Jazz Targeting Course: A Systematic Approach to Jazz Improvisation
Developed by Jason Klobnak – Jazz Musician, Author & Music Program Chair, Arapahoe Community College
Why Most Improvisers Stay Stuck
Most jazz musicians practice scales. They learn modes, memorize patterns, and run through chord changes – and still feel lost when it’s time to actually improvise. The notes are there. The connection isn’t.
The problem isn’t knowledge. It’s targeting.
After years of performing, recording, and teaching jazz at the college level – including serving as Music Program Chair at Arapahoe Community College – I’ve identified the core skill that separates musicians who sound like they know what they’re doing from those who actually do: the ability to deliberately target the right notes, at the right time, with intention and feel.
That’s what Jazz Targeting teaches.
What Is Jazz Targeting?
Jazz Targeting is a systematic, musically grounded method for developing intentional improvisation. Rather than teaching you what to play, it teaches you how to aim – how to hear where the music is going, choose your target, and land there with confidence.
It starts with rhythm (because jazz always does), builds through essential harmonic tools, and gives you a framework you can apply to any tune, any chord, any style.
This isn’t theory for theory’s sake. Every concept connects directly to your ears and your hands.
What’s Inside the Course
Introduction & What to Expect
Before diving in, you’ll get a clear picture of where we’re headed and why.
- Introduction Video – A personal welcome and overview of the method
- Course Goals – What you’ll be able to do by the end
- Who is Jason? – My background as a performer, educator, and curriculum designer
- What IS Targeting? – The core concept explained clearly
- It Starts with Rhythm – Why rhythm is the foundation of everything
- Basic Theory – The essential theory you need (and nothing you don’t)
- How to Find A Key Area – A critical skill most players never develop, including a quiz to test your understanding
- Tension & Resolution: THE KEY TO TARGETING – The musical principle that makes targeting work
- Put It Into Context – Seeing the full picture before we build
- Other Tools We’re Using – A quick orientation to the course platform and resources
Pentatonics
The pentatonic scale is one of the most powerful tools in jazz – when you know how to aim it.
- What Are They? – Understanding pentatonics through the lens of targeting
- Building Blocks – The essential shapes and patterns (4 lessons + PDF)
- Exercises – Targeted practice with video demonstrations and downloadable PDFs
- Putting It Together – Applying pentatonic targeting to real musical situations
Chromatic Targeting
Chromatic notes are what give jazz its color, tension, and sophistication. This module shows you exactly how to use them.
- What Are They? – Demystifying chromatic notes in an improvisation context
- Building Blocks – How chromatic targeting works mechanically
- Exercises – Video-guided practice with PDF materials
- Putting It Together – Integrating chromatic targeting into your playing
Rhythmic Targeting
You can have the right note and still miss the moment. Rhythmic targeting fixes that.
- What Are They? – Why rhythm is inseparable from note choice
- Building Blocks – The rhythmic concepts that make targeting land
- Exercises – Video lessons and PDF exercises to internalize rhythmic targeting
- Putting It Together – Combining rhythmic and harmonic targeting in context
Diminished / Altered Dominant & Half-Diminished
These are the sounds that make jazz sound like jazz – and most players avoid them because they seem complicated. They’re not, once you have a targeting framework.
- What Are They? – Breaking down diminished, altered dominant, and half-diminished sounds
- Building Blocks -The essential vocabulary for these sounds
- Exercises – Extensive video and PDF practice materials
- Putting It Together – Using these sounds confidently in real musical contexts
Blues & Altered Pentatonics
The blues is the heart of jazz. This module goes deep on how to use blues language with targeting precision.
- Is the Blues Scale OK? – An honest look at one of the most debated tools in jazz
- Building Blocks – The core blues and altered pentatonic vocabulary
- Exercises – Video demonstrations and PDF materials
- Putting It Together – Applying blues targeting across jazz contexts
- 3 Tools for the Blues – A bonus deep-dive with video, embedded content, and 7 downloadable PDFs
Minor
Minor tonality presents unique challenges for improvisers. This module gives you a clear, targeting-based approach.
- What to Do About Minor? – Reframing minor tonality through the targeting lens
- Building Blocks – The essential minor vocabulary
- Exercises – Video and PDF-supported practice
- Putting It Together – Navigating minor with confidence and intention
What About Etudes & Transcribing?
Two of the most powerful practice tools in jazz – reimagined through the targeting framework.
- Etudes Through the Lens of Targeting – How to use etudes purposefully, with downloadable PDF etudes
- Transcribing Through the Lens of Targeting – How to transcribe smarter, not just harder
Next Steps
The course doesn’t end – it opens a door.
- Expanding Your Targets – Where to go from here and how to keep growing
- What You Should Work On – A personalized roadmap for continued development
Curriculum Designed at the College Level
I don’t just teach jazz – I design jazz curriculum.
As Music Program Chair at Arapahoe Community College, I’m responsible for the structure, sequencing, and pedagogical integrity of an entire music program. That same rigor is built into Jazz Targeting.
This course isn’t a collection of licks or a random assortment of tips. It’s a sequenced, intentional curriculum – built the way a college course is built – where each concept prepares you for the next, and everything connects back to a central, learnable skill.
Whether you’re a college student, a working musician, or a self-taught player who’s hit a ceiling, Jazz Targeting gives you the framework that formal music education often misses: how to actually aim.
Who This Course Is For
✅ Jazz musicians who feel lost during improvisation despite knowing their scales ✅ Players who want to sound more intentional and musical – not just busy ✅ Students looking for a structured, curriculum-based approach to jazz ✅ Educators who want to understand targeting as a pedagogical framework ✅ Anyone who’s been told to “just listen more” and wants something more concrete.
How to Get Access
Jazz Targeting is available two ways:
Option 1 – One-Time Purchase Buy Jazz Targeting once and own it forever. No subscription required.
Option 2 – Jazz Targeting Membership – $15/month Get access to Jazz Targeting plus all of Jason’s other courses for one low monthly price. Cancel anytime.
The membership is the best value if you’re serious about developing your jazz playing across multiple areas.
Jason Klobnak is a jazz musician, author, and educator based in Colorado. He serves as Music Program Chair at Arapahoe Community College. His courses are available individually or through the Jazz Targeting Membership at $15/month.