Program Overview: 

• In collaboration with other program offerings from the Carr Center and Mosaic Youth Theatre, this weekly program is designed to move the beginning student to a basic level of proficiency with their chosen instrument and in an understanding of jazz.
• This program focuses on developing basic skills and techniques while developing an appreciation for this uniquely American music genre. 

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 p.m.

Where (virtual or live): Virtual

Who: Middle school students, grades 5-8

Instruments: No instrument required, recorders provided at no cost to the student

Level: Beginner

Get Involved: Contact: gina@thecarrcenter.org

Link for more information: https://thecarrcenter.org/saturday-arts-academy-at-home/

Program Overview: 

• The program is designed as an in-school program (currently operating virtually) working with several instrument-based cohorts. 
• The curriculum is designed to focus on the underlying skills required for jazz musicianship – scales, technique and vocabulary, as well as instruction on the history of jazz. 
• Instruction is provided by professional jazz musicians and experienced music educators. Each cohort is composed of 5 students plus an instructor.
• Each student within the cohort also receives a monthly one-hour private lesson.

When: Contingent upon mentor scheduling at the participating schools.

Where (virtual or live):  Virtual

Who: Students grade 6 - 8 enrolled at Spain, Duke Ellington, and John R. King middle schools of the Detroit Public Schools Community District. These students have been identified by their teachers as showing a high level of interest in more advanced instrumental music study. 

Instruments: Clarinet, Percussion and Saxophone

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Get Involved: Contact: gina@thecarrcenter.org

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/

Program Overview: 

• Spartan Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO) is led by artist-educator Timothy Blackmon.
• SYJO is for middle school students with one or more years playing experience on their instrument.
• The ensemble is also open to non-traditional jazz instruments including, but not limited to tuba, French horn and, strings.

When: Mondays 5:30-7:00 PM

Where (virtual or live):  

Who: Middle School students

Instruments: Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, drums, guitar, or piano. Non-traditional instruments also welcome

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Get Involved:  Audition videos: 1.) two major scales & two minor scales 2.) A tune or piece of your choice. Submit video to: cmsd@msu.edu   Register at any time.

Link for more information: https://cms.msu.edu/detroit/detroit/children/Spartan-jazz-orchestra.html

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: 

• 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

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:

• Free, multi-generational opportunity for students 10+ to learn the craft onstage in front of a live audience, and mentoring 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

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

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: 

• This introductory jazz appreciation course is based on the popular concert series from Lincoln Center.
• Lessons explore core concepts — improvisation, form, style, and swing -  and major figures in jazz.
• Interactive multi-media components bring this rich cultural heritage to life.
• In addition to learning the form’s definitive musical elements, connections are made to its influence on current culture and music for an up-to-the-moment relevant experience. 
• This program is part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) Cultural Pathways program.

When: Weekdays in-school

Where (virtual or live):  Selected DPSCD schools including Brenda Scott Academy, Ellington Conservatory at Beckham Academy, John R King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, and Spain Elementary-Middle.

Who: Enrolled students only

Level: Beginner

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

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

Program Overview: 

• The program is designed as an in-school program (currently operating virtually) working with several instrument-based cohorts. 
• The curriculum is designed to focus on the underlying skills required for jazz musicianship – scales, technique, and vocabulary. In addition, there will be instruction on the history of jazz. 
• Instruction is provided by professional jazz musicians and experienced music educators. Each cohort is composed of 5 students plus an instructor.
•  Each student within the cohort also receives a monthly one-hour private lesson.

When: Contingent upon mentor scheduling at the participating schools.

Where (virtual or live):  Virtual

Who: Students grade 6 - 8 enrolled at Spain, Duke Ellington, and John R. King middle schools of the Detroit Public Schools Community District. These students have been identified by their teachers as showing a high level of interest in more advanced instrumental music study. 

Instruments: Clarinet, Percussion, and Saxophone

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

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

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/

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: Kris Johnson

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 the 2021-2022 season have passed. However, there are still a few slots that can be filled. Please contact Connor Bulka at cbulka@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/placement-auditions

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 free 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.

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:  Intermediate/Advanced

Get Involved: Auditions for the 2021-2022 season have passed. However, there are still a few slots that can be filled. Please contact Connor Bulka at cbulka@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/placement-auditions

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 free access to DSO Concerts!

Program Overview: 

• Spartan Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO) is led by artist-educator Timothy Blackmon.
• SYJO is for middle school students with one or more years of playing experience on their instrument.
• The ensemble is also open to non-traditional jazz instruments including, but not limited to tuba, French horn, and strings.

When: Mondays 5:30-7:00 PM

Where (virtual or live):  

Who: Middle School students

Instruments: Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, drums, guitar, or piano. Non-traditional instruments also welcome

Level:  Beginner/Intermediate

Get Involved: Audition videos: 1.) two major scales & two minor scales 2.) A tune or piece of your choice. Submit video to: cmsd@msu.edu   Register at any time.

Link for more information: https://cms.msu.edu/detroit/detroit/children/Spartan-jazz-orchestra.html 

Program Overview: 

• Spartan Youth Jazz (SYJ) is led by 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: Mid-September to May on Wednesdays 5:45-8:45 PM

Where (virtual or live):  Virtual 

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 

Get Involved: Audition videos: 1) two major scales & two minor scales 2) A tune or piece of your choice. Submit video to: cmsd@msu.edu  Registration at any time. 

Link for more information: https://cms.msu.edu/detroit/detroit/children/spartan-youth-jazz.html

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

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

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 20 young professional Fellows. 
• Fellows are chosen by audition following a local, regional and national recruitment. 
• They will participate in three 4 week-long residences 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.  
• We anticipate beginning a new class of Fellows in the Fall, dependent upon relaxation of COVID protocols for large ensembles.  If COVID performing arts protocols do not allow for large ensembles, we will create two octets to allow for the required social distancing and maintaining safety for these young artists and their veteran mentors.

When: Fall 2021

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/

Program Overview:

The Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation’s Annual Collegiate Combo Competition celebrates the artistry, craftsmanship, and discipline inherent in our college and university jazz programs.

Stay tuned for information about the 2021 Competition!

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.

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 the 2021-2022 season have passed. However, there are still a few slots that can be filled. Please contact Connor Bulka at cbulka@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/placement-auditions

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 free access to DSO Concerts!

Program Overview:  The Creative Jazz Ensemble, with Director Darrell “Red” Campbell, opens the doors of the jazz world to all intermediate to advanced students, including those outside the traditional jazz instrumentation. 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.

When: Tuesdays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Where (virtual or live):  Live

Who: Middle and high school students

Instruments: Includes but not limited to: strings, oboe, bassoon, horn, tuba, etc.

Level:  Intermediate/Advanced

Get Involved: Auditions due by May 16, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

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

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

Program Overview: 

• Spartan Youth Jazz (SYJ) is led by 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: Mid-September to May on Wednesdays 5:45-8:45 PM

Where (virtual or live):  Virtual

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

Get Involved: Audition videos: 1) two major scales & two minor scales 2) A tune or piece of your choice. Submit video to: cmsd@msu.edu  Registration at any time. 

Link for more information: https://cms.msu.edu/detroit/detroit/children/spartan-youth-jazz.html

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