Total Jazz Theory

Learn the fundamentals of jazz! The flexible, modular Total JAZZ THEORY approach allows you to study in a way that best fits your time and goals. Ear Training exercises in the free INTERACTIVE Practice Studio offer even more opportunities for enrichment.

Complete all 36 lessons for a total jazz theory experience, or choose the pages and exercises labeled as Basic for an introduction to the nuts and bolts of jazz. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a total jazz musician!

Dean Sorenson is Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Minnesota. A former trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, he is frequently featured at festivals and conventions around the United States and abroad as a Yamaha performing artist, and is highly sought-after as a commissioned composer and arranger for jazz ensemble, symphony orchestra, concert band, and chamber ensembles. Mr. Sorenson is the author of the Excellence in Jazz Pedagogy series, First Place for Jazz, Jazz Combo Session, and First Jazz Performance. He is also co-author, with Bruce Pearson, of the Standard of Excellence Jazz Ensemble Method and Advanced Jazz Ensemble Method.