself? The melody to a song you […]

The post How to Use the Melody of a Jazz Standard to Develop Solo Ideas appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/use-melody-jazz-standard-develop-solo-ideas/feed/ 0 How to Drastically Improve Your Jazz Solos in 3 Simple Steps https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/drastically-improve-jazz-solos-3-simple-steps/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/drastically-improve-jazz-solos-3-simple-steps/#respond Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:23:31 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=39252 Everybody wants to improve their jazz solos. For many musicians, soloing is one of the main elements that attracted them to jazz in the first place. That’s why so many of our readers and podcast listeners are always asking how to become better soloists. We even have an entire page dedicated to playing better jazz […]

The post How to Drastically Improve Your Jazz Solos in 3 Simple Steps appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/drastically-improve-jazz-solos-3-simple-steps/feed/ 0 7 Ways to Break Free From a Musical Rut https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/7-ways-break-free-musical-rut/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/7-ways-break-free-musical-rut/#respond Wed, 15 Feb 2017 12:51:51 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=39058 As a jazz musician, there is nothing worse than feeling like you aren’t improving. You may spend a lot of time in the practice room honing your craft, earnestly trying to crack the code of your instrument, but still feel like you are getting nowhere. Have you ever felt stuck like that? I know I have. […]

The post 7 Ways to Break Free From a Musical Rut appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/7-ways-break-free-musical-rut/feed/ 0 10 Jazz Standards That Will Make Learning Jazz Easier https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/10-jazz-standards-will-make-learning-jazz-easier/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/10-jazz-standards-will-make-learning-jazz-easier/#respond Fri, 10 Feb 2017 16:15:07 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=38870 It’s essential for every musician who wants to become a great jazz improviser to learn jazz standards. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to play original music or not. Jazz standards are the common repertoire used by jazz musicians to communicate. If you want to learn jazz language, you need to study jazz standards. It’s an […]

The post 10 Jazz Standards That Will Make Learning Jazz Easier appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/10-jazz-standards-will-make-learning-jazz-easier/feed/ 0 5 Hard Bop Albums You Need to Listen To https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-hard-bop-albums-need-listen/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-hard-bop-albums-need-listen/#respond Fri, 03 Feb 2017 17:43:18 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=38619 One thing we always encourage our readers to do is listen to jazz. This is obviously important if you want to become a better jazz musician. At the end of the day, the best practicing you can do is turn on a record, sit back and listen with intention. It’s also important to be listening to […]

The post 5 Hard Bop Albums You Need to Listen To appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-hard-bop-albums-need-listen/feed/ 0 Why You Should Learn The Lyrics to Jazz Standards https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/learn-lyrics-jazz-standards/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/learn-lyrics-jazz-standards/#respond Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:21:05 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=37824 When learning a jazz standard, you should spend considerable time investigating the composition. If you want to learn it thoroughly, you’ll need to learn the melody and the chord progressions by ear. You’ll want to dissect parts of it to figure out how it functions harmonically. And when it comes to not forgetting it (as […]

The post Why You Should Learn The Lyrics to Jazz Standards appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/learn-lyrics-jazz-standards/feed/ 0 Ella Fitzgerald - All The Things You Are (with lyrics) nonadult 5 Essential Skills That Every Jazz Musician Should Develop [Infographic] https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-essential-skills-every-jazz-musician-need-develop-infographic/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-essential-skills-every-jazz-musician-need-develop-infographic/#respond Wed, 28 Dec 2016 08:00:06 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=36733 We all want to become better jazz musicians, but what are the essential skills we need to be developing? If you’re wondering what you need to be working on and practicing, this infographic is for you! 5 Essential Skills That Every Jazz Musician Should Develop The content from this infographic was first found in this […]

The post 5 Essential Skills That Every Jazz Musician Should Develop [Infographic] appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-essential-skills-every-jazz-musician-need-develop-infographic/feed/ 0 4 Tips For Being a Great Jazz Accompanist https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-tips-great-jazz-accompanist/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-tips-great-jazz-accompanist/#respond Thu, 15 Dec 2016 18:14:05 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=36652 Jazz is music that is all about communicating in the moment. Anything can happen, and so you have to be prepared to listen and respond to the musicians around you. An important role is that of an accompanist. Accompanists come in different forms and with different roles. The most obvious accompanist in a jazz group […]

The post 4 Tips For Being a Great Jazz Accompanist appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-tips-great-jazz-accompanist/feed/ 0 Ari Hoenig & Chris Potter duo in Smalls Jazzcub - Dec 14th 2015 nonadult 4 Ways to Stay a Mediocre Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-ways-stay-mediocre-jazz-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-ways-stay-mediocre-jazz-musician/#respond Sun, 11 Dec 2016 18:39:57 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=36530 I don’t know about you, but I don’t wake up in the morning with aspirations for mediocrity. I much prefer to try my best to excel at whatever I do. So when it comes to jazz, one of my most distinguished passions, I’m always working on my craft and dreaming of becoming the best jazz […]

