Each of the five partner organizations (Carr Center, DSO, Jazz Festival, MSU, and Music Hall) have a wide scope of specialized programs designed to pique the interest of any jazz student. From classes and mentorship to opportunities to perform in front of an audience, we are confident that you will find a program designed for you.

Explore the variety of programs listed below and find your perfect match.

Program Overview: 

• With renowned bassist, former member of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Carr Center Resident Artist in Jazz, Rodney Whitaker as Artistic Director, The Gathering is comprised of 4 seasoned jazz veterans and 24 young professional Fellows.
  Fellows are chosen by video and in- person auditions following a local, regional and national recruitment.
• They will participate in 3 week-long residences in Detroit across each year of the Fellowship. The Fellowship is for 2 years.  
• Fellows rehearse and perform with veterans on standards, large ensemble classics, new music and test out their own compositions.  
• Auditions were recently concluded for our third class of Fellows. The NEW Gathering Orchestra’s first residency will begin in May 2023.

When: Spring 2023

Where (virtual or live): Live

Who: Young career professionals, ages 18 -28

Instruments: Saxophones, trumpets, trombones, clarinet, vibraphone, violin, piano, bass, guitar, drums

Level: Advanced

Get Involved: If you have questions contact, gina@thecarrcenter.org 

Link for more information: https://thecarrcenter.org/education/artist-professional-development/

Detroit Jazz Festival

Program Overview: 

In celebration of the Detroit Public School’s legacy of producing leading jazz artists, each year, supported by the generous support of the Erb Family Foundation, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation places professional artist-educators in up to 7 Detroit Public School Community District middle and high schools. The program is carefully designed to support students and teachers in schools with established and burgeoning jazz programs.

DJFF Artist Educators work in schools twice per week throughout the school year mentoring students, workshopping bands, providing private lessons and engaging with the music teacher to grow the program and expose students to new opportunities, artistry, and guidance.

The DJFF works to provide additional performance opportunities for students of the DPSCD and collaborates with DPSCD to create the Detroit All-City High School Jazz Band, open to all DPSCD students, and serve as a collection point for the DPSCD Instrument donation program.

There are few things in life that rival the joy one experiences from teaching and learning – We all are teachers. We all are students!

When: Weekdays in-school

Where (virtual or live):  Selected DPSCD schools including Bates Academy, Ellington Conservatory at Beckham Academy, Detroit School of the Arts, Cass Technical High School, Martin Luther King Jr Senior High School, Renaissance High School

Who: Enrolled students only

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Get Involved: https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/ 

Link for more information: https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/

TBD

Program Overview: We are seeking nominations of talented young jazz vocalists to participate in the 9th annual Detroit Jazz Festival Youth Vocal Jazz Competition. After the nomination process is completed, several finalists will be chosen. Each finalist will perform two jazz standards with a professional jazz trio at the event finals-week of August 1st, 2023 at a prominent jazz venue in metropolitan Detroit. Past events have been held at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe and Cliff Bell’s.

A panel of judges made up of renowned Detroit vocal jazz talent and  Chris Collins (DJF Artistic Director) will select a grand prize winner and up to three runners-up. Vocalists will be judged based on artistic excellence, creativity, technique, and originality. 

Grand Prize: 

$1000 cash award

A performance spot at the Detroit Jazz Festival

Additional coaching for the Detroit Jazz Festival performance (Labor Day weekend)

Runners-up:

(Maximum of 3)

$500 cash award

When: Nominations from vocal teacher/coach must be received by noon on June 15th

Where (virtual or live): Metro Detroit

Who: Talented young jazz vocalists

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Get Involved: Vocal teacher/coach must complete and submit the form

Link for more information: https://detroitjazzfest.festivalpro.com/?showBookEvent1&TID=55&EVENTID=6013

Program Overview: 

The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation is celebrating the excellence and opportunity inherent in Michigan’s college and university jazz programs. Where once jazz was viewed as an inappropriate area of study in Colleges and Universities, now jazz degree programs and ensembles are a central part of many music departments across the country. These programs are led by some of the leading jazz artists in the world and offer students powerful mentoring, valuable information, creative direction, and unique performance opportunities.

