Nashville Jazz Workshop
Programs
Budget
$55,000.00
Description
The NJW offers a the Summer Jazz Set, a 3-day intensive instructional program for middle and high school age youth. The program is based on a long-running Summer Jazz Camp that was held pre-pandemic. Both programs have been received with enthusiasm by students, parents, and schools, drawing a high level of participation. The summer program serves both instrumental and vocal students. Students have continued to take classes and attend performances. Students have also distinguished themselves by receiving statewide honors, with some being accepted into prestigious college music programs. Donors have provided scholarship support so that low-income students can attend. NJW also has a program, supported by generous donors, for talented and motivated high school music students to receive scholarships for private lessons and NJW classes throughout the year. Youth programs are offered in partnership with the Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble, which also uses the NJW for rehearsal space.
Program Successes
A recent alumni of an NJW youth program had the opportunity to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival, and subsequently began performing professionally in the community.
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities - Music Instruction
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Long-term Success
Over 500 students have participated in summer youth programs and and in the Scholarship Lessons program over the past10 years. Alumni of these programs show marked musical growth as noted by teachers, and report a high level of satisfaction with their experience. Many report that these programs improve their overall musicianship, allowing them to participate in other forms of music as well as jazz. A disporoportionate number of students receive regional and statewide honors such as selection for Mid-State and All-State jazz bands. In addition, many alumni of these programs have gone on to prestigious music schools, who report that students enter with markedly higher-than-average skills. Many students have gone on to professional careers in music.
Short-term Success
In a recent year, 17 students out of a total of 59 were selected for the Midstate Jazz Band in grades 9-12 were participants in an NJW summer program. Stated another way, almost 30% of those selected for Midstate Jazz Band were NJW alumni.
Students completing the program report a high level of satisfaction with their experience, and note tangible gains they have made.
An example comment from one parent: "[student] had such a wonderful week with everyone, it was life-changing for her. She has attended various camps and programs over the last few years, and this was by far the most educational and enriching program she's ever been a part of. Just this summer alone, she attended the Vocal Summit at Berklee School of Music and was a top 40 finalist in Michael Feinstein's American Songbook Competition, however Nashville Jazz Workshop beat them all. "
Program Success Monitored By
Short term: surveys administered at the conclusion of program. Long term: reports from teachers and former students.
Program Areas Served
None
$55,000.00
Description
The NJW offers a the Summer Jazz Set, a 3-day intensive instructional program for middle and high school age youth. The program is based on a long-running Summer Jazz Camp that was held pre-pandemic. Both programs have been received with enthusiasm by students, parents, and schools, drawing a high level of participation. The summer program serves both instrumental and vocal students. Students have continued to take classes and attend performances. Students have also distinguished themselves by receiving statewide honors, with some being accepted into prestigious college music programs. Donors have provided scholarship support so that low-income students can attend. NJW also has a program, supported by generous donors, for talented and motivated high school music students to receive scholarships for private lessons and NJW classes throughout the year. Youth programs are offered in partnership with the Nashville Youth Jazz Ensemble, which also uses the NJW for rehearsal space.
Program Successes
A recent alumni of an NJW youth program had the opportunity to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival, and subsequently began performing professionally in the community.
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities - Music Instruction
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Long-term Success
Over 500 students have participated in summer youth programs and and in the Scholarship Lessons program over the past10 years. Alumni of these programs show marked musical growth as noted by teachers, and report a high level of satisfaction with their experience. Many report that these programs improve their overall musicianship, allowing them to participate in other forms of music as well as jazz. A disporoportionate number of students receive regional and statewide honors such as selection for Mid-State and All-State jazz bands. In addition, many alumni of these programs have gone on to prestigious music schools, who report that students enter with markedly higher-than-average skills. Many students have gone on to professional careers in music.
Short-term Success
In a recent year, 17 students out of a total of 59 were selected for the Midstate Jazz Band in grades 9-12 were participants in an NJW summer program. Stated another way, almost 30% of those selected for Midstate Jazz Band were NJW alumni.
Students completing the program report a high level of satisfaction with their experience, and note tangible gains they have made.
An example comment from one parent: "[student] had such a wonderful week with everyone, it was life-changing for her. She has attended various camps and programs over the last few years, and this was by far the most educational and enriching program she's ever been a part of. Just this summer alone, she attended the Vocal Summit at Berklee School of Music and was a top 40 finalist in Michael Feinstein's American Songbook Competition, however Nashville Jazz Workshop beat them all. "
Program Success Monitored By
Short term: surveys administered at the conclusion of program. Long term: reports from teachers and former students.
Program Areas Served
None
Budget
$50,000.00
Description
JAZZ AT HOME is a series of house concerts held several times during the year. Featuring NJW faculty artists, JAZZ AT HOME events serve both as fundraisers and as an introduction of jazz and NJW to new patrons. These events are hosted by NJW supporters in their homes, with hosts furnishing food and guest lists.
JAZZMANIA is the NJW's annual fall jazz party and fundraiser. The event has grown to include over 400 patrons, featuring live jazz, food and wine, and auctions. In addition to raising money for the NJW, the event focuses attention on the jazz community and is one of the more enjoyable of the city's charity events. Each year at the event the NJW HERITAGE AWARD is presented to an individual who has made major contributions to the jazz community over a long period of time. Past award winners have included drummer Chester Thompson, trumpeter Rod McGaha, WMOT Program Director Greg Lee, and pianist Beegie Adair.
Beneficiaries
Adults
Long-term Success
The annual fundraising event accounts for over half of the organization's contributed income. Through a targeted appeal that is part of the event, funds are raised for special program needs such as youth scholarships. Patrons consistently report a high level of satisfaction with the event.
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
$50,000.00
Description
JAZZ AT HOME is a series of house concerts held several times during the year. Featuring NJW faculty artists, JAZZ AT HOME events serve both as fundraisers and as an introduction of jazz and NJW to new patrons. These events are hosted by NJW supporters in their homes, with hosts furnishing food and guest lists.
JAZZMANIA is the NJW's annual fall jazz party and fundraiser. The event has grown to include over 400 patrons, featuring live jazz, food and wine, and auctions. In addition to raising money for the NJW, the event focuses attention on the jazz community and is one of the more enjoyable of the city's charity events. Each year at the event the NJW HERITAGE AWARD is presented to an individual who has made major contributions to the jazz community over a long period of time. Past award winners have included drummer Chester Thompson, trumpeter Rod McGaha, WMOT Program Director Greg Lee, and pianist Beegie Adair.
Beneficiaries
Adults
Long-term Success
The annual fundraising event accounts for over half of the organization's contributed income. Through a targeted appeal that is part of the event, funds are raised for special program needs such