The post 4 Ways to Stay a Mediocre Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-ways-stay-mediocre-jazz-musician/feed/ 0 Killer 7 Day Jazz Practice Routine https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/7-day-jazz-practice-routine/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/7-day-jazz-practice-routine/#respond Wed, 07 Dec 2016 15:44:07 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=36431 We often get emails from our readers and listeners wondering what they should practice. While we have plenty of answers to that in our archives such as our 21 quick-fire jazz skills and our beginner’s guide to playing jazz, sometimes it can be helpful to have a small tangible, achievable goal to work towards. I’ve created […]

The post Killer 7 Day Jazz Practice Routine appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/7-day-jazz-practice-routine/feed/ 0 A Simple Exercise to Help You Develop Better Jazz Solos https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/simple-exercise-help-develop-better-jazz-solos/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/simple-exercise-help-develop-better-jazz-solos/#respond Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:21:25 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=35672 When I think about all of my favorite jazz solos and what makes them stand out to me, it comes down to one key component: development.  Sure, there are lots of factors that make great solos: an original sound, a firm grasp on jazz language, great licks, and lines…etc. But if you really stop to […]

The post A Simple Exercise to Help You Develop Better Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/simple-exercise-help-develop-better-jazz-solos/feed/ 0 10 Great Resources For Jazz Musicians https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/10-great-resources-jazz-musicians/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/10-great-resources-jazz-musicians/#respond Fri, 11 Nov 2016 17:00:02 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=35427 The internet is stuffed full of endless amounts of information about music. Google “learn jazz” or “jazz lessons” and you are immediately assaulted with thousands of search results, each one offering their own ideas for improving jazz improvisation skills. The problem with learning jazz online is there is simply too much out there. That’s why […]

The post 10 Great Resources For Jazz Musicians appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/10-great-resources-jazz-musicians/feed/ 0 How to Plan a Month of Effective Jazz Practicing https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/plan-month-effective-jazz-practicing/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/plan-month-effective-jazz-practicing/#respond Tue, 08 Nov 2016 17:36:37 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=35332 I get emails every week from aspiring jazz musicians asking me about practicing. They desperately want to become better jazz musicians, but they feel discouraged. They feel as if the mountain is just too steep to climb and even if they tried, they’re not exactly sure which route to take. The truth is, becoming a […]

The post How to Plan a Month of Effective Jazz Practicing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/plan-month-effective-jazz-practicing/feed/ 0 How to Play Jazz Ballads Like a Pro https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-jazz-ballads-like-pro/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-jazz-ballads-like-pro/#respond Wed, 19 Oct 2016 22:49:42 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=34767 One of my favorite things about jazz is the range of musical expression it offers. Along with that comes a range of tempos, slow and fast, with different melodic stylings. Of these expressions, I often feel the most connected to ballads. Jazz musicians often talk about the difficulty of playing at fast tempos, and how […]

The post How to Play Jazz Ballads Like a Pro appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/play-jazz-ballads-like-pro/feed/ 0 How to Listen to Music With Intention https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/listen-music-intention/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/listen-music-intention/#respond Thu, 13 Oct 2016 21:57:53 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=34545 Most people who listen to music are listening passively, meaning the music is playing in the background and it isn’t the center of focus. And while musicians naturally tend to focus on music they are listening to more than the average person, many still don’t take much time to only listen to music. There is […]

The post How to Listen to Music With Intention appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/listen-music-intention/feed/ 0 4 Reasons Why Jazz Musicians Fail https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-reasons-jazz-musicians-fail/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-reasons-jazz-musicians-fail/#respond Thu, 06 Oct 2016 15:25:27 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=34337 Every day it seems I witness the slow demise of a jazz musician. Whether it be an amateur, or hobbyist player; a college jazz student, or professional, I’ve seen it happen and I’ll see it again. I’ve watched some of my students unconsciously make the choice to fail, despite my pleading. I’ve agonized in watching […]

The post 4 Reasons Why Jazz Musicians Fail appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-reasons-jazz-musicians-fail/feed/ 0 2 Jazz Practicing Tips That Will 2X Your Results https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-jazz-practicing-tips-will-2x-results/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-jazz-practicing-tips-will-2x-results/#respond Fri, 30 Sep 2016 15:22:50 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=33978 Here’s the deal: jazz musicians spend a lot of time practicing but end up wasting a lot of it. In fact, I’d like to go out on a limb and say that 50% of practice time is often wasted. I’ve come to this conclusion from observing my students, my colleagues, and of course being guilty […]

The post 2 Jazz Practicing Tips That Will 2X Your Results appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/2-jazz-practicing-tips-will-2x-results/feed/ 0 Your Top 3 Jazz Questions Answered https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/top-3-jazz-questions-answered/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/top-3-jazz-questions-answered/#respond Fri, 23 Sep 2016 15:11:28 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=33665 We get a lot of emails and questions from our readers and podcast listeners, and we try to respond to as many of them as we can. Over the years, we’ve found that some questions come up more than others, and so this post is all about publicly answering some of these questions. These top […]

