"Those who will contribute to and secure the growth and future of this art form will be those with an eye on, and compass pointing toward the future. NYJAZZ, with Rob Derke's leadership, is focused on these very common sense understandings. Rob has organized a team of highly developed, sensitive, creative and determined artists. These contributors embody the kinds of essential qualities required for the aforementioned forward movement the music needs, not just to survive, but to have a brilliant future." - Eric Nemeyer, Jazz Inside Magazine

With the support of the Doris Duke Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Chamber Music America, Aaron Copland Fund, Heyward Foundation, BNY Mellon, Salesforce, Google, and many other individual and corporate donors, NYJAZZ is providing music education and a link to American History to students and teachers at every level from elementary schools to colleges across the country.

Collegiate and High School Residency Programs

Whether in NYC or while on the road, NYJAZZ has conducted residency programs for students of all levels from around the world. Programs can range from an afternoon visit to a week long residency with our world renowned artists bringing a LIVING history of Jazz into the classroom - and in some programs, even returning to a time when education also took place on the bandstand in joint performances with NYJAZZ artists and student ensembles.

K-8 Programs

By leveraging the talent, enthusiasm, and expertise of jazz masters to inspire the future performers, audience members, and teachers of this uniquely American art form, NYJAZZ has stood in front of thousands of students that may never have had an opportunity to hear live jazz if it weren't for our K-8 programming. From inner city schools in Harlem and the NY region to schools in Nevada and California, NYJAZZ has developed a cross-curriculum approach for students to discover their own place in the lineage of American art forms - and to empower our next generation to become the innovators of tomorrow.

If your institution would like to participate in these or any of our other programs please do not hesitate to contact us. ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS ARE INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED FOR THE NEEDS, GOALS, AND PROFICIENCY LEVELS OF THE STUDENT PARTICIPANTS. Music education is NEVER one size fits all. Our faculty is dedicated to the future of this music and your students - and are always available to speak with you about your ideas and plans for participation. Contact info@nyjazz.org for more information.