How Did You Learn Jazz

[max52]

I'm curious to know how you guys learned and are learning to play jazz. Was it mostly through teachers, schools, books, videos, listening and copying, self taught? I'm taking lessons now, but quite suspect they'll only lay a foundation.

[hot ford coupe]

Hey Max. I learned and of course am still learning by listening to records, attempting to play along with records, watching videos and reading as much as I could about jazz. The most important thing that really makes all the other things possible is the foundation of music which is what you're doing now. Without the basics, everything else is for naught.

[mr. beaumont]

Learning songs, transcribing (really copping licks, I didn't write much down, but writing down is beneficial) and getting my ass handed to me by a 70 year old piano player.

[jmstritt]

Working with a teacher is great, but you have to take some initiative on your own too. Part of the equation is listening and transcribing, even if it is just copping a few licks here and there.