The post Your Top 3 Jazz Questions Answered appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/top-3-jazz-questions-answered/feed/ 0 How to Create a Master Plan For Jazz Success https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/create-master-plan-jazz-success/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/create-master-plan-jazz-success/#respond Fri, 16 Sep 2016 15:35:09 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=33442 Our goal as jazz musicians is to always improve and become better players. We obsess over it and sometimes we practice long hours in hopes of achieving this. We all know and agree that practice is essential to becoming a better musician. But as I talked about in my article 5 Keys to Jazz Improvement, […]

The post How to Create a Master Plan For Jazz Success appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/create-master-plan-jazz-success/feed/ 0 4 Keys to Jazz Improvement https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-keys-jazz-improvement/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-keys-jazz-improvement/#respond Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:51:08 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=33334 I want to tell you a story about The Beatles as told in Malcom Gladwell’s book Outliers. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr came to the United States in 1964 and put out a string of hit records that transformed the face of popular music. The Beatles no doubt had a huge […]

The post 4 Keys to Jazz Improvement appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/4-keys-jazz-improvement/feed/ 0 Why Jazz Musicians Need to Record Themselves https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-musicians-need-record/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-musicians-need-record/#respond Wed, 24 Aug 2016 14:45:47 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=32636 As jazz musicians, we are constantly trying to improve and become better players. We do this of course by spending lots of time practicing, jamming with others, and hopefully playing gigs. But one important aspect is often missing. We forget that we need to track our progress.  Now I want you to try to forget […]

The post Why Jazz Musicians Need to Record Themselves appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-musicians-need-record/feed/ 0 21 Quick-fire Jazz Skills to Practice Today https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/21-quickfire-jazz-skills-practice-today/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/21-quickfire-jazz-skills-practice-today/#respond Wed, 17 Aug 2016 08:00:12 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=32162 Not sure what to practice? Perhaps you just feel lost and unsure of what things a jazz musician should be working on to improve their jazz improvisation skills. Or maybe there is just so much for you to practice that you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Don’t worry! This happens to everybody. These […]

The post 21 Quick-fire Jazz Skills to Practice Today appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/21-quickfire-jazz-skills-practice-today/feed/ 0 Jazz Jam Sessions: Everything You Need To Succeed At A Jazz Jam Session https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-jam-sessions-important/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-jam-sessions-important/#respond Wed, 10 Aug 2016 08:00:53 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=32092 The importance of playing jazz music with other players cannot be understated. That’s why you need to attend jazz jam sessions. I teach online jazz lessons, and one of the first questions I ask my students is, “Are you jamming with anyone?” With video lessons, you can’t play with the student, and if they aren’t […]

The post Jazz Jam Sessions: Everything You Need To Succeed At A Jazz Jam Session appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-jam-sessions-important/feed/ 0 Why I Gave Up On Hating My Playing https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/gave-hating-playing/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/gave-hating-playing/#respond Thu, 04 Aug 2016 08:00:33 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=32087 I’ve always been dead serious about being a great jazz musician. That persistence brought me to New York City, through college, and now has enabled me to work professionally as a jazz musician. That seriousness and determination to succeed has served me well throughout my musical endeavors thus far, but it also has tripped me […]

The post Why I Gave Up On Hating My Playing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/gave-hating-playing/feed/ 0 How I Make a Living as a Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/make-living-jazz-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/make-living-jazz-musician/#respond Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:24:06 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=31854 I’ve been out of college for several years now, and I can confidently say that I make a full time living as a jazz musician. Meaning: all I do is music to survive, and 95% is specifically jazz related. Now believe me, I don’t say that in a braggadocious way. Am I wealthy? Of course […]

The post How I Make a Living as a Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/make-living-jazz-musician/feed/ 0 5 Skills Every Jazz Musician Should Develop https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-skills-every-jazz-musician-develop/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-skills-every-jazz-musician-develop/#respond Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:51:32 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=31569 I was recently asked by a musical acquaintance (not a jazz musician), what it would take for him to learn how to play jazz. Immediately years of practicing, jam sessions, gigs, lessons and hard work raced through my mind. He seemed to be looking for a steps 1-2-3 sort of an answer, and of course […]

The post 5 Skills Every Jazz Musician Should Develop appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-skills-every-jazz-musician-develop/feed/ 0 How Phrasing and Space Can Radically Improve Your Solos https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/phrasing-space-can-radically-improve-solos/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/phrasing-space-can-radically-improve-solos/#respond Thu, 07 Jul 2016 15:18:00 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=31430 Have you ever had a conversation with someone who just wouldn’t stop talking? I’m talking about the kind of conversation where you worry for the other persons safety; there couldn’t possibly be oxygen going to their brain for minutes on end. Just a stream of endless words pouring into space and flooding your ears. It probably […]

