LJS 139: Learning Jazz by Ear or Sheet Music (Which One is Better?)
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast - A podcast by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
Welcome to episode 139 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about learning jazz by ear and with sheet music. Which one is better and what are the benefits of each? Listen in!
Listen to episode 139
In today's episode, I talk about learning jazz by ear and with sheet music and ask the question: which one is better?
If you're familiar with me and the content I come out with on Learn Jazz Standards, you probably already know what I think. I won't leave you in suspense.
I believe that learning jazz by ear is the best place to start and the best way to truly learn jazz language.
That's not to say that using sheet music to learn doesn't have its place. It certainly does, and it has its only sets of benefits for aiding the learning process.
Learning musical information by ear is something that I have my 30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing students doing constantly. The report I get back is that it is opening up doors in their playing and I want it to do the same for you as well.
Here's what I talk about in today's episode:
1. Learning by ear or sheet music- which one?
2. The benefits of each approach.
3. 3 primary reasons to learn jazz by ear over sheet music.
My challenge for you is to start learning something by ear if you haven't been already. It could be a solo, a lick, or even an entire song.
What do you think? Which one is better for you? Leave a comment below.
Important Links
30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing course