Hey Indiana,
Let me ask you something: Why are you really learning jazz?
Maybe it's to play at jam sessions. Maybe it's to finally nail that solo you've been working on. Maybe it's just for the pure joy of making music.
All great reasons.
But here's something you might not have considered, something that's happening behind the scenes every time you sit down to practice:
You're building one of the most powerful defenses against cognitive decline.
Jazz is a puzzle your brain craves.
Think about what happens when you're learning a jazz standard:
You're memorizing a melody. You're analyzing chord progressions.
You're listening to recordings. You're improvising in real-time, making split-second decisions about which notes to play next.
Your brain is juggling memory, motor control, listening skills, creative decision-making, and pattern recognition—all at once.
Jazz is one of the most cognitively demanding activities you can do. And that's exactly why it's so good for your brain.
The science backs this up.
A 2025 study from Monash University analyzed over 10,000 older adults and found something remarkable:
Those who played musical instruments "often" or "always" had a 35% reduced risk of developing dementia compared to those who rarely or never played.
Another meta-analysis published in 2025 reviewed 9 randomized controlled trials. The finding? Active music interventions, like playing instruments or singing, significantly improved global cognition, executive function, and memory in older adults.
But here's the really cool part:
Research using fMRI brain scans shows that jazz improvisation engages multiple brain networks simultaneously in unique ways.
When jazz musicians improvise, they activate sensorimotor areas, creativity centers, and enter a "flow state" that's cognitively complex yet feels natural.
Jazz improvisation is a full-brain workout.
It's called "cognitive reserve."
Scientists call what you're building "cognitive reserve." Think of it like a savings account for your brain.
The more you deposit through challenging activities like jazz, the more resilience your brain has against age-related decline.
And the best part? It's never too late.
A University of Sheffield study followed older adults learning piano for 12 months. They found gains in learning, memory, and motor skills, with improvisation showing particularly strong benefits.
You don't need to have started as a child. You just need to keep showing up.
But here's the challenge:
Most jazz learners struggle with consistency.
They start strong, but without a clear path forward, they lose momentum. They jump around YouTube videos, buy random courses, and never quite build the habit that creates real cognitive benefits.
The problem isn't motivation. It's structure.
That's Why We Created the Inner Circle
The Learn Jazz Standards Inner Circle is designed to make consistent jazz learning easy, and enjoyable.
Every month, you get:
A new jazz standard to learn – Complete with study packets, training videos, and color-coded chord analysis. No guesswork. Just a clear, achievable goal.
In-depth courses and practice programs – Everything from improvisation fundamentals to advanced concepts, organized in a logical progression.
A supportive community – Connect with musicians playing all instruments. Share progress, ask questions, get feedback. You're never learning alone.
Here's what this means for your brain:
Instead of sporadic practice sessions when you "feel like it," you have a reason to show up every week. A new standard to explore. A community expecting to see you. A clear next step.
That consistency? That's what builds cognitive reserve. That's what creates lasting brain health benefits.
And it's what makes the difference between dabbling in jazz and actually getting good at it.
If you're serious about learning jazz, and reaping all the cognitive benefits that come with it, the Inner Circle gives you everything you need in one place.
No more jumping around. No more wondering what to practice next. Just a clear, structured path forward.
Start your 14-day free trial today →
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