Invitation To Apply For The Jazz Intensive

Jazz Education Has a Problem

These days, jazz education online is saturated with flashy marketing, false promises, and endless clickbait. “Secrets” to unlocking the language. 

“Systems” guaranteed to make you sound like your heroes. 

And if you’ve been down that road, you already know: it doesn’t work.

Because learning jazz doesn’t happen through hacks or shortcuts. It’s not about finding the perfect video or method. It’s about showing up. Doing the work. Getting the right nudge at the right time. And having people around you who care enough to keep you going when you want to give up.

That’s what The Jazz Intensive is about.
Why This Is Different

The Jazz Intensive combines structured mentorship, personalized coaching, and a tight-knit community of serious students who care deeply about the music.

You won’t get overwhelmed by a giant library of videos and be left to figure it out on your own. You’ll get:
-Weekly live sessions for learning by ear, listening, Q&A, and group discussion

-A curated library of resources, with instructors pointing you to the right material at the right time

-Monthly 1-on-1 coaching with professional jazz musicians who actually listen to your playing and help you chart a personalized course

-A vibrant community of musicians all trying to grow and support each other

What You Actually Need (That You Can’t Get From One-Way Resources):

One of the biggest struggles jazz students face today is information overload. You watch a few videos and, while not realizing it, you have enough raw material and ideas that should be worked on for a year (but you sit there trying to fit it into a week).

You don’t need more ideas.
You need the right idea—at the right time—for you.

That’s where mentorship comes in. Not just generic feedback or cheerleading, but someone who can really listen to your playing and say:
“Here’s one thing to focus on. This will help. Do it for a few weeks and then we’ll talk.”

That’s what Clark Terry, and my other important mentors did for me. And that’s what I now do for others.

This isn’t a system I can sell you in a PDF, it’s literally my life’s work and the skill that I have been developing over decades: hearing what a student needs, and helping them take the next step in a way that fits how they think, feel, and play.

If you never had the chance to go to a conservatory or spend years surrounded by other jazz musicians, you don’t know what you missed—but you can still experience it.

The Jazz Intensive recreates the best parts of music school: the shared goals, the daily inspiration, the side conversations, and the feeling that you’re not in this alone.

We meet regularly. We play together. We talk about the things that actually matter. And you get to be around people who are after the same thing you are.

No Tricks. No Urgency. No Pressure.

There’s no countdown timer. No “only 2 spots left” B.S.

If this feels right, you’ll know. And if it doesn’t, that’s totally fine too.

This is for people who:
-Are tired of shortcuts that don’t work
-Want to be part of something real and human
-Understand that jazz is a lifelong journey and are here for the long haul
-Don’t need more “secrets”—just real guidance, real music, and real connection

We keep the group small on purpose. Not to manufacture scarcity—but because this model only works if every student actually gets attention. If there’s not a spot now, there usually will be soon.

If this resonates, here’s how to take the next step:

Book A Call & Fill out a short application. (It includes tuition info)

We’ll review it. If it’s a fit, we’ll proceed with our meeting where you can ask any questions you have and we can get to know each other a bit. No sales pitch. Just a conversation to understand where you're at, where you want to go, and if this feels right.

And if it does feel right for both of us? You’ll be welcomed into one of the most honest, encouraging, and musically serious jazz communities you can find online.

See What Current And Former Students Are Saying:

A Look Inside What We Do:

More Thoughts (If You’re Still Reading)

I’m going to be totally real and honest with you.

I can give you what you actually need—often before you know you need it. 
I can listen to your playing and point to the next thing that’ll move the needle—not based on a system, but on experience.

That’s my only “method.”

No acronyms. No trademarked formula.
Just years of listening, teaching, and helping real musicians grow.

And if you’re like most jazz students, here’s the truth:
You’re probably not the best judge of what you need next.
You’re smart, motivated, curious—but also a little overwhelmed.
You’ve likely spent so much time choosing what to work on…
 …that you haven’t actually worked on much at all.

That’s the pain of modern jazz education: too many options, not enough clarity.
Too many voices, not enough guidance.
Too much content, not enough connection.
The Jazz Intensive is designed to cut through that.
Not by shouting louder than the noise, but by quietly listening to you.

The Power of Prescription
When I was lucky enough to get time with Clark Terry, he didn’t sit me down and say:
 “Here’s my full system—work through this in order.”
He listened.
He heard what was in my playing.
He gave me one thing to chew on.

That’s what most jazz students are missing today. A prescription—not a buffet.

Instead, we get jazz education built for clicks:
The more you consume, the more overwhelmed you get.
YouTube rabbit holes that feel productive but leave you hopeless.

In The Jazz Intensive, we do the opposite:
We zoom in. We personalize. We guide.
We work slowly. But you grow fast.

Why Group + 1-on-1 = Magic
Some programs are all about groups. Others are all about private lessons.
This one is both.
Because group energy matters.
There’s something magical about seeing others ask your question before you do. About hearing someone else wrestle with the same exact hang-up that’s been quietly sabotaging your progress.

But there are things you won’t say in a group.
Things you’re embarrassed about.
Things you think you should know by now.
That’s why we meet 1-on-1 every month.
So you can say the quiet part out loud.
So you can get unstuck privately.
So you can be seen and guided as an individual—not just a participant.

This Isn’t For Everyone—and That’s the Point
If you’re still chasing the magic bullet, this probably isn’t your time.
I’ll still be here when you’re ready for something real.

But if you already know that progress takes time…
If you’re tired of going in circles…
If you want to be part of something that feels like home…
I’d love to work with you.

Fill out the application.
Let’s see if we’re a good fit.
And if we are, you’ll be welcomed into one of the most honest, supportive, and musically serious jazz environments you can find online.
Talk soon.

—Nick

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