Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Jazz Improvisation Itzel Reyna

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Jazz Improvisation, Itzel Reyna, to share insights into her connection to music and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Itzel reflects on improvisation as a deeply creative process that helps musicians better understand themselves, regardless of experience level. She highlights her structured yet accessible teaching approach, providing customized materials, backing tracks, and clear preparation, while emphasizing that improvisation is fun, approachable, and something everyone is capable of learning.

What drew you to learning about jazz improvisation?

I think improvisation is a very creative way of getting to know yourself more as a musician, regardless of your level. 

How do you ensure you are a good mind frame for teaching in terms of your teaching space?  

I prepare all my lessons in advance and make sure my students have the necessary material to learn improvisation (I make PDFs and audio tracks for them) 

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about jazz improvisation, what would it be? 

That everyone knows how to improvise and it's easy to start improvising. It should be a fun way to learn your instrument and more about yourself as a musician. 

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

PDFs of scales, chords, music theory about improvisation & backing tracks, as well as making a habit of listening to more music and solos.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? 

Creating a beginner method for improvisation in jazz, blues & popular styles.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential jazz improvisation students?

Learning how to improvise is easy and everyone should try it out! 

If you are interested in learning more about Itzel or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!