Jazz Ensemble
Now offering Semester-long classes!
(15 classes + concert)
Thursday Evenings at our Bay Park Location (Fall Semester: September 3rd to December 17th)
1235 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
A 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 15 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 the Jazz Ensemble Concert - 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!
What our students have to say
“Learning theory and improvisation in the setting of playing with other musicians, and performing in front of an audience have been the most valuable elements of the Paper Moon Jazz Ensemble. It has been instrumental in my own musical growth, especially in combination with one-on-one lessons. Jeno is amazing to work with, and knows exactly how to challenge students while providing guidance and instruction in an encouraging and nonjudgemental environment.” ~Mike E.
"Being a part of the Paper Moon Jazz Ensemble has been a wonderful experience for our two boys. It has given them the opportunity to grow as musicians while performing as part of a real ensemble.
One of the things they have enjoyed most is playing alongside the other members of the band. Being surrounded by talented musicians has challenged them to listen, adapt, and become better players. They especially love having the opportunity to take solos and improvise. Watching them step up, take the lead, and confidently express themselves through their music has been very rewarding.
We are very grateful to Paper Moon Jazz Ensemble for giving our kids such a positive and memorable musical experience. It has been wonderful watching their confidence and love of music grow, and we highly recommend the ensemble to any young musician looking for a place to learn, perform, and have fun with other musicians." ~Marc G.
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
Major & minor scales | Modes | Circle of 4ths | Understanding song form (12-bar blues, 16-bar, AABA, etc.) | Chord analysis (ii–7 → V7 → I∆7 and beyond) | Trading 4s and 8s | Listening & comping techniques
Playing in an Ensemble
Working together as improvisers | Creating musical dialogue | Understanding roles within a rhythm section and horn section | Solving Problems through collaboration
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 Semester
This class meets on Thursdays and is for all Middle School - High School aged Students that can play an instrument at least at an intermediate level.
The exact timing of the class will be determined depending on sign ups but will be for one hour weekly between 5-7PM.
Starting: September 3rd
Ending: December 17th
Final Performance: Sunday, December 20th, 2026
Cost: $475 per student. (Active Paper Moon Music Students receive a $50 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.
Paper Moon Jazz Collective
This class meets on Thursdays and is for Adults 18+ that can play an instrument at least at an intermediate level.
The exact timing of the class will be determined depending on sign ups but will be for one hour weekly between 7-9PM.
Starting: September 3rd
Ending: December 17th
Final Performance: Sunday, December 20th 2026
Cost: $475 per student. (Active Paper Moon Music Students receive a $50 discount)
You are interested in joining? To verify you 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.
A local music school and host of the Jazz Ensemble Class. Interested in lessons or more information on music lessons? Click the link below.