The 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival Collegiate Combo Competition presented by Central Michigan University seeks to reward those student musicians who have developed the discipline, artistry, and professionalism to thrive in this competitive and demanding environment.

The winning combo shall receive:

$2000 cash award

A paid performance slot at the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival

A paid performance slot at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236

Be featured in the Detroit Jazz Festival’s 2022 program and website

When: Application and associated audio tracks must be received by noon on June 30th, 2025

Finalists will be notified by July 3rd, 2025

Where: Metro Detroit

Who: All members of the combo must be current college or university music students as of April/May 2025 (combos may contain students from different colleges/universities). Combos must be Trio, Quartet, Quintet, Sextet, Septet, Octet, or Nonet

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Get Involved: All combos must provide contact information of a university/college music faculty willing to affirm that the combo is indeed made up of current university/college students.

Link for more information:

https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/news/2025-detroit-jazz-festival-collegiate-combo-competition/

Program Overview: The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 38 have teamed up to celebrate the opportunity inherent in Michigan’s Theatre- and Music-tech college programs. Music- and Theater-tech programs encompass a curriculum of study, specific to non-performance majors. These skill sets in stagecraft, from carpenters to electricians, from board operators to script supervisors – are all key to any successful live performance.

The 2025 Jazz Goes to College Scholarship seeks to reward the Theatre- or Music-tech student who has shown initiative, professionalism, and a positive attitude while continuing to pursue credits towards a tech degree in this competitive and demanding environment.

The scholarship recipient shall receive:

• $2500 cash award for the 2025-26 school year, from IATSE Local 38.

• Recognition on stage at the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival, IATSE Local 38 presenting the award during the Festival’s award ceremony time slot (Scheduled for Sunday evening, August 31, 2025).

• Detroit Jazz Festival/IATSE Local 38 may promote award winner in 2025 marketing materials, and social media

• Submissions to be reviewed by IATSE and DJFF. Scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen & contacted by August 15, 2025.
• The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation will provide the plaque for scholarship winner (presented on stage by IATSE Local 38).
• If funding permits, additional Scholarships may be awarded.

When: Application and associated documents must be received by 5 pm on Friday, August 8, 2025.

Where: Michigan

Who: Students currently enrolled in Music- and Theatre-tech programs, as an incoming (matriculating) college sophomore, junior, senior. Program must be in the state of Michigan.

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Get Involved: Student must have a university/college faculty member willing to affirm that the student is indeed attending said tech program.

Link for more information:

https://detroitjazzfest.festivalpro.com/form/MzzDSCbsmSWEgUrDEPWy/67

Program Overview:

The Civic Jazz Band allows students the opportunity to develop their ensemble skills through section playing, improvisation, and theory while performing jazz classics.

Director: Dominic Waddles

When: Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where (virtual or live):  Live

Who: Middle and High School students

Instruments: All instruments welcome! (both traditional AND non-traditional jazz instruments)

Level: Intermediate

Get Involved: Auditions for 2025-2026 DSO Civic Youth Ensembles are open through June 6th, 2025. Please visit www.dso.org/cyeauditions or contact cye@dso.org for more information.

Link for more information: https://www.dso.org/community-and-learning/wu-family-academy/civic-youth-ensembles/civic-youth-ensembles

By joining the CYE Jazz program, you will get the chance to perform and rehearse on the historic Orchestra Hall stage, work with amazing Jazz faculty, and receive access to DSO Concerts!

Program Overview: 

The Creative Jazz Ensemble opens the doors of the jazz world to all intermediate to advanced students. Students have the unique opportunity to enhance their understanding of jazz theory and improvisation in a non-traditional setting by collaborating with each other and arranging their own charts.

Director: Darell “Red” Campbell

When: Tuesdays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where (virtual or live):  Live

Who: Late Middle School and High School students

Instruments: All instruments welcome! (both traditional AND non-traditional jazz instruments)

Level:  Intermediate/Advanced

Get Involved: Auditions for 2025-2026 DSO Civic Youth Ensembles are open through June 6th, 2025. Please visit www.dso.org/cyeauditions or contact cye@dso.org for more information.

