Monterey Jazz
Education
Monterey Jazz Education Programs have nurtured some of the greatest talents in contemporary jazz, giving them a springboard to a professional career in music.
“I was a member of the All-Star Band in 1999 and 2000, and I learned the true definition of compassion during my trips to Japan with the group. It was the first time in my life I saw a community of people gaining pleasure from giving. Everyone says ‘music is a universal language,’ but I really know this to be true. I met some of my closest friends during those trips to Japan. The importance of a program like this goes far beyond music and lands on humanity itself.”
1999 & 2000 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
“The educational program of the Monterey Jazz Festival is one of its greatest legacies. I know I wouldn’t be playing music professionally if it hadn’t been for that.”
1986 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
“I absolutely loved performing in the Women in Jazz Combo at the Next Generation Jazz Festival and meeting so many passionate peers, gifted instructors and world recognized artists. It has been a life-changing opportunity for me.”
2019 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo
“Monterey Jazz Festival influenced my music because I was able to talk to the musicians and see their sets up close and personal, and it was really inspiring.”
2012 & 2013 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
”The Next Generation Jazz Orchestra was something in high school that gave you some clout. It was this springboard to bounce up and off from, that would translate into some sort of a career in jazz.”
2008 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
”The people who are the best professional musicians often have some sort of jazz training or background, and having a program like [Next Generation Jazz Orchestra] feels incredibly important to foster that.”
2006 Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
At Monterey Jazz, students learn directly from top jazz talents with experience and passion for teaching and inspiring other musicians.
Our instructors have trained at some of the finest institutions in the world and are accomplished jazz musicians in their own right. Learn from the best!