How SFJAZZ Education cultivates the next generation of jazz artists & listeners

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SFJAZZ reaches young people in many ways throughout the Bay Area and beyond. While access to the arts may not be equitable for all youth, SFJAZZ brings students together in our venue and sends professional artists out into our schools, sharing the magic of live performance to inspire the next generation of jazz artists and listeners.

Our School Day Concerts introduces students to an incredible range of presentations that highlight the rich history and evolution of jazz music —both here at the SFJAZZ Center and in schools. Our Jazz In Session program takes it a step further, supporting young musicians to learn more about jazz and receive coaching and mentorship in their school band rooms. SFJAZZ’s Rising Stars program identifies promising young students and matches them with private instructors, offering year-round lessons free of charge.

Many of these students go on to participate in our new SFJAM series, giving them a stage to work on their craft, and connecting them with pros and aspiring musicians in the community. And some join our award-winning High School All-Stars program, which cultivates future professional artists and provides Alumni with opportunities to come back and teach and perform at SFJAZZ.

SFJAZZ is excited to now expand these efforts online, filming masterclasses between students and jazz legends right here onstage (The Breakdown series). These videos are free to the public through our SFJAZZ At Home streaming service, reaching hundreds of thousands of aspiring musicians around the world.