Link for more information: https://www.dso.org/community-and-learning/wu-family-academy/civic-youth-ensembles/civic-youth-ensembles

By joining the CYE Jazz program, you will get the chance to perform and rehearse on the historic Orchestra Hall stage, work with amazing Jazz faculty, and receive access to DSO Concerts!

Program Overview: 

The Civic Jazz Orchestra (CJO) provides students advanced experiences in performing music of varying styles from the standard jazz repertoire.

The CJO is featured in their own concert series, Civic Jazz Live! in the Cube at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center before select Paradise Jazz Concerts.

Director: Vincent Chandler

When: Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where (virtual or live):  Live

Who: High School students

Instruments: All instruments welcome! (both traditional AND non-traditional jazz instruments)

Level:  Advanced

Get Involved: Auditions for 2025-2026 DSO Civic Youth Ensembles are open through June 6th, 2025. Please visit www.dso.org/cyeauditions or contact cye@dso.org for more information.

Link for more information: https://www.dso.org/community-and-learning/wu-family-academy/civic-youth-ensembles/civic-youth-ensembles

By joining the CYE Jazz program, you will get the chance to perform and rehearse on the historic Orchestra Hall stage, work with amazing Jazz faculty, and receive access to DSO Concerts!

Program Overview: 

• Spartan Youth Jazz (SYJ) is is under the artistic direction of Michigan State University’s Distinguished Professor of Jazz, Rodney Whitaker, and other acclaimed professional jazz artists.
• The curriculum includes studio classes, combo playing, big band, and diverse electives such as jazz improvisation, jazz composition, vocalese, jazz theory, transcription, and more. 

When: June 10, 2025 to August 31, 2025 on Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Where (virtual or in-person):  In-Person

Who: High School students

Instruments: Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, double bass, drums, guitar, or piano. Jazz vocalists and non-traditional jazz instruments are also welcome

Level: Intermediate/Advanced (3+ years experience)

Get Involved:  A placement audition is required for this program, to determine the appropriate ensemble and/or combo that best fits your skill level.  Audition videos: 1) two major scales & two minor scales 2) A tune or piece of your choice. Submit video to cmsd@msu.edu or call (313) 578-9716 for more information. Register at any time. 

Link for more information: https://www.cmsd.msu.edu/ensembles/youth-jazz

Program Overview: 

•  The Spartan Adult Jazz Ensembles faculty includes Detroit-based artist-educators Mark Croft and Carl Stone-  The ensembles include: Spartan Detroit community Jazz Band (Big Band), Spartan Detroit Jazz Combo,  and Spartan Detroit Women of Jazz Combo (All women combo).

When: June 10, 2025 to August 31, 2025

Where (virtual or live):  In-person

Who: Adults (18+)

Instruments: Same as SYJO+B

Level:  Intermediate

Get Involved: Registration can be completed at https://www.cmsd.msu.edu

Link for more information: https://www.cmsd.msu.edu

Program Overview: 

• The Michigan State University College of Music has established a jazz studies artist in residence program thanks to an endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, the largest-ever investment in the college’s curriculum.
• Every academic year, multiple nationally and internationally known jazz artists visit campus for a week-long residency to teach and perform with College of Music students and faculty. During their stay, jazz artists engage the campus community with public concerts and visits to local school systems, including regional tours across the state with MSU Jazz Orchestra I and Jazz Octet I.
• These jazz education workshops and concerts feature acclaimed jazz musicians Terell Stafford, Dave Stryker, Wycliffe Gordon, and Charles McPherson! These FREE events feature some of today’s most celebrated jazz musicians and will take place online as part of the CMS-D Spartan Youth Jazz program.

When: Four events per year

Where (virtual or live):  Virtual

Who: Open to Everyone

Level:  Beginner to Advanced

Get Involved: Register for our email list at cmsd@msu.edu to find out about upcoming events.

Program Overview:

• Free, multi-generational opportunity for students 10+ to learn the craft, onstage in front of a live audience, mentor to student, in this time-honored format.
• More than just a simple ‘set up and play’ format, the jams incorporate training in the tools needed to advance performance skills and become seasoned performers.
• Bandstand placement, how to ‘count off’ the band, work interactively and solo with other players in real-time, stage-specific musical dialogue and more.
• Post-play coaching, plus printed instructional materials such as jam session repertoire sheets are available to all. Skilled instructors gear learning for individual levels.