The post How Phrasing and Space Can Radically Improve Your Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/phrasing-space-can-radically-improve-solos/feed/ 0 How to Stay Motivated to Practice Your Instrument https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/stay-motivated-practice-instrument/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/stay-motivated-practice-instrument/#respond Wed, 29 Jun 2016 14:44:49 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=31355 I’ve been on both sides. I’ve had seasons where I was absolutely obsessed with playing my instrument and practicing. Practicing everyday was no problem for me, and hours felt like minutes. I suppose it feels the same as a new romance; exciting, fresh, full of passion. But as we all know, the honeymoon phase doesn’t last […]

The post How to Stay Motivated to Practice Your Instrument appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/stay-motivated-practice-instrument/feed/ 0 Improvising With Total Awareness: How to Truly Connect With the Music https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/uncategorized/improvising-total-awareness-truly-connect-music/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/uncategorized/improvising-total-awareness-truly-connect-music/#respond Wed, 22 Jun 2016 13:42:52 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=31282 This is a guest post by Josiah Boornazian. One of the most difficult aspects of music making for me is truly listening while I’m playing. I think this is a challenge many (if not all) of us face. It doesn’t matter whether you’re freely improvising an unaccompanied solo or playing in a huge band with […]

The post Improvising With Total Awareness: How to Truly Connect With the Music appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/uncategorized/improvising-total-awareness-truly-connect-music/feed/ 0 Jazz and the Rules of a Knife Fight https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-rules-knife-fight/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-rules-knife-fight/#respond Wed, 08 Jun 2016 20:26:19 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=31090 Guest post by Peter Rubie. There’s a great scene near the beginning of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, when Butch (Paul Newman) returns to the Hole in the Wall Gang and is challenged for leadership of the gang. As Butch and Harvey face off, Butch says to his enormous opponent, “Let’s get the rules […]

The post Jazz and the Rules of a Knife Fight appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-rules-knife-fight/feed/ 0 One Thing The Best Jazz Musicians Do That Others Don’t https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/all-about-jazz/jazz-opinion-blog/one-thing-best-jazz-musicians-others-dont/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/all-about-jazz/jazz-opinion-blog/one-thing-best-jazz-musicians-others-dont/#respond Fri, 27 May 2016 13:46:04 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=30950 Since the very first day I started getting serious about jazz, I’ve pondered over and over again what it is exactly that made the jazz greats so great. Whenever I go to shows of my favorite jazz musicians, I wonder why it was so good. Why do I leave the venue so awestruck? It’s easy […]

The post One Thing The Best Jazz Musicians Do That Others Don’t appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/all-about-jazz/jazz-opinion-blog/one-thing-best-jazz-musicians-others-dont/feed/ 0 How Jazz Pianists and Guitarists Can Play Together https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-pianists-guitarists-can-play-together/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-pianists-guitarists-can-play-together/#respond Thu, 26 May 2016 17:01:41 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=30936 A while back I was playing a monthly gig at a jazz club here in New York City, and afterwards the pianist came up to me (I’m a guitarist) and said: “Man, we’re really able to play well together, and even when you comp when I’m comping, it works!” What a compliment! I’m not telling […]

The post How Jazz Pianists and Guitarists Can Play Together appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/jazz-pianists-guitarists-can-play-together/feed/ 0 5 Productivity Tips For Jazz Musicians https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-productivity-tips-jazz-musicians/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-productivity-tips-jazz-musicians/#respond Wed, 18 May 2016 15:32:59 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=30883 Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional, jazz musicians can have a lot to do. There are always a lot of things to practice to become a better jazz player, and if you play professionally or part-time, there is getting work to consider. When I was a jazz student in college, the challenge was practicing. There […]

The post 5 Productivity Tips For Jazz Musicians appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/5-productivity-tips-jazz-musicians/feed/ 0 3 Reasons Why You Should Stop Practicing https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-reasons-stop-practicing/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-reasons-stop-practicing/#respond Tue, 19 Apr 2016 15:35:17 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=30594 On this blog we are constantly talking about what to practice, how to practice, and how long you should practice. There is no doubt that practicing is essential for jazz musicians (or any musician) to improve. Jazz musicians are some of the most obsessed when when it comes to practicing. We can spend hours shedding […]

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Stop Practicing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/3-reasons-stop-practicing/feed/ 0 Mastering Musical Doubt https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/mastering-musical-doubt/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/mastering-musical-doubt/#respond Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:04:12 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=30476 Guest post by Peter Rubie. I like to play squash, and the best advice a pro ever gave me was this: “Hit the ball in the middle of the racquet.” Do you have any idea how difficult that simple piece of advice is to master? Recently, Brent posted a great podcast about overcoming low self […]

