Ensembles
Find your band.
A small group that meets twice a month, coached by a Twin Cities jazz musician.
Ensembles
A small group that meets twice a month, coached by a Twin Cities jazz musician.
North Star ensembles are small-group playing experiences for musicians who want to grow through regular practice, collaboration, and guided exploration of jazz. Each group works with an experienced instructor who helps shape the music, support individual development, and create a space where players can listen more deeply, take creative risks, and build confidence over time.
The focus isn't on moving through a fixed curriculum or preparing for a single performance. It's about developing the habits that make ensemble playing meaningful — learning repertoire, responding to other musicians, building time and feel, and finding your own voice inside the music.
For some musicians, the ensemble is a way back into playing. For others, it's a place to stretch, stay accountable, and keep growing. Across levels and backgrounds, the goal is the same: to make space for music as an ongoing creative practice.
“The North Star Jazz Workshop is a refuge for musicians who want to play jazz — whether they have no experience in that genre, haven't played in a while, or just want a setting to dust off and improve their chops. It's a place to connect and share the joy of playing live with other musicians.”
A North Star member · Google review
01
A quick call to share your musical background, ask questions about the program, and make sure it's a great fit before you jump in.
02
Submit your $50 band deposit to confirm your place, then complete a short placement recording so we can match you well.
03
We'll email you the details — your group members, your rehearsal schedule and time slot, and your instructor's contact info.
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Your instructor reaches out with what you need: suggested tunes to review, materials to bring, and what to expect in your sessions.
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Small-group sessions on a 1st & 3rd or 2nd & 4th week schedule — developing your improvisation, collaborating, and growing your confidence.
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Quarterly performances at Jazz Central, plus masterclasses with guest artists, skill workshops, and events to meet and play with the wider community.
From our members
Here's what some of our members say about playing in a North Star ensemble.
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.
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.
I absolutely love being a part of Northstar Jazz! 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. I joined the foundations class and even though I was very nervous, it was the most welcoming environment. The instructors and other participants are so kind and encouraging. It truly is a wonderful community to be a part of and I'd recommend it to anyone. No matter your skill level there is a place for you!
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.
Incredible workshops! The organizers put you in a group appropriate to your level. Repertoire and workshops are challenging but doable, which is the perfect sweet spot. Instructors are professional jazz cats, and they hear *everything* and give you great, practical advice on how to level up. Regular jam sessions to play and mix with the other students. I couldn't be happier with them.
Your coaches
Every ensemble is led by a Twin Cities jazz musician.
Three ways in. Pick whichever fits where you are right now.
Just exploring
Tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking for. We'll talk through fit, placement, and the next open spot.
Fill out the form →Ready to join
$50 holds your spot in the next opening — and credits toward your first month's dues.
Submit deposit →Want to talk it through first? Book a quick call →
Enrollment
$50 reserves your spot in the next available ensemble — we often have a waitlist, so the deposit holds your place. It credits toward your first month's dues. We'll be in touch within a few days to confirm placement.
Not sure yet? Fill out the interest form or book a quick call instead.
Questions? Email us anytime at hello@northstarjazzworkshops.com.
