A Creative Music Community in the Twin Cities.
Ensembles, classes, private lessons, jam sessions, and workshops — for jazz musicians at every level. Hosted at Jazz Central Studios, Minneapolis.
Ensembles, classes, private lessons, jam sessions, and workshops — for jazz musicians at every level. Hosted at Jazz Central Studios, Minneapolis.
Coming up
Workshop · Sat June 13
A special morning workshop with the Otherlands Trio at Jazz Central Studios. Made possible by Blue Fox Arts. Open to the public.
Register →
Jam Session · Sun June 14
Our Second Sunday Jam. Bring your instrument and sit in, or come to listen. Supportive, all levels welcome.
Details →
More to come
We're always adding new workshops, concerts, and jam sessions. More details coming soon — check back, or tell us you'd like to be kept in the loop.
See what's on →Programs
Classes, lessons, jams, and ensembles. Wherever you are in your playing, there's a place for you.
Now enrolling · August cohort
A six-session ensemble course with Chris Bates exploring sound through games, concepts, and real-time composition. Capped at 10.
Learn more →
Now enrolling
A group class in jazz improvisation. Chord changes, phrasing, ensemble feel — for instrumentalists newer to jazz or returning to it.
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Now enrolling
An intensive group class for intermediate guitarists ready to deepen their craft — comping, harmony, time feel, improvisation.
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Now enrolling
A focused group class on improvisation, for players ready to deepen their improvisational vocabulary and ear.
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One-on-one
One-on-one work with some of the best jazz musicians in the Twin Cities. Alongside ensemble work or on their own — at your own pace.
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Drop-in · All levels
Second Sunday Jams at Dual Citizen Brewing, plus other open sessions around town. Supportive, all levels welcome — a great way to meet other players.
Learn more →I'm a bassist who was classically trained in orchestra. I recently got my own bass after 10 years of not playing and wanted to get into jazz. Even though I was very nervous, it was the most welcoming environment. No matter your skill level there is a place for you.
North Star member
From our members
The small group ensembles have meant a huge boost to my playing and the joy of playing. Chris also colors the rehearsals with great contextual information to help us place the tunes and styles in the jazz ecosystem. Highly recommended.
If you like to play music, and you want to get experience playing jazz, North Star is the way to go. You get placed with a group that matches your skillset, and there's a pro sitting in with you to keep the group on track. There's really no better way to learn. And if you have a day job (so you don't have the time to arrange, find charts etc etc), this really helps.
North Star Jazz Workshops was exactly the program I was looking for to get back into playing jazz in a friendly and welcoming environment. The instructors are all fantastic, and the jam sessions have been a great place to meet so many wonderful other people. Highly recommended!
I love this program. Their adult centered approach is amazing and unique. I've been able to learn with like minded individuals and make friends along the way. I highly recommend this program to any adult that has a instrument in the closet collecting dust.
They've created an awesome community of musicians, and the instructors are really knowledgeable. I've been playing with a combo for a few months now. I've learned a lot about music, I've met a lot of really cool people, and most importantly, I've had a lot of fun playing music with this community.
Connecting with other players, getting expert input and feedback in ensemble from accomplished coaches, learning new repertoire—NSJW has helped to launch me into jazz experience and growth that I hadn't imagined but am delighted with.
The North Star approach
At North Star, music is more than a skill to improve. It's a creative practice, a form of self-expression, and a way to stay connected — to yourself and to other players.
Across our ensembles, classes, lessons, jams, and workshops, we help musicians make space for that practice in their lives. Founded by jazz musicians, in partnership with Jazz Central Studios.
More about us →In partnership with
Get started
Tell us where you are musically and what you're interested in — we'll follow up within a few days.
Prefer to talk? Book a quick call instead →
Questions? Email us anytime at hello@northstarjazzworkshops.com.