The post Mastering Musical Doubt appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/learning-jazz/jazz-advice/mastering-musical-doubt/feed/ 0 How to Practice With a Metronome and Get Results https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-practice-with-a-metronome-and-get-results/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-practice-with-a-metronome-and-get-results/#respond Tue, 08 Mar 2016 20:02:47 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=29693 One of the biggest practicing tips I give my students is to practice with a metronome. Now this advice may seem over used or even slightly bland, but if used correctly, practicing with a metronome can produce incredible results for your playing! For jazz musicians, practicing with a metronome is especially important. The challenges a metronome forces […]

The post How to Practice With a Metronome and Get Results appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-practice-with-a-metronome-and-get-results/feed/ 0 If You Don’t Do This, You’ll Never Be a Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/dont-youll-never-jazz-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/dont-youll-never-jazz-musician/#respond Fri, 04 Mar 2016 23:52:26 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=29614 There is so much that needs to be learned and practiced when trying to become a jazz musician. It’s a form of music that demands a great deal of virtuosity and knowledge to play at a high level. For many, learning to play jazz can be overwhelming! You are told to transcribe solos, practice scales, […]

The post If You Don’t Do This, You’ll Never Be a Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/dont-youll-never-jazz-musician/feed/ 0 15 Awesome Jazz Quotes https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/15-awesome-jazz-quotes/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/15-awesome-jazz-quotes/#respond Mon, 29 Feb 2016 02:15:20 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=29513 I’m always looking to the music of jazz greats to get new musical ideas and inspiration. We often talk about how important it is to listen and learn solos from the greats on this website. But sometimes I like to go check out what the jazz greats had to say outside of playing music. I […]

The post 15 Awesome Jazz Quotes appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/15-awesome-jazz-quotes/feed/ 0 Why You Should Practice In All 12 Keys https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-you-should-practice-in-all-12-keys/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-you-should-practice-in-all-12-keys/#respond Thu, 04 Feb 2016 10:24:45 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=28717 If you’ve been following us on Learn Jazz Standards for a while now, you probably know that we always preach the importance of practicing in all 12 keys.  We commonly suggest learning licks, songs, and practice improvising over chord progressions in all 12 keys. But why is this so important for a jazz musician to do? We […]

The post Why You Should Practice In All 12 Keys appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-you-should-practice-in-all-12-keys/feed/ 0 4 Ways To Keep Your Jazz New Year’s Resolutions https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-keep-your-jazz-new-years-resolutions/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-keep-your-jazz-new-years-resolutions/#respond Mon, 28 Dec 2015 16:11:37 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=26421 As the New Year approaches, millions of people around the world are reflecting on 2015, asking themselves what went well and what didn’t. As we look forward we must ask ourselves where we want to be and what we want to achieve.  For jazz musicians and musicians in general this is especially important. We must always commit ourselves […]

The post 4 Ways To Keep Your Jazz New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-keep-your-jazz-new-years-resolutions/feed/ 0 4 Ways To Improve Your Jazz Solos Today https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-improve-your-jazz-solos-today/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-improve-your-jazz-solos-today/#respond Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:06:44 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=26374 I remember when I first started playing jazz I was constantly frustrated. Part of it was I was too hard on myself , but lets be honest: jazz is not the easiest of styles to play! When I really started getting into it, I was obsessed. I was listening to tons of jazz records. I loved […]

The post 4 Ways To Improve Your Jazz Solos Today appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-improve-your-jazz-solos-today/feed/ 0 How To Set Up Your Practice Sessions For Success https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-set-up-your-practice-sessions-for-success/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-set-up-your-practice-sessions-for-success/#respond Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:38:17 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=26217 Have you ever sat down to practice your instrument only to mindlessly “noodle” rather than actually learn something? I’m sure you have.  For many of us, our practice time is precious. We lead busy lives, full of work, family, friends and obligations. Sometimes it’s hard to find that time to get into the practice room and […]

The post How To Set Up Your Practice Sessions For Success appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-set-up-your-practice-sessions-for-success/feed/ 0 30 Jazz Solos You Need To Hear https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/30-jazz-solos-you-need-to-hear/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/30-jazz-solos-you-need-to-hear/#respond Thu, 10 Dec 2015 20:21:30 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=25994 Recently we asked our newsletter subscribers and our followers on Facebook and Twitter what their absolute favorite jazz solos are.  We received a lot of really great submissions and were pleasantly surprised to discover some new jazz solo’s ourselves! There are so many incredible solos out there, and often times, the best way to discover great […]

The post 30 Jazz Solos You Need To Hear appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/30-jazz-solos-you-need-to-hear/feed/ 0 Miles Davis It Could Happen To You nonadult Is Transcribing Jazz Effective for Everyone? https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/is-transcribing-effective-for-everyone/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/is-transcribing-effective-for-everyone/#respond Thu, 19 Nov 2015 08:47:45 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=24974 Transcribing (learning licks and solos by ear) has become such an accepted sacred cow of the jazz education world that few bother to question its effectiveness.  But is it really an effective practice tool for everyone? In a word, no. Before you gasp at my sacrilege, hear me out:  I’m not anti-transcribing.  First of all, […]

