DONATE

Madison Jazz Jam and Workshops

Educational Jams and Workshops for All Ages and Abilities

Welcome to Madison Jazz Jam and Workshops! These sessions are generally held the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. The 2nd Sunday is held at the WYSO Center in Madison from 3:30-6:00. The 4th Sunday is held at COPA in Fitchburg from 3:30-6:30. 

Check our events page for the current schedule of upcoming jams, just in case something changes.

Vibrant Madison Jazz Society logo featuring bold typography and colorful design elements representing jazz music and community engagement.

How it Works

2nd Sundays at the WYSO Center

3:30 – 4:45pm Improvisation Classes Two levels of classes will be offered, with students self selecting into “Fundamentals” or “Expansions”.

4:45 – 6:00pm Ensemble Sessions Curated opportunities to practice playing or singing jazz and improvised creative music in an ensemble

4th Sundays at COPA

3:30 – 4:30pm Workshop An instructor will teach tools for improvising over one or more of the selected songs.

4:30 – 6:30pm Jazz Jam Session Each jam will start with everyone in the workshop playing the “workshopped” song(s).

FAQ

  • Instrumentalists and vocalists: Jazz improvisers of all ages and talents are welcome at Madison Jazz Jam. We are a community gathering and we want to hear from you!
  • Audience: Jazz appreciators who want to hear good music.

Musicians sign up at the jam and indicate what songs they wish to play with the band. Blues in any key is a welcome place to begin or typical jazz standards from the Real Books. At times we may not be able to accommodate all who wish to play a particular song, so it is as good idea to prepare one or two alternate tunes.

No. Minors are welcome to play like any other musician.

Tips for Vocalists

Try to know which key you would like to sign in. Because instrumentalists commonly play jazz standards in one or two particular keys, and because vocalists may feel most comfortable singing in keys that the house band may consider “nonstandard” it will be helpful if you can let the band know your preferred key so they can adjust to best support you. If you plan to sing a song with a written arrangement, try to bring 3 copies of your sheet music so our house bands can familiarize themselves with it. But if you don’t have sheet music, don’t worry – our bands can play anything!

Welcome to Madison Jazz Jam!

Join us if you are an aspiring jazz musician, pro or even a fan interested in learning and listening to jazz. The Events page lists session dates and house band members.

We are here to play!

Our stage is equipped with a full PA with mics, an acoustic or pro-level electric piano, drum set and guitar and bass amps. In general it’s best to bring your own instruments beyond those provided, and any portable gear you feel you may need.

We provide music stands, and we keep several Real Books on hand for jammers to use each week.