In this engaging episode, Brent tackles an intriguing question from listener Xing Shen about how to determine chords from sheet music without chord symbols. Brent explores practical strategies for learning chords by ear, emphasizing the importance of basic chord recognition and ear training fundamentals. He highlights the five primary chord qualities in jazz and offers tips on developing the ability to identify these chords, both in isolation and within progressions.

Brent's insights are especially useful for those new to learning jazz by ear, providing actionable advice to simplify the process and build a strong musical foundation.
Moreover, he underscores the value of learning multiple jazz standards to recognize recurring chord progressions and patterns. Using "Autumn Leaves" as an example, he explains how repeated exposure to common progressions like the 2-5-1 in various keys can significantly enhance a musician's ability to learn chords by ear. Brent also shares his personal experiences and tips for starting with simpler tasks before tackling more complex progressions.

This episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of jazz harmony and improve their ear training skills. Don't miss out on Brent's expert guidance to elevate your jazz-playing journey!

Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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

In this episode, Brent discusses about a question from listener Michael George, a clarinet player facing challenges with jazz standards often perceived as more suited to tenor saxophone. Michael seeks advice on emulating the styles of Paul Desmond and Stan Getz to improve his clarinet performance.

Brent addresses this by debunking the notion that jazz standards are tailored to specific instruments, emphasizing that any jazz standard can be adapted and played on any instrument. He encourages musicians to explore solos and melodies across different instruments, as this approach broadens their understanding of jazz language and enhances their overall musicianship.

He elaborates on the benefits of learning solos from instruments different from one's own, sharing his personal experience as a guitarist who often transcribed solos from piano, saxophone, and trumpet players. Tune in to gain valuable insights on maximizing your practice and expanding your jazz repertoire, regardless of your instrument.


Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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

Join Brent in this insightful Fast Track Friday episode, where he delves into the crucial topic of measuring your musical progress. He addresses a common concern among musicians: the feeling of not improving fast enough, or at all. He shares his empathy for this struggle and offers practical strategies to help you see your progress more clearly. He highlights how being too close to your own playing can make it difficult to notice improvements.

Brent explains that measuring your progress is not only about boosting your confidence but also about making informed decisions on what to practice next. He shares insights from his inner circle members, who use weekly audit recordings and compare their current abilities with their past selves to track their progress.

This episode is packed with valuable tips and encourages you to adopt a structured approach to measuring your musical improvement, ensuring that you stay motivated and on the right path in your jazz journey. Don't miss out on these essential strategies—tune in to gain a fresh perspective on your musical growth!


Important Links:
Free Guide to learning standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way
LJS Inner Circle Membership
Listen to the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast

Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle: Get 50% off your first month!

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