When people think of jazz, they might think of Rat-Pack style bands, playing Frank Sinatra favorites.  Or perhaps they recall an image of Miles Davis playing his trumpet, cigarette slowly smoking away.

Jazz, to musicians though, is a highly technical and exhaustive musical language that requires players to improvise at an advanced level.  And as one might suspect, it’s not the easiest to teach.  

Even great jazz players themselves often make poor teachers, since they haven’t taken the time (nor do they have the interest) to break down – step by step – exactly how the language developed within themselves.

Our jazz teachers here at the Merriam School of Music are such a breed.  Advanced players and educators who have a years of experience in explaining and breaking down the complexity of how to become true improvisers at the highest level.  

Whether you’re looking to explore the blues, jazz, or even get into some more contemporary improvising, these gifted educators are your ticket to this amazing and rare skill.