Jazz Ensemble Class

Thursday Evenings at our Bay Park Location (January 8th - March 26th)

1235 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

You want to join? Fill out this form to check if you're ready!

A 12-Week Journey Into Jazz & Creative Expression

Take your musicianship to the next level with a hands-on, performance-driven ensemble experience designed for motivated middle school and high school musicians as well as Adults 18+ (Two separate classes).

Over the course of 12 weeks, students learn the foundations of jazz improvisation, explore a wide range of styles, and develop the confidence to play both individually and as part of a dynamic ensemble.

At the end of the session, students will showcase their growth at our Paper Moon Jazz Jam - an energizing and memorable performance opportunity.

Who This Ensemble Is For

This program is ideal for dedicated musicians of all ages who want to deepen their skills, challenge themselves musically, and experience the creativity and collaboration of improvised music.

Students should already have foundational skills and some experience on their instrument. See the readiness guidelines below.

Open to:

Student Readiness Requirements

To keep the ensemble moving at a strong musical level, students should meet the following prerequisites:

For Brass, Reed, Guitar, Bass & Piano

Able to play major and minor scales
Able to recognize chord symbols (CMaj7, C7, C–7, C–7♭5)
Some sight-reading ability
Interest in improvising, experimenting, and trying new concepts

For Drummers & Percussionists

Able to play a variety of grooves and feels:
- Swing
- Waltz
- Bossa
- Funk

Not ready yet? Reach out about private music lessons to get ready for the next Jazz Ensemble!

Are you ready? Fill out THIS interest form to confirm requirements are met!

What Students Will Learn

Each weekly class blends individual skill-building with ensemble rehearsal, giving students a rich, well-rounded introduction to improvisation and jazz fundamentals.

Core Improvisation Skills

Playing in an Ensemble

Working together as improvisers | Creating musical dialogue | Understanding roles within a rhythm section and horn section

Styles Students Will Explore

Swing Ballad

Bossa Nova

Afro-Caribbean

Funk

Building Real-World Musicianship

Reading lead sheets

Writing their own lead sheets

Learning jazz standards

Preparing for a performance in a live jam setting

Paper Moon Youth Jazz Project

This class meets on Thursdays from 6-7PM and is for all Middle School - High School aged Students that can play an instrument at least at an intermediate level.

Starting: January 1st 2026

Ending: March 26th 2026

Final Performance: Paper Moon Jazz Jam: Sunday, April 5th at 6PM

Cost: $350 per student. (Active Paper Moon Music Students receive a $100 discount)

You/ Your child is interested in joining? To verify you/ they are a good fit please fill out the form below and we will reach out to you shortly with the sign up link if requirements are met.

Fill out form to confirm requirements

Paper Moon Jazz Collective

This class meets on Thursdays from 7-8PM and is for Adults 18+ that can play an instrument at least at an intermediate level.