When: Sundays

Where (virtual or live):  Aretha’s Jazz Café at Music Hall

Who: Ages 10 & up

Instruments: vocal, piano, percussion, strings, horns, woodwinds

Level:  Beginner through Advanced

Get Involved: https://www.musichall.org/education/jazzjams

Program Overview: 

• Elective vocal instruction and choral ensemble course focusing on the development of comprehensive choral musicianship through the rehearsal and performance experience.
• Members are exposed to a breadth of contemporary music styles with an emphasis on vocal technique and ear training. 

When: Weekdays after school

Where (virtual or live):  The School at Marygrove

Who: Enrolled students only

Level:  Beginner I and II

Get Involved: https://www.detroitk12.org/marygrove

Link for more information: https://www.musichall.org/education/marygrove

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Program Overview:

• Elective instrumental instruction and jazz band participation course available to all Marygrove students.
• The focus is on the development of instrumental musicianship through the rehearsal and performance experience.
• Members are taught elements of jazz improvisation, reading skills, and ear training through contemporary and jazz literature.

When: Weekdays after school

Where (virtual or live):  The School at Marygrove

Who: Enrolled students only

Instruments: keyboards, percussion, strings, horns, woodwinds

Level:  Beginner

Get Involved: https://www.detroitk12.org/marygrove

Link for more information: https://www.musichall.org/education/marygrove

Program Overview:

• Our introduction to music course is an after-school, non-academic elective class designed to accompany the Choir and Jazz Concert Band.
• The goals of the course are to instruct students in rudimentary music theory and note reading, aural comprehension, musical-biographical study, and keyboard skills. 

When: Weekdays after school

Where (virtual or live):  The School at Marygrove

Who: Enrolled students only

Level: Beginner

Get Involved: https://www.detroitk12.org/marygrove

Link for more information: https://www.musichall.org/education/marygrove

Program Overview: 

• As part of our curriculum, artists from different musical backgrounds are invited to present biographical and musical presentations to the Marygrove-Music Hall students.
• Recent artists have been jazz violinist, Regina Carter, and classical baritone-vocalist Thomas Hampson.

When: Weekdays after school

Where (virtual or live):  The School at Marygrove

Who: Enrolled students only

Instruments/Vocal: Based on guest lecturer

Level:  Beginner

Get Involved: https://www.detroitk12.org/marygrove

Link for more information: https://www.musichall.org/education/marygrove

Program Overview: 

• A pre-professional-based program for talented high schoolers at Detroit School of the Arts. Led by Detroit’s renowned orchestra leader and educator Scott Gwinnell, who creates and implements curriculum, auditions and instructs students, and prepares and presents the culminating performances held at Music Hall’s ‘Aretha’s Jazz Café’.
• Each semester, a beaming audience of friends and family gather to attend the students’ performance, given in full formal concert attire, as they present their skills in performing and producing a full evening of work.
• This program is part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) Cultural Pathways program.

When: Weekdays in-school

Where (virtual or live):  Detroit School of the Arts

Who: Enrolled students only

Level: Beginner

Get Involved: https://www.detroitk12.org/DSA

Link for more information: https://www.musichall.org/education/Jazz-Vocal-Education

Program Overview:

Interactive introduction to music through the lens of jazz, with flexible curriculum for elementary-middle school students. Identification of instruments, basic rhythms, beats & notation, ear training, singing, acquaintance with the major figures with an emphasis on our hometown musical heroes and the relationship of jazz to the sounds of today.

When: Weekdays in-school

Where (virtual or live):  Charles L. Spain Elementary-Middle School, Brenda Scott Academy, Ellington Conservatory of Music & Art at Beckham Academy, John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, and The School at Marygrove

Who: Enrolled students only

Level:  Beginner I and II

Get Involved: https://www.musichall.org/education/wyntonmarsalis

Link for more information: https://www.musichall.org/education/wyntonmarsalis