Description

Creativity, Teamwork and Personal Voice are three of the core values of the BKCM Jazz Program, a premier jazz program for ages 11-16. Students in the jazz program experience a wide mix of repertoire including blues, classics from the Great American Songbook and jazz standards in a wide range of styles such as swing, funk, bebop, Afro-Cuban and beyond. 

Students learn to play by ear, explore jazz theory and participate in weekly performances. Through free improvisation students at different levels learn to communicate, listen and develop structures on their own. Creating and performing their own arrangements, students develop confidence as improvisers, as well as leadership skills. 

Our world class jazz faculty are all professional performing jazz musicians active in the NYC jazz community and many of our jazz program alums go on to participate in advanced high school programs and colleges. 

Returning Students

To register, call the registration team at 718-622-3300. 

New Students

An audition is required for this program. Please click the link below to submit your audition online. If you would like to schedule an in-person audition, please email cmsadmin@bkcm.org.

Annual Schedule for Jazz Travelers Program:

• Saturdays from 12-3

Jazz Travelers Features: 

• Diverse Repertoire
  • Students will learn repertoire that includes classic jazz standards, contemporary works, original compositions and music from around the world that features improvisation. Repertoire is specifically designed for students to feel comfortable and successful with improvisation. 
• Creative Improvisation
  • Students learn techniques such as live conduction, free improvisation, cueing, call and response and rhythmic variation, which improves their ability to listen and improvise on the spot. 
• Small Group Work
  • Students work collaboratively with professional jazz faculty at an average student-teacher ratio of five to one. Small groups are leveled by age and experience. Faculty and students work together to create an individual group sound.  
• Jazz Theory
  • Students increase their understanding of theory and harmony, that is specific to jazz and the repertoire they are learning in their ensemble. 
• Weekly Performances
  • Students gain confidence in the weekly performance forum, where they regularly perform for their peers and faculty. Students are also featured throughout the year at private concerts, public recitals and community events at BKCM.  
• Masterclasses and Workshops
  • Throughout the year, students engage with guest jazz artists who present on special topics, including workshops with the recipients of the Jazz Leaders Fellowship Grant program, which provides support for Black women and Black non-binary jazz musicians with resources to further develop their craft and careers.

Sample Daily Schedule

• 12:00 – 12:45 – Improvisation Workshop
• 12:45 – 2:00 –  Combo Rehearsal and Jazz Theory Class
• 2:00 – 3:00 – Performance Forum / Masterclass

Faculty

• Mike McGinnis – Woodwinds
• Charlotte Greve – Woodwinds
• Allison Philips – Brass
• Sean Moran – Guitar 
• Jeonglim Yang – Bass
• Adriel Vincent-Brown – Drums
  

Registration Info

Please call 718-622-3300 to speak to one of our registrars who will guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you might have. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. To apply please contact kris.mandapat@bkcm.org and fill out the financial aid application.

For complete information on our registration process and policies please click here.