July — September 2026
A six-session course in jazz improvisation, in a small group. Built for instrumentalists newer to jazz — or coming back to it after time away.
Format
6 sessions
over 3 months
Where
Jazz Central
Studios, MPLS
Tuition
$450 total
3 × $150
A playing-based way into jazz.
Foundations of Jazz is for musicians who want a clearer, more supportive way into the music. You'll work on the core skills that come up in real playing situations: learning tunes, understanding form, building confidence with improvisation, strengthening time feel, and listening closely to the people around you.
The course is designed for musicians who are newer to jazz, returning to playing, or looking for a stronger foundation before joining an ensemble. Many people take Foundations as a complete experience in itself. For those who want to keep going, it's also a natural first step into North Star's ongoing small-group jazz ensembles.
Why this course
Most musicians who want to play jazz run into the same gap: knowing some theory isn't the same as being able to play it with other people. Foundations is built to close that gap.
Over six sessions, you'll:
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.
Time
5:30 – 7:30pm
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the monthLocation
Jazz Central Studios
407 Central Ave SE, MinneapolisFormat
Small-group ensemble
Six 2-hour sessions over three monthsTuition
$450 total
Three monthly payments of $150 — first confirms enrollmentSession Dates
Your Teachers
Saxophone · Co-Founder
Joe is a saxophonist, educator, and Co-Founder of North Star Jazz Workshops. He holds a B.F.A. in Jazz Performance from The New School in NYC, taught combos and classes at the California Jazz Conservatory for nearly a decade, and ran the Berkeley Jazz Workshops — small-group jazz instruction for adult musicians. His own playing has taken him to SFJAZZ, the Telluride Jazz Festival, and Irving Plaza.
Bass · Co-Founder
Chris is a bassist, composer, and Co-Founder of North Star Jazz Workshops. A vital figure in the Twin Cities jazz scene, he holds a McKnight Composer's Fellowship and has released several critically acclaimed albums, including ongoing projects with The Good Vibes Trio and Atlantis Quartet. His compositions have been performed by big bands and contemporary ensembles, and he's taught at the University of Minnesota Morris.
North Star 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.North Star Member
Repertoire and workshops are challenging but doable, which is the perfect sweet spot. Instructors hear everything and give you great, practical advice on how to level up.North Star Member
Enrollment
Tuition is $450, paid as three monthly installments of $150. Your first payment confirms your enrollment in the July cohort. Sign up below to get started.
Still thinking it through? Book a call and we'll help you figure out if it's the right fit.
Questions? Email us anytime at hello@northstarjazzworkshops.com.