July — September 2026 · Capped at 5
A six-session small-group course for intermediate guitarists ready to deepen their jazz craft — from time feel and comping to harmony, improvisation, and beyond.
Format
6 sessions
over 3 months
Where
Jazz Central
Studios, MPLS
Tuition
$450 total
3 × $150
I really loved working with Chris — he was just great. I'm sure it's hard to fit everyone's needs, but personally, I'm at a stage where I need very specific applications to solidify technique and theory.North Star Member
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
Get deeper into the guitar — and into the music.
Jazz Guitar Foundations is for intermediate players who want to expand their craft on the instrument. Across six sessions, you'll work on the physical, mental, and creative sides of jazz guitar — rhythm, tone, technique, fretboard fluency, harmony, comping, melody, improvisation, listening, and composition — in a small group, at a pace that meets you where you are.
Many guitarists take Jazz Guitar Foundations as a complete experience in itself. For those who want to keep going, it's also a natural step toward joining one of North Star's small-group ensembles.
Why this course
Jazz guitar covers a lot of ground — rhythm, tone, fretboard, harmony, comping, melody, soloing, listening. Foundations works through all of it in a small group, with exercises that meet you where you are.
Over six sessions, you'll build:
Instructor was extremely skilled, approachable, and knowledgeable. I'm confident everyone gained a significant amount of information to improve their playing and practicing.
Time
5:30 – 7:30pm
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the monthLocation
Jazz Central Studios
407 Central Ave SE, MinneapolisFormat
Small-group, guitar
Six 2-hour sessions over three monthsTuition
$450 total
Three monthly payments of $150 — first confirms enrollmentSession Dates
Your Teacher
Guitar · Jazz Guitar Foundations
A native of the Twin Cities, Chris Graham first entered the local jazz scene as a young standout while still in high school, learning directly from many of the community's legends and elders. His early passion and dedication led him to New York City, where he was accepted into the prestigious New School to continue formal studies in jazz performance. Immersed in the vibrant NYC jazz world, he had the privilege of studying and performing with master musicians such as Reggie Workman, Chico Hamilton, Vic Juris, Lage Lund, Ben Monder, Tyshawn Sorey, and many others.
After several years in New York, Chris returned home to the Twin Cities and shifted his focus for a time toward steel-string acoustic guitar. During this period, he joined forces with local singer/songwriter Lucy Michelle and helped form The Velvet Lapelles, a group that enjoyed a successful run throughout the early 2010s. Around 2017, he re-entered the jazz scene and has since collaborated with many of the region's finest musicians, including Javier Santiago, Aaron Hedenstrom, Ted Olsen, Miguel Hurtado, Dan Carpel, Pete James Johnson, and more.
Hear him play
Is this class for you?
Jazz Guitar Foundations is built for intermediate players. You're a good fit if:
No specific theory background required — just a willingness to dig in and grow. If you're not sure whether this is the right fit, email us or book a quick call.
Enrollment
Only 5 spots in the July cohort.
Enrollment closes Wednesday, July 1.
One week before the first session.
Tuition is $450, paid as three monthly installments of $150. Your first payment confirms your enrollment in the July cohort.
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.