We believe jazz is more than a genre—it is a universal musical language that empowers musicians to excel in any style.
Our youth jazz program offers musicians of all levels an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich history and living traditions of jazz. In a supportive small-group environment, students learn the art of improvisation, delve into classic and contemporary repertoire, and discover the expressive power of 21st-century jazz. Whether a complete beginner or an experienced player, every student builds skills that heighten their musical ceiling and unlock their unique creative voice.
Two Complementary Paths
Our program offers two distinct yet interconnected pathways for students in grades 4–12, open to brass, woodwind, piano, strings, percussion, and vocal students of any ability level.
Small Group Jazz Ensembles
Thursdays at 6:30 PM
These high-energy ensembles provide a dynamic setting for students to master improvisation and repertoire under the mentorship of real-world professional musicians. Players learn to listen deeply, interact musically, and take creative risks in a collaborative environment that mirrors authentic jazz performance.
Students develop confidence trading solos, supporting one another, and performing a wide range of material—from foundational blues and swing to modern and contemporary works.
Individual Jazz Studies
Private or semi-private lessons offer a comprehensive curriculum centered on the Four Pillars of Fluency:
• Critical Listening – training the ear to recognize form, harmony, phrasing, and stylistic nuance
• Syncopated Rhythm – internalizing swing feel, polyrhythms, and rhythmic independence
• Harmonic Progression – understanding chord changes, voice leading, and functional harmony
• Jazz Vocabulary – building a personal language of licks, motifs, and improvisational ideas
Whether mastering a 12-bar blues or trading fours in a quintet, this holistic approach ensures every student develops lasting fluency and artistic independence.
Repertoire: Jazz Standards & Modern Jazz
Our curriculum draws from the full spectrum of jazz repertoire, giving students a deep foundation in the tradition while encouraging exploration of today’s living art form.
Classic Jazz Standards
Students engage with the core repertoire that has shaped generations of improvisers, including:
• Blues forms and the 12-bar tradition
• Swing-era anthems and Great American Songbook classics
• Bebop and hard-bop standards (e.g., works associated with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane)
• Ballads and medium-tempo vehicles that develop phrasing, tone, and storytelling
Modern & Contemporary Jazz
Students also explore the evolving landscape of 21st-century jazz, including:
• Post-bop and modal approaches
• Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms
• Contemporary groove-based and fusion styles
• Works by modern artists and composers who expand the language of improvisation
• Original compositions and student-created arrangements as skills develop
What Students Gain
• Confident improvisation across a range of styles and forms
• Deep listening and interactive ensemble skills
• A working knowledge of essential jazz standards and modern repertoire
• Rhythmic sophistication and harmonic fluency transferable to any musical style
• A personal creative voice grounded in tradition and open to innovation
