Ways to Learn and Play

Private Improvisation Lessons

Private lessons give you focused time to work through the ideas behind improvisation. Explore melody, rhythm, harmony, and phrasing on your instrument, with exercises connected to the music you want to play. Lessons can support beginners finding a starting point or experienced players refining their approach. Bring questions, tunes, and goals to guide each session.

Jazz Fundamentals

Strengthen your understanding of jazz harmony, form, rhythm, and melody. Lessons connect musical concepts to listening and playing, so theory supports your choices rather than standing apart from them. Work with common song forms and chord progressions, and learn how to hear the structure of a tune. The material is paced to your current experience.

Ear Training

Develop the listening skills that make improvising more responsive. Practice recognizing melodic movement, intervals, rhythms, and harmonic patterns through exercises tailored to your level. Apply what you hear directly to your instrument and to familiar tunes. Stronger ears can help you learn music by listening, follow other players, and make more intentional musical choices.

Jazz Repertoire

Learn jazz standards and other repertoire in a way that connects melody, form, harmony, and improvisation. Work on how to navigate a tune, shape a solo, and listen for the musical details that make each piece distinct. Choose material that fits your interests and goals, while developing a repertoire you can revisit in practice or bring to a session.

Rhythm and Phrasing

Make rhythm an active part of your improvisation. Practice swing feel, syncopation, rhythmic motifs, and ways to create space and momentum in a solo. Listen to how phrasing interacts with a tune and with other musicians, then try those ideas through guided exercises. This work can help your playing feel more grounded, expressive, and connected to the music.

Ensemble Preparation

Prepare for rehearsals, jam sessions, or other group playing with practical guidance. Work on following forms, communicating through your playing, keeping time, and responding to what you hear from other musicians. Lessons can also focus on tunes you expect to play and questions that come up in ensemble settings. The goal is to help you participate with greater ease and attention.