Instrumental Jazz Arranging: Part 1

Instrumental Jazz Arranging is a practical, creative, and approachable introduction to the art of writing for jazz ensembles. Designed for musicians, composers, improvisers, educators, and curious beginners alike, this course gives you the tools to create arrangements that sound intentional, expressive, and exciting for both audiences and performers. Whether you’re completely new to arranging, looking to strengthen your fundamentals, or preparing charts for your own band, you’ll find a clear, supportive path into the process.

Taught by composer, arranger, and saxophonist Owen Broder, the course is based on the jazz arranging curriculum he developed and taught for four years at Portland State University. Drawing from more than fifteen years of professional arranging experience — including work for groups like Cowboys & Frenchmen, the American Roots Project, the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note, WindSync, and musical theater productions — Owen guides students through the core concepts arrangers use in real-world musical settings.

Across 10 lessons, students will build a strong foundation in lead sheets, song form, notation and formatting, head arrangements, four-part harmonization, orchestration, supportive background writing, and score and part preparation. Along the way, you’ll learn how to write for a variety of traditional jazz instruments, create clear harmony and melodic lines in your voicings, shape musical energy through texture and orchestration, and prepare professional-looking scores and parts that musicians will genuinely enjoy reading.

A central focus of the course is balancing creativity with clarity. You’ll learn industry-standard notation and engraving practices while also developing your own artistic voice as an arranger. Each lesson combines demonstrations, listening examples, analysis, and hands-on assignments designed to help you immediately apply the concepts in your own writing. Curated Spotify playlists and score study assignments encourage active listening and deeper engagement with the music.

By the end of the course, you’ll complete an original arrangement for two horns and rhythm section and gain practical skills you can apply far beyond jazz — including musical theater, film scoring, chamber music, and other contemporary styles.

Most importantly, this course encourages experimentation, curiosity, and trust in your own musical instincts. The goal isn’t simply to follow rules — it’s to understand the tools available to you, strengthen your ears, and learn how to communicate your musical ideas clearly and creatively.