Listen to jazz music. Before you play jazz, you need to be familiar with the sound of this musical genre. Explore the many sub-genres within jazz, such as swing, ragtime and Latin jazz. Choose a handful of favorite artists and jazz recordings that inspire you.
Choose an instrument. Some instruments are more common within jazz, such as saxophones and trumpets. Jazz music can be played on any instrument, but remember that if you choose an instrument that is rare in the jazz genre, such as a flute, transposing notes may be necessary to read sheet music. Rent an instrument from a music store if you want to experiment with instruments before settling on one. Remember that it will take a lot of practice and time to sound like the masters.
Learn the basics of your instrument. Master your scales and arpeggios, as these will be crucial when playing jazz. Practice sight-reading music. Pay particular attention to the key signatures on the sheet music, as jazz music tends to change keys frequently. Practice syncopated notes, which are notes that do not fall on the downbeat.
Learn to read jazz sheet music, then attempt to play the music on your own. Play the song slowly, then speed up as you learn the notes. Once you've learned the basic melody, turn on a recording of the song and play along.
Practice improvisation, a common jazz technique that involves composing the music in your head as you play it. Write out short melodies on paper until you are comfortable doing it in your head. Record yourself as you play, then listen and evaluate your improvisational skills. Make notes on how to improve.