How do I learn a jazz standard?
Hi , welcome to this video lesson on how to learn and memorize jazz standards.
If you have ever wondered:
- How should I learn a jazz standard?
- I learn a standard but forget it the following month. How can I memorize it?
- What’s the best way to build my repertoire?
- Am I doing it wrong?
Or some similar questions, this presentation is for you. I am going to share with you 12 tips about a topic we can all relate to: how to learn and memorize jazz standards.
If you learn a song and forget it the following week, or if you have been to a jam session and got embarrassed because you couldn’t remember the changes, let’s fix that together (and rest assured, we have all experienced that humbling experience!).
A great novelist uses the same words as you and I, and a great musician will also use the same notes as you and I. There’s not so much difference in the quantity of knowledge between you and me or even you and the masters.
But there might be a big difference in how clear the information is in the mind of the master musicians. That’s really where I think the difference is, because when you have clear information, then your imagination is just more free to be creative.
So let’s dive in in the dos and don’ts to learn and memorize jazz standards (click on the timeline or in the top right corner to jump to a specific section).
Video:
A few words about Alex Terrier
• Started classical piano at 8
• Started saxophone at 10
• Degree in Composition and Performance from Berklee College
• Lived in NYC for nearly 20 years
• Associated with Mingus Big Band, Kenny Barron, Jeff Tain Watts, George Garzone, Paquito D’Rivera and more.
• International guest teacher
• Created JVL in 2013
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3 comments on “12 dos and don’ts to learn and memorize jazz standards”
Lionel Pinard A la suite de notre échange par email, voici la version mise à jour, en espérant que cela t’aide 🙂
Alex: this was a good informative and knowledgeable presentation. You just did it again excellent, musically speaking right in the target. Ty.
Thank you, glad it is helpful, see you at the next live class!