The post Is Transcribing Jazz Effective for Everyone? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/is-transcribing-effective-for-everyone/feed/ 0 Music Advice I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/music-advice-i-wish-i-knew-10-years-ago/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/music-advice-i-wish-i-knew-10-years-ago/#respond Thu, 12 Nov 2015 15:57:42 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=24780 Lately I’ve been spending some time reflecting on my past and what got me to where I am now. My journey on this adventurous and sometimes bumpy road called musicianship has been quite eventful so far. About 10 years ago was around the time that I had mentally decided I was going to choose music […]

The post Music Advice I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/music-advice-i-wish-i-knew-10-years-ago/feed/ 0 Musicians Must Get Paid! https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/musicians-must-get-paid/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/musicians-must-get-paid/#respond Tue, 03 Nov 2015 12:33:03 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=24573 This article is a follow up to 3 Reasons Why You Need To Stop Playing Gigs For Free, in which I talk about how our musical economy has been severely damaged by musicians playing gigs for no compensation, ultimately devaluing the profession. I read this ad on Craigslist recently: Seeking jazz and folk musicians for […]

The post Musicians Must Get Paid! appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/musicians-must-get-paid/feed/ 0 How To Learn The Melody Of A Jazz Standard By Ear https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-learn-the-melody-of-a-jazz-standard-by-ear/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-learn-the-melody-of-a-jazz-standard-by-ear/#respond Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:26:21 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=23884 If you’ve been following us on Learn Jazz Standards for any given amount of time, it’s likely you’ve heard us talk about the importance of learning things by ear. Learning how to play musical elements by ear, as opposed to sheet music, can have massive benefits on your playing and really help you in many […]

The post How To Learn The Melody Of A Jazz Standard By Ear appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-learn-the-melody-of-a-jazz-standard-by-ear/feed/ 0 You Don’t Have to Accept Every Gig https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-accept-every-gig/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-accept-every-gig/#respond Thu, 20 Aug 2015 07:50:25 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=22953 Conventional wisdom in the music world says “Take every gig that comes your way.”  I’m here to challenge that assumption. In the early stages of a career it could be good advice to take most gigs that come your way, when trying to gain experience.  However, there may come a point where not every gig fits into your […]

The post You Don’t Have to Accept Every Gig appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-accept-every-gig/feed/ 0 5 Jazz Solos You Need To Learn https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-jazz-solos-you-need-to-learn/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-jazz-solos-you-need-to-learn/#respond Wed, 12 Aug 2015 20:48:21 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=22815 I have a lot of students who come up to me wanting to know more about chord/scale theory and ways to utilize different theoretical elements in their playing.  These are fantastic things to explore and well worth the time of any musician to work on. However, quite frequently when me and the student finally sit down […]

The post 5 Jazz Solos You Need To Learn appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-jazz-solos-you-need-to-learn/feed/ 0 Miles Davis - Freddie Freeloader nonadult The Secret To Playing At Fast Tempos https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-secret-to-playing-at-fast-tempos/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-secret-to-playing-at-fast-tempos/#respond Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:07:44 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=22010 Blistering fast tempos. You’re at the gig or the jam session and you hear the leader begin to count off the tune…and it’s fast. Really fast. “Cherokee! 1-2-1234!” You tense your body as you prepare for lift off. Your mind begins to race. A drip of sweat falls from your brow as you deploy your […]

The post The Secret To Playing At Fast Tempos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-secret-to-playing-at-fast-tempos/feed/ 0 6 Non-Music Things Jazz Musicians Must Think About https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/6-non-music-things-jazz-musicians-must-think-about/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/6-non-music-things-jazz-musicians-must-think-about/#respond Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:41:33 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=21421 Serious jazz musicians are typically good at things like practicing, listening, transcribing, reading music, etc.  Those are the things that normally get emphasized in music lessons, music camps, music school, etc.  These things are incredibly important, and that’s why we spend so much time on them.  Jazz is a virtuosic music, and it demands a lot […]

The post 6 Non-Music Things Jazz Musicians Must Think About appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/6-non-music-things-jazz-musicians-must-think-about/feed/ 0 3 Crucial Tips For Playing Great Jazz Solos https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-crucial-tips-for-playing-great-jazz-solos/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-crucial-tips-for-playing-great-jazz-solos/#respond Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:46:35 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=21311 I’ve spent a lot of time around jazz musicians, and if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that nothing crushes their spirits more than playing a bad solo. As a jazz musician myself, I can say with confidence that I’ve left many a gig down and depressed because my solo’s just weren’t happening that […]

The post 3 Crucial Tips For Playing Great Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-crucial-tips-for-playing-great-jazz-solos/feed/ 0 How To Build An Awesome Solo https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-build-an-awesome-solo/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-build-an-awesome-solo/#respond Wed, 01 Jul 2015 14:47:38 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=21165 We’ve all seen our fair share of great movies.  I’m talking about those incredible motion pictures where you leave the cinema or your couch just absolutely dazzled with amazement. The plot, the characters, the roller coaster ride of emotions, the twist you just didn’t see coming all combining together to create a wonderland of cinematic entertainment. Or […]

