Learn Jazz and Skyrocket Your Improv Skills Without the Overwhelm

Hi, I'm Brent Vaartstra. Learn Jazz Standards is a blog, podcast, and videos geared towards helping you become a better jazz musician. Over the past decade I've helped hundreds of thousands of musicians just like you improve their jazz improv skills, and shorten the learning curve. Let's get started!

Learn Jazz and Skyrocket Your Improv Skills Without the Overwhelm

Hi, I'm Brent Vaartstra. Learn Jazz Standards is a blog, podcast, and videos geared towards helping you become a better jazz musician. Over the past decade I've helped hundreds of thousands of musicians just like you improve their jazz improv skills, and shorten the learning curve. Let's get started!

What Do You Need Help With?

"Thanks, Brent! You have a great approach to teaching this stuff, very inspirational and explained in a clear and logical fashion. The challenges are difficult enough to get me practicing but not overwhelming. Keep up the good work!"

Maximillian from Austria

Saxophone and clarinet

"I now have the tools to self-organize efficient practice. This course is a game-changer for me!"

Francis from Quebec

Guitarist

"Whenever I tried learning jazz with private instructors before, I'd find the lessons too slow or not fun enough. Watching videos on YouTube, I'd feel like the content was either too easy or too difficult. Brent's course allows me to practice at my own pace and improve step by step, without ever feeling stuck or lost."

Joyce from Paris

Pianist

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Join the Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle!

Thousands of musicians from all around the world, playing all kinds of instruments are getting massive results from our online courses and eBooks. Whether you need help getting started playing jazz or are ready to deep dive into one of our intensive practice programs, we've got you covered.

Our Inner Circle membership has everything you need to take your jazz playing to the next level, and then some with access to the "Jazz Standards Club" (monthly jazz standard studies), access to all LJS Premium Courses, access to Basics 101 Courses, and access to Premium Community Forums and Practice Groups. You'll have all of the tools and training you need to skyrocket your jazz skills!

"I purchased The Jazz Standards Playbook together with the video course. I really like the training approach in this material! I’m learning the theory behind the songs, how the chords are constructed and how they relate together. It is fun and challenging to learn. Furthermore, the extra video course is really motivating to keep you going and practicing. Thanks, Brent!"

Wim from The Netherlands

Tenor Saxophonist

“Zero to Improv is the first of its kind on the web. I have already recommended it to a friend of mine that plays piano. I love the fact that you can click on the sheet music to get the sound. You are doing a great job, Brent, keep it up!”

Pierre from Long Island

Bassist

“I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with the 30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing course! It really is the ticket to improving many of the nuances and intricacies of playing jazz. On top of this, you get 30 lessons with the course. I don’t know of any teacher that would charge less than $30 per lesson so the math makes it easy to show a pretty good deal. Thanks again!”

John from Wisconsin

Guitar

What's Popular On The Blog

50 Jazz Standards You Need to Know

If you need help knowing which jazz standards to learn, our top 50 list is a good place to get started!

Jazz Improvisation Made Simple: a Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for an ultimate guide on jazz improvisation and leveling-up your jazz skills, look no further!

Ultimate Guide to Jazz Theory

Jazz theory can seem complex and difficult, but it actually doesn't need to be so hard. This ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started.

The 16 Most Important Scales in Jazz

Using scales to improvise can be helpful if done correctly. This post identifies the 16 most important scales you should know as a jazz musician.

50 Jazz Standards You Need to Know

If you need help knowing which jazz standards to learn, our top 50 list is a good place to get started!

Jazz Improvisation Made Simple: a Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for an ultimate guide on jazz improvisation and leveling-up your jazz skills, look no further!

Ultimate Guide to Jazz Theory

Jazz theory can seem complex and difficult, but it actually doesn't need to be so hard. This ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started.

The 16 Most Important Scales in Jazz

Using scales to improvise can be helpful if done correctly. This post identifies the 16 most important scales you should know as a jazz musician.