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You know the theory.
But the music isn't flowing.
You understand the rules of harmony.
But they're not turning into your musical story yet.
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Most players learn harmony as rules to follow, not ideas to express.
That builds knowledge. But it doesn't create music.
Improvisation happens when what you hear
can move freely through your instrument.
— Michael Lake, Music Savvy
The Jazz Circle is built to make that connection real.
Inside the Jazz Circle, we train connection — not more information.
The confidence to play what you hear inside
The habit to put theory in the background
Responsiveness instead of memorized patterns
Your ear to lead your instrument
Your playing. Heard. Personally guided.
The Loft is where Jazz Circle members submit a short clip of their playing and receive a personal review from Mike — his honest impressions of what's happening in your playing, along with specific things to work on and resources to help you get there. Not a generic tip. An honest constructive response to what he actually hears in your playing and the advice he offers.
How It Works
What actually changes inside you.
What you hear
Your ear picks up the phrase, the feeling, the idea. It's already there.
What you feel
The Jazz Circle builds the neural pathway between hearing and your hands.
What you play
The music that was trapped in your head finally comes out of your instrument.
Inside the Membership
Hear the tools that strengthen your musical ear.
Explore a few of the hundreds of ear-based lessons and tools inside the Jazz Circle.
Lesson Preview
The ear/brain connection
A Charles McPherson Exercise
Lesson Preview
Preparing your ear
From Improvisation Savvy
Lesson Preview
An ear training exercise
From Ear Dexterity Patterns series
What Members Say
Real players. Real results.
This completely changed the way I approach improvisation. I stopped memorizing scales and started playing from what I hear. A huge difference.
Debbie G.
Teacher/Pianist
I finally understand how to play what I hear. My improvisation feels natural from a method that finally works for me in improving my ear for improvisation.
Robert K.
Saxophonist
Music Savvy has definitely helped me improvise quite freely on the trombone over the basic jazz standards in the majority of the keys.
Jonas B.
Trombone player
Your lessons are increasing my ear to instrument reaction time. This is really exciting for me!
Sharilynn H.
Flute
I noticed after working on your materials that I am hearing things in music that I didn't hear before. I didn't expect that!
Charles N.
Trombone player
Join the Jazz Circle
Choose your membership level.
Expert-led courses, play-along tracks, exclusive jazz interviews, and an AI tool to guide your learning — all in one membership.
Essentials
Jazz Circle Essentials
- The Loft — personalized review and guidance on your playing
- The Jazz Navigator — generate a specific learning curriculum tailored to your unique needs
- Two Comprehensive Online Courses
- Grow from weaknesses to advanced improvisation
- Exclusive Video Interviews with 60+ master players and teachers
- Interactive Improvisation Platform — strengthens your ear in real time
Equivalent standalone access: $170+
Join the Essentials CircleMastery
Jazz Circle Mastery
- Everything in Essentials
- Eight Exclusive Books, including collaborations with world-class artists
- Three Exclusive Digital Albums — only available inside the Mastery Circle
Equivalent standalone access: $214+
Join the Mastery CircleQuestions you might be asking yourself.
Most jazz courses teach you more information. The Jazz Circle trains the connection between your ear and your instrument. Everything here is designed to help you play what you actually hear, not just what you've memorized.
The Jazz Circle works best if you already have some abilities on your instrument. A basic understanding of harmony can help but it is not at all necessary to learn from Music Savvy how to play to your potential.
Any melodic instrument — piano, guitar, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, bass, and more. This ear-based approach is universal. Trombone-specific resources are available here.
No. The Jazz Circle is built around ear training, not as much around notation reading. Many members who play entirely by ear find the course especially effective for deepening their hearing.
Yes. Cancel anytime from your account in seconds. No phone calls, no penalties, no runaround. Your access continues through the end of your current billing period.
Try the Jazz Circle risk-free.
No long-term commitment. No risk. Cancel from your account anytime.
If the Jazz Circle isn't right for you, canceling takes seconds — no phone calls, no hassle.
Starting at $19.95/month · Cancel anytime · Instant access