The post How To Build An Awesome Solo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-build-an-awesome-solo/feed/ 0 Miles Davis Quintet with John Coltrane - Someday My Prince Will Come nonadult How to Avoid Therapy as a Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-avoid-therapy-as-a-jazz-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-avoid-therapy-as-a-jazz-musician/#respond Tue, 30 Jun 2015 20:22:46 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=21123 Maybe it’s the countless hours spent in the practice room.  Maybe’s it’s spending so much time trying to play like someone else through transcribing, listening, etc.  Maybe it’s the various challenges jazz musicians face like getting work and getting paid to play music.  Whatever it is, sometimes jazz musicians experience inner struggles that can be demoralizing. […]

The post How to Avoid Therapy as a Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-avoid-therapy-as-a-jazz-musician/feed/ 0 2 Ways To Take Your Ears To The Next Level https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/2-ways-to-take-your-ears-to-the-next-level/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/2-ways-to-take-your-ears-to-the-next-level/#respond Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:49:55 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=21072 We’ve all felt the frustration of hearing great ideas in our head but then not being able to translate them onto our instruments.  Scatting killer solo’s in the shower or in the car comes with blissful ease, but when you start playing your instrument it’s as if all of that has gone out the window. Wouldn’t […]

The post 2 Ways To Take Your Ears To The Next Level appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/2-ways-to-take-your-ears-to-the-next-level/feed/ 0 3 Reasons Why You Should Be the Worst Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-be-the-worst-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-be-the-worst-musician/#respond Thu, 18 Jun 2015 15:48:03 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=20945 I was playing a gig the other night at a club in Greenwich Village, New York City when suddenly I realized I was the worst. Everyone in the band was just absolutely killing it.  Every solo was creative, melodic and sincerely musical. The energy was intensely flowing throughout the room and each musician was locked […]

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Be the Worst Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-should-be-the-worst-musician/feed/ 0 How To Learn A Jazz Standard And Not Forget It https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-learn-a-jazz-standard-and-not-forget-it/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-learn-a-jazz-standard-and-not-forget-it/#respond Sat, 13 Jun 2015 23:46:50 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=20796 Have you ever been at a gig or a jam session and someone called a tune that you used to know but just couldn’t seem to remember anymore?  If this happens to you don’t worry! You are certainly not alone. There are so many tunes out there to learn and sometimes it can be overwhelming! […]

The post How To Learn A Jazz Standard And Not Forget It appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-learn-a-jazz-standard-and-not-forget-it/feed/ 0 3 Things That Are As Important as Practicing https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-things-that-are-as-important-as-practicing/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-things-that-are-as-important-as-practicing/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:40 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=14890 I once went to a clinic in which James Morrison claimed to never practice.  He called practicing the “P-word,” as if it were a dirty word.  He evidently doesn’t even warm up.  The way he told it, the first note he plays onstage is the first note he has played since the last time he […]

The post 3 Things That Are As Important as Practicing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-things-that-are-as-important-as-practicing/feed/ 0 How to Find More Time to Practice https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-find-more-time-to-practice/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-find-more-time-to-practice/#respond Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:00:34 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=14884 We have all heard stories about musicians who practice almost every waking hour for an extended period of time.  Charlie Parker allegedly practiced up to 16 hours a day for a while, and John Coltrane was not far behind.  So, how can we find more time to practice? Whenever we say yes to something, we […]

The post How to Find More Time to Practice appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/how-to-find-more-time-to-practice/feed/ 0 5 Keys to Proper Gig Etiquette https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-keys-to-proper-gig-etiquette/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-keys-to-proper-gig-etiquette/#respond Mon, 05 May 2014 21:11:01 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=9463 Over the course of my gigging career, I’ve seen my fair share of musician’s bad behavior while on the gig. I’m talking about the musician who shows up thirty minutes late to the gig (or not at all), leaving the band awkwardly waiting while the club owner works himself into a fit of rage. The […]

The post 5 Keys to Proper Gig Etiquette appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/5-keys-to-proper-gig-etiquette/feed/ 0 Personalities and Jazz https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/personalities-and-jazz/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/personalities-and-jazz/#respond Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:09:40 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=8774 Think about it: there are so many great players out there.  It always baffles me that no matter where you go in the world, there are a plethora of incredible musicians hiding in the shadows.  From small towns to big cities all around the globe, you will find dedicated jazz musicians who can absolutely kill […]

The post Personalities and Jazz appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/personalities-and-jazz/feed/ 0 4 Ways To Make A Living As A Jazz Musician https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-make-a-living-as-a-jazz-musician/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-make-a-living-as-a-jazz-musician/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:47:58 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=8661            The idea of building a career in music has often been met with skepticism from the working class.  Many have been conditioned to believe that acquiring success in the field of music is for the “lucky few;” those who score the coveted record deal, the hit-single artist that greedily dominates […]

