LJS 02: How to Properly Learn a Jazz Standard

Welcome to episode 2 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to properly learn a jazz standard. In this episode we talk about why learning jazz standards is so important and 5 great steps to learning a jazz standard so you can really own it. Find out how!
Listen to episode 2




Enjoy listening to this podcast?If you get value from the LJS Podcast, help us out by leaving a rating and review on iTunes or your favorite podcast service. Thanks for your help! Rate and Review on iTunes


In this episode

*
Why learning jazz standards is important.

*
Listen to the tune.

*
Listen to a variety of different versions and take your time.

*
Buy different versions or use resources like Youtube or Spotify to research the song.



*
Learn the melody by ear.

*
Learn it by ear not with sheet music.

*
Be able to sing it before bringing it to your instrument.

*
Listen to artists who play/sing the melody straight such as Frank Sinatra.



*
Learn the harmony by ear.

*
Learn it by ear before checking with a fakebook or sheet music.

*
Use the bass as your guide to find the roots, and the accompany instrument to identify the quality of the chord.



*
Practice the tune in different keys.

*
Put what you learned to the test by being able to play it outside of the original key.

*
Helps you develop you ear and understand how the chords relate to each other.



*
Find someone to jam with.


Listen to Episode 1: 4 Habits For Better Practicing
Further reading:
Why Learn Jazz Standards?
How to Learn the Melody of a Jazz Standard By Ear
How to Learn a Jazz Standard and Not Forget It
50 Jazz Standards You Need to Know
How do you learn jazz standards? Leave a comment below.