Learning jazz standards can be a daunting task, especially for musicians who are new to the genre and don’t have proper guidance. However, there are several tips and techniques that can make the process easier.

12 dos and don’ts to learn jazz standards

The first thing you want to do is to listen to recordings of the songs. I like to listen to the old versions, the original recording when possible, so I can understand and compare with newer versions. In our monthly Standards Studies, I create a playlist for the students to listen to.

It can be fun and helpful to play along these recordings for the musicians to develop their ear and learn how to interpret the melody.

Check out how to actively listen to a recording!

Another technique is to break down the song into smaller parts and practice each part individually. This can help musicians master the song’s structure and chord progression. Finally, practicing with other musicians can help musicians develop their skills and learn new approaches to the song.