The post 4 Ways To Make A Living As A Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/4-ways-to-make-a-living-as-a-jazz-musician/feed/ 0 The Truth About Getting A Jazz Degree https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-truth-about-getting-a-jazz-degree/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-truth-about-getting-a-jazz-degree/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:10:43 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=8328          Every year, thousands of music students eagerly pack their bags, relieved to have survived those treacherous high school years, and head off to college to pursue their musical dreams.  It seems to be the societal norm in many parts of the world to secure the coveted bachelor degree after secondary school, and so for […]

The post The Truth About Getting A Jazz Degree appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-truth-about-getting-a-jazz-degree/feed/ 0 The Jazz Mindset https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-jazz-mindset/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-jazz-mindset/#respond Thu, 27 Feb 2014 15:00:34 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=8158 Why do we play jazz? Why do we play music? I hope the main reason why we spend so much time practicing, playing, and performing is that we love it. However I have seen some musicians who seem to struggle not because of their playing, but because their mindset isn’t healthy. Even worse, I have seen some musicians stop […]

The post The Jazz Mindset appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-jazz-mindset/feed/ 0 3 Reasons Why You Need To Stop Playing Gigs For Free https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-need-to-stop-playing-gigs-for-free/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-need-to-stop-playing-gigs-for-free/#respond Tue, 25 Feb 2014 18:34:29 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=8167 Let’s imagine you and your musician friends want to host a special performance at your home.  You are sitting down to plan this event and begin thinking about this really great restaurant that would provide excellent wine and hors d’oeuvres for all of the guests.  It’s a newer joint in the neighborhood; you’ve been there […]

The post 3 Reasons Why You Need To Stop Playing Gigs For Free appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/3-reasons-why-you-need-to-stop-playing-gigs-for-free/feed/ 0 A Jazz Guide to Practicing https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/a-jazz-guide-to-practicing/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/a-jazz-guide-to-practicing/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:55:14 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=8062 As musicians, all of us have sat down with our instruments, ready to embark on that most sacred ritual.  You close the door to the room, say a silent prayer to the jazz gods, and begin shedding away on your instrument, desperate to reach that so-called “next level”.This was the time, the time you had […]

The post A Jazz Guide to Practicing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/a-jazz-guide-to-practicing/feed/ 0 The 10 Mother Tunes Every Jazz Musician Should Know https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-10-mother-tunes-every-jazz-musician-should-know/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-10-mother-tunes-every-jazz-musician-should-know/#respond Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:05:30 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=2191 Ever wonder which jazz standards are the most important to know?  Well, these tunes below represent some of the best tunes in the jazz cannon. These tunes are called often, so do your homework and learn them if you haven’t already! Here is the list: Autumn Leaves in Em; Autumn Leaves in Gm Take the […]

The post The 10 Mother Tunes Every Jazz Musician Should Know appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/the-10-mother-tunes-every-jazz-musician-should-know/feed/ 0 Why You Should Throw Your Fakebook Away https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-you-should-throw-your-fakebook-away/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-you-should-throw-your-fakebook-away/#respond Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:32:47 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=1687 GET RID OF YOUR FAKEBOOK! THROW THAT TRASH OUT! You know that little book on your shelf with the melodies and chord changes? Throw it in the trash. Right now. Do it. Ok, before you get motivated to throw it out, STOP-DON’T DO IT! I didn’t mean it. Maybe you bought your fakebook in 1971 […]

The post Why You Should Throw Your Fakebook Away appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-you-should-throw-your-fakebook-away/feed/ 0 44 Essential Jazz Recordings-Guest Post by Brent Jensen https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/44-essential-jazz-recordings-guest-post-by-brent-jensen/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/44-essential-jazz-recordings-guest-post-by-brent-jensen/#respond Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:30:13 +0000 https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/?p=215 Brent Jensen is the Director of Jazz Studies at the College of Southern Idaho.  He is also an amazing saxophonist and recording artist for Origin Records.  Here is his first of several upcoming guest posts by Prof. Jensen on our site. Brent has websites you can go check out! I’ve included the links right under […]

The post 44 Essential Jazz Recordings-Guest Post by Brent Jensen appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/44-essential-jazz-recordings-guest-post-by-brent-jensen/feed/ 0 Why Learn Jazz Standards? https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-learn-jazz-standards/ https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-learn-jazz-standards/#respond Tue, 25 May 2010 04:10:53 +0000 http://webdesign-boise.com/camden/?p=3 Learning jazz standards seems to be a very daunting task. Many top jazz players have HUNDREDS or even THOUSANDS of songs memorized. For the purpose of this website, I define the term “jazz standard” to include the Great American Songbook and also notable jazz originals by the masters. How can the novice, intermediate, or even […]

The post Why Learn Jazz Standards? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.

]]> https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/blog/why-learn-jazz-standards/feed/ 0