Our Foundations - Instrument class is for beginners with no previous music experience. We’ll teach you what you need to know about your instrument of choice in this awesome small group class. You will be learning the basics and playing songs within weeks!

Instruments Offered: clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass guitar, drums, and violin.

Program Details

Foundations -  Instrument is designed as an entry-level instrumental class for upper elementary and middle school students to learn a new instrument. This class introduces students to their instrument of choice, teaching basic playing techniques while learning how to play jazz in a collaborative setting.

This class is designed as part of a yearlong foundational program that builds confidence on an instrument and provides opportunities to play jazz music with a larger ensemble.

ELIGIBILITY
New musicians in grades 4-8.

FALL QUARTER: September 29 - December 13, 2025

CLASS SCHEDULE

• Drums and Bass Guitar: every Monday, 5 - 5:50 PM

• Clarinet and Trumpet: every Tuesday, 5 -5:50 PM

• Saxophone and Trombone: every Tuesday, 6 - 6:50 PM

• Violin: every Thursday, 5 - 5:50 PM

• Guitar: every Thursday, 6 - 6:50 PM

LOCATION
380 Boren Ave N in the South Lake Union neighborhood. Click here for map.

SLIDING SCALE TUITION

We believe that every student who wants to play should get to play. That’s why we offer a variety of tuition levels for our programming.

We encourage you to select the option that’s best for your family at this time.

• $375: Mutual Aid Supporter + Standard Tuition

• $315: Pay it Forward + Standard Tuition

• $250: Tuition Level A - Standard Tuition

• $190: Tuition Level B

• $125: Tuition Level C

• $65: Tuition Level D

If you’re unable to pay for tuition at any level at this time, we still want you in our classes! Please click here to request a code for our no-tuition option. No questions asked.

If you’re able to choose a level that is above standard tuition, your support will ensure:

• Every student has access to JazzED programs, regardless of their ability to pay.

• We can hire and retain local working musicians to teach our classes at livable wage in our community.

REGISTRATION

You will have the option of choosing your tuition on the registration check-out page. At checkout, you will have the option to pay in full or select a payment plan option to break the tuition payment into a deposit plus three payments spread over three months.

After registering, you should receive a confirmation email from our online registration system Active.com. If you don't receive a confirmation email from Active.com, please contact us to ensure we have your registration. 

You can also read our refund policy (recommended).

HOW TO GET AN INSTRUMENT

The following form is required in order to borrow a JazzED instrument:

>>Click HERE for our Instrument Loan Agreement<<

If you chose the option to use a JazzED instrument free of charge while your child is participating in Foundations, they will receive their instrument on the first day. This form contains guidelines for your instrument while it is in your possession for the duration of the Foundations Class.

HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
To create the best possible learning environment for our students, we ask that parents and guardians do not stay in the JazzED building during class or return early to observe. This helps minimize distractions and ensures students can stay focused.

For safety, our doors will remain locked from the outside while class is in session and will reopen just before dismissal.

Additionally, to keep students engaged, cell phone use is restricted during class. If you need to reach your student, please call or text us at 206-324-5299, and a staff member will pass along your message.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this program, or you need assistance with registration or sliding-scale tuition, please email programs@seattlejazzed.org and one of our program staff will be happy to help!