Local youths are learning the art of improvisation with Jazz Jam Sessions at the Ground Zero teen center in Bellevue.

Participants learn to play by ear with backing from the band Small Jazz Orchestra, featuring Scott Small on drums and son Jonathan Small on stand-up bass, as well as a rotating cast of experienced add-ons.

Musicians and singers of all skill levels are welcome, and each guest gets to play along for at least two jazz standards, as well as the occasional blues and rock number.

Fifteen-year-old Brian Lawrence was put to the test on his first set during the Feb. 20 opening-night event.

“I didn’t have the right book in front of me,” Lawrence said. “I just had to do my best to make it sound right.”

Winging it is the name of the game, which is what Jonathan claims to appreciate most about jazz.

“I like the spontaneity of it,” he said. “It’s like a game. You have some rules, but it’s mostly just playing around.”

Eleven-year-old Kara Yaghmaee worked up the courage to show off her vocals on stage without realizing she would need at least a small repertoire.

The audience urged her to try scat until she finally remembered a few lines from one of her favorite songs.

Yaghmaee said she plans to attend another session next month.

I’ll just need to study some more songs,” she said. “Maybe I’ll listen to some jazz tunes and find one I like.”

The next Jazz Jam takes place March 13, followed by a session at the Kirkland Teen Union Building on April 10.

The Smalls plan to make the events a monthly occurrence if interest is high enough.

Jazz Jams run from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free for participants, $6 for audience members, or $5 with a canned food donation.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425.453.4290.