Jazz is a style of music known for its use of syncopated rhythms and improvisation. This musical style developed in the United States in the early part of the twentieth century and shares elements with blues and big band music. Jazz genres include Dixieland, swing, bebop, cool, and fusion.

Why learn about jazz?

Learn about jazz to deepen your appreciation for the genre as well as other popular music styles like rap, hip-hop, and Latin music. As jazz music evolved over time, it influenced other forms of music that built upon the rhythms and improvisational style that jazz embodies. The history of jazz also reflects many of the societal changes that took place in the twentieth century. As you study this history, you gain a new perspective about the events that shaped contemporary society.

What benefits will I gain if I learn about jazz?

The primary benefit you gain from learning about jazz is a new appreciation of the art form. Understanding the history and elements of the music changes the way you listen to it. As you listen to the work of significant jazz artists like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane, you may find new favorite artists, genres, and works. Musicians benefit from learning jazz because it helps them understand concepts like chord progressions and diatonic harmony. Practicing improvisation gives musicians an opportunity to fully explore their instruments and improves their ear. This is useful for musicians who want to compose their own music or experiment during practice and performance sessions.

How can online courses help me learn about jazz?

Online courses are a convenient way to learn about jazz because of the way you can customize your learning. You may choose a specific topic to study or start with a basic jazz course to explore the history and foundations of the music. Working in an online format lets you study around your schedule when you have to devote your full attention to the material.

What are the benefits of taking an online Jazz course?

Online Jazz courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Jazz skills. Choose from a wide range of Jazz courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Jazz courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Jazz, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Jazz Courses - Learn Jazz Online

Explore the Jazz Course Catalog

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art
Skills you'll gain: Music History, Music, Oral Expression, Culture, World History, Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Performing Arts, Public History, Art History, Storytelling, Cultural Diversity, Writing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
405 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Curtis Institute of Music
Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas
Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, Music History, Instrumental Music, Classical Music, Music Theory, Music Performance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
605 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Peking University
20世纪西方音乐 Western Music in the 20th Century
Skills you'll gain: Music History, Music Theory, Music, World Music, Classical Music, Music Performance, Instrumental Music, Musical Composition, Performing Arts, Creativity, Art History
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Rochester
History of Rock, Part One
Skills you'll gain: Music History, Music, Culture, World History, Instrumental Music, Music Theory, Electronic Media
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
Music Production
Skills you'll gain: Music, Musical Composition, Post-Production, Peer Review, Media Production, Active Listening, Music Performance, Constructive Feedback, Performing Arts, Editing, Instrumental Music, Music Theory, Timelines, Creativity, File Management, Self-Awareness
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
Electronic Music Production
Skills you'll gain: Musical Composition, File Management, Music Performance, Music, Media Production, Music Theory, Instrumental Music, Performing Arts, Creativity, Peer Review, Automation, Electronic Media, Design Software, Editing, Patch Management, Software Installation, System Requirements
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
Songwriting: Writing, Arranging, and Producing Music
Skills you'll gain: File Management, Music Theory, Musical Composition, Music, Peer Review, Instrumental Music, Storytelling, Music Performance, Creativity, Performing Arts, Automation, Writing, Editing, Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
GRAMMY GO
Building Your Audience for Music Professionals
Skills you'll gain: Marketing Budgets, Digital Media Strategy, Professional Networking, Content Strategy, Promotional Strategies, Branding, Marketing Analytics, Brand Strategy, Brand Awareness, Budget Management, Customer Engagement, Content Marketing, Creative Design, Target Audience, Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Trend Analysis, Social Media Marketing, Resilience, Customer Insights
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
Music Business
Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurship, Contract Negotiation, Intellectual Property, Music, Lawsuits, Team Building, Design Thinking, Music History, Creativity, Ideation, Innovation, Creative Problem-Solving, Creative Thinking, Product Development, Legal Proceedings, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Musical Composition, Revenue Management, Revenue Recognition, Regulation and Legal Compliance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
The DIY Musician
Skills you'll gain: Music, Fundraising and Crowdsourcing, Musical Composition, Brand Awareness, Music Theory, Peer Review, Brand Strategy, Professional Networking, Social Media, Branding, Active Listening, Music Performance, Production Planning, Team Leadership, Constructive Feedback, Leadership, Campaign Management, Creativity, Instrumental Music, Media Production
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Berklee
The Business of Music Production
Skills you'll gain: Music, Contract Negotiation, Musical Composition, Intellectual Property, Lawsuits, Peer Review, Music History, Active Listening, Legal Proceedings, Constructive Feedback, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Instrumental Music, Legal Strategy, Media Production, Professional Networking, Music Theory, Post-Production, Digital Assets, Business Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata
Skills you'll gain: Music Theory, Classical Music, Music History, Musical Composition, Music, Instrumental Music, Music Performance
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months