Dive into the
World of Jazz
go Deep and explore the vast world of improvisation, Rhythm and harmony
that lies Beneath the surface.
Let Me Be Your Guide
Next Course dates: May 5 - June 30, 2025
Book by April 15 and Save USD 350.00
Expand your musical potential by diving into the world of jazz improvisation!
As a classically trained guitarist or advanced amateur, you may already have solid technique and a good knowledge of the fingerboard. Plus, a good understanding of harmony: you already have the skills that enable you to dive into jazz improvisation.
Learn how to play an improvised solo over various jazz compositions, without having to read music, of course!
For teachers:
You will also be able to apply and pass on your new knowledge to your students. I have personally found that many of my students – even though not all – are fascinated by improvisation.
Whether you want to expand your repertoire, refine your ear, or simply enjoy the freedom of improvisation, this course will open the door to new musical horizons for you.
About the author: Markus Plattner
I have been teaching jazz for several decades and can be your guide, when exploring the wide world of jazz.
This course will teach you how to improvise according to harmonic and rhythmic laws…
..so you can play an improvised solo in an ensemble, and..
..so you can pass on the skill to your own students.
9-Part Signature Course: View Contents
The slides automatically display the contents of the entire course – slide by slide. You can pause while looking at a slide by clicking.
You can select any one of the nine slides at the bottom left.
Sample Videos from the gtr.education library
All videos can be extended to full screen view
‘Satin Doll’ (Duke Ellington)
Melody and Chords
Chords for ‘Summertime’
Hack: Play an advanced sounding solo with just one Pentatonic Scale
Not for beginners, but within reach
if you practice hard
Learn an authentic Bossa Nova
comping pattern, step-by-step
G Major Chordscale
with flexible inner voices
- Upcoming course from May 5 to June 30.
- We meet weekly for a 60-90 minute online session, where I present and explain course content and answer your questions.
- Songs and exercises are demoed live, and you are given time to have a go at the demonstrated skills. Questions are welcome and encouraged.
- Course Media include Video (see above), Audio, PDF/PNG, Slides (Google Slides, compatible with all devices). All media remain accessible for life.
- You submit recordings of your own improvisations and/or chord accompaniments. Playbacks are provided by gtr.education. I critique the recordings in detail and suggest ways to improve.
- Harmony Analysis enables you to understand the links between chords and scales. You will know, which scale can be used on which chord.
- Outcome: At the end of the course you will be able to improvise over a number of jazz compositions (aka standards). It is recommended and that you practice 2-3 hours per week. There is no way around that if you want to achieve good progress.
Cost:
USD 750.00– Early Bird (book by April 15): USD 400.00
- David T.
The course was great. Throughout this time, we went through all different shapes in different positions on different modes and also practiced several important chord progressions in Jazz. Thus, you get to improvise with more ease as you advance.
He also gave great feedback to the submitted audio assignments and gave us additional material to work on. Thanks Markus for all your help and effort!
- Christoph B.
The course picked me up at my current level and helped me progress with suitable content and methods. The wealth of learning materials is impressive and using them is mostly profitable. The playbacks are great and allow you to focus completely on practicing the improvisations. Markus’ feedback is spot-on and detailed and shows me where and how I can improve. The online lessons are well structured, the goals are clear, and there is room for questions. Markus is very dedicated to the lessons, and the learners are always the focus. Great! I can absolutely recommend this course.
- Nana H.
Very well conceived and efficient course for learning jazz improvisation. You can start with different levels and knowledge and still learn something because this course is not just online, but works with a feedback system. After each lesson I get “homework” to send in my own improvisation recording. I get precise feedback and can make individual progress.
I have never improvised before. Can I still take part?
- Yes, absolutely. But you should be curious, open-minded and – above all – have 2-3 hours spare for practice each week.
I have been classically trained. Can I use those skills in this course?
- Yes. A solid technique and a good overview of the fretboard will be very useful for this course.
I only play with finger technique. Do I have to switch to pick technique in this course?
- You don’t have to if you don’t want to. Many jazz guitarists (including myself) use finger technique broadly.
Can improvisation even be learnt if you are classically trained?
- Absolutely! Don’t forget that many great musicians were also great improvisers: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and many others. Improvisation is the oldest way of making music historically.
What is the course schedule? Maybe I’m busy.
- The course schedule will be determined according to participants and host preferences. Sessions are recorded and can be watched later (only accessible to course participants). Your questions get answered, even if you can’t be there live.
What’s the cost?
For nine 60-90 minute coaching sessions with Markus, including all digital media and individual feedback on your submitted recordings, the cost is USD 750.00.
Places are limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
If you register by April 15, the cost is
USD 750.00USD 400.00.We guarantee progress, if you practice 2-3 hours per week, and if you work on the recommended exercises.