I really want to learn jazz

[utsetter]

After many years of classical playing I want to learn jazz.  I think I'm at grade 8 or something? We don't have grades where I live. At the moment I'm working on Rachmaninovs Elegie (God I love Rach<3), Beethovens variations sonata (don't know what else it's called, but I personally think it's quite... I don't want to say the word.) and Debussys Puerta del vino(A funny bunny piece).

I've tried impro but have never understand it. I really want to learn to play that jazzy jazz. But first of all, by notes.  Friends have told me that the best way to learn jazz is by yourself. I disagree. I think I need first of all a guide and experience.
Does anyone have notes to some good jazz pieces that fits my grade? Or tips! Or links. Or videos!
Please come with them.
I really want to meet this funny creature called Jazz!
(As you probably understood. English is not my native language)

[ryan1988]

Its gd that you are interested in jazz, some of my suggestions as im also classically trained and play a bit of jazz:)

1) Listen to composers such as Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin, they have very strong jazz-oriented harmonies

2) Familiarise yourself with different chords (might want to consider reading up some theory books on this), e.g. what are sus and add chords, the voicings in jazz harmonies (all this is rather technical, would be good if you can get a teacher)

3) Lastly, the thing about jazz is that you have to listen a lot, get a feel about the swing rhythms...To start out, you can prob begin by listening to michael buble and diana krall, before moving on to the real masters such as bill evans, keith jarett, etc.

Hope this helps:)