About the Jazz Piano Lab
In this new class led by renowned jazz pianist and longtime BKCM faculty member Lafayette Harris, Jr., pianists have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of jazz repertoire, styles, and improvisation in a collaborative, playing-focused setting. The curriculum invites students to hone their solo playing, broaden their grasp of jazz chord structures, and hone their skills as accompanists. Students will also have opportunities to perform on stage at the end of each semester.
SECTIONS & LOCATION
There will be two sections of the Jazz Piano Lab in Fall 2026, both held in BKCM’s new expansion location at BKCM Prospect Park West (963 President Street, Brooklyn).
Mondays: 7-8 PM (“Beginner Jazz Piano”)
16 Weeks: September 14-January 25
@ BKCM Prospect Park West
Designed for experienced pianists who are very new to jazz music study!
Mondays: 8-9 PM (“Intermediate Jazz Piano”)
16 Weeks: September 14-January 25
@ BKCM Prospect Park West
Designed for experienced pianists who have experience playing jazz music and are looking to take their jazz piano knowledge, practice, and performance to the next level!
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for Fall 2026 Adult Jazz Programs will open on July 6. All are welcome to apply, but returning students will receive priority placement through July 30.
First-Time BKCM Jazz Students
All students who have not previously participated in BKCM’s Adult Jazz Programs must complete a short application form and submit a brief audition video. To view audition instructions and apply, click the button below.
Returning Adult Jazz Students
If you have previously enrolled in an Adult Jazz Ensemble, you must still fill out the application form below, but you are not required to submit an audition. Until July 30, returning students will receive priority for section placement; after July 30, new and returning students will be given equal priority.
Financial Aid
To learn more about Financial Aid and apply, click here.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
Lafayette Harris, Jr.
Lafayette performs and records regularly with Houston Person. He has toured with many music greats including Max Roach, Ernestine Anderson, Jon Hendricks, Donald Byrd, Archie Shepp, Melba Moore, Jennifer Holliday, Slide Hampton, and The Ellington Orchestra.
Harris enjoys working as a musician by composing, performing and teaching. His theatre credits include: Music Director and keyboardist for Bobos (1992) in Philadelphia; Assistant Conductor and keyboardist for the 1995 hit Broadway musical Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk; and two engagements as show pianist at New York City Center for the productions Pal Joey and Jelly’s Last Jam. Most recently he was in Washington DC performing on-stage piano and acting for a reimagining of Pal Joey called “Chez Joey”, created by Tony Goldwin and Savion Glover.
Lafayette has released 11 CDs since his debut recording on Muse Records Lafayette is Here (1993). His recent releases include You Can’t Lose With The Blues on Savant Records, which ran as #1 for 2 weeks on the Jazzweek Jazz Chart in February 2020 and remained in the top ten for 14 weeks straight. His 2 newest CD releases Swinging Up In Harlem (2023) and All In Good Time (2025) also made it to Jazzweek’s Top 10, peaking at number 4 and 3 respectively. Later this year Savant Records will release his 12th recording, Why Not?
Learn more about Lafayette on his website.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
There’s so much more to explore at BKCM for all ages, instruments, schedules and abilities!