Learner’s Jazz Jam

Tuesdays • 8:00-10:00 PM

July 7 - December 15, 2026

Free to Participate

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AMP Learner's Jazz Jam is a free community program for teen and adult musicians looking to build confidence playing jazz in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Designed as a bridge between private lessons, school ensembles, and traditional jazz jam sessions, each gathering begins with a guided workshop on a jazz standard before participants put new concepts into practice alongside professional jazz mentors in a coached jam.

The Learner's Jazz Jam is open to musicians with a basic familiarity with jazz who are ready to expand their repertoire, improvisation, and ensemble skills. No registration or tuition is required—just bring your instrument and join us.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this pilot program is offered free to the community on a limited basis through December 2026. If you'd like to help keep programs like this accessible, learn how you can support AMP.

  • The Learner's Jazz Jam is designed for intermediate jazz musicians who are comfortable with the basic role of their instrument in a small-group jazz setting but aren't quite ready to jump into a traditional jazz jam. Guitarists and pianists should be familiar with comping, bassists should have experience with walking bass and other common jazz bass roles, drummers should know basic jazz time feels, and horn players should be comfortable learning and performing melodies.

    You don't need to have dozens of jazz standards memorized or be an experienced improviser. Participants should come with a willingness to try improvising, learn new repertoire, and grow through playing with others. Our goal is to help musicians gradually build a repertoire they know from memory, but using lead sheets as you learn is absolutely welcome.

    If you're unsure whether you're ready, we encourage you to come give it a try. Our coaches are happy to help you identify the next steps in your jazz journey, and this program is designed to help bridge the gap between where you are now and participating confidently in traditional jazz jam sessions.

  • Not yet—but you do need to be willing to try! Improvisation is a skill that's learned through experience, and the Learner's Jazz Jam is designed to be a supportive place to take those first steps.

    Trying improvisation can look different for everyone. Some musicians may start by playing the melody, supporting the rhythm section, or taking just a few improvised notes before gradually building longer solos. Our coaches provide encouragement and practical guidance along the way, and it's okay if things don't go perfectly—that's part of learning. While you're always welcome to sit out a solo, we encourage everyone to challenge themselves and celebrate each step of growth.

  • Each Learner's Jazz Jam is coached by two professional mentor musicians who are active members of Utah's jazz community. Sessions begin with a short workshop on a featured jazz standard, followed by a guided jam where participants apply new concepts, receive feedback, and gain experience playing with others in a welcoming, educational environment.

  • The Learner's Jazz Jam is built around a shared repertoire of jazz standards that we develop throughout the season. Rather than learning completely new music each week, we regularly revisit tunes so participants can become more comfortable playing them, deepen their understanding, and gradually build a repertoire they know from memory.

    For the most up-to-date tune schedule and announcements, subscribe to our newsletter. You can also view our current repertoire list to practice between sessions and follow along as new tunes are added.

  • Bring your instrument and anything you normally need to play! Here's what to expect:

    • Pianists: We have keyboards on site, so you don't need to bring anything.

    • Drummers: We provide a drum set. Please bring your own drumsticks.

    • Horn players: Bring your instrument.

    • Guitarists: Bring your guitar and an amplifier.

    • Bassists: Electric bassists should bring their bass and an amplifier. Upright bassists are welcome to play acoustically.

    • Vocalists: We provide microphones.

    If you're unsure about what to bring or whether your setup will work, feel free to contact us before you come.

  • No. You're welcome to attend whenever your schedule allows. While we'll be building a shared repertoire over time, each session is designed so musicians can jump in wherever they are in the learning process.

    We encourage regular attendance because seeing the same tunes multiple times is one of the best ways to build confidence, deepen your understanding of jazz standards, and gradually commit them to memory. But whether you come every week or just once in a while, you'll always be welcome.

  • Our studio is located at 1192 Wilmington Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. If it's your first visit, don't worry—many people have a hard time finding us!

    The easiest way to find the studio is to start at Orangetheory Fitness in Sugar House. From there, head east down the alley immediately north of Orangetheory. It may look like there aren't any businesses back there, but keep walking. You'll find the AMP entrance on the right-hand side, marked with a sign on the door and an accessibility ramp.

    If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to reach out—we're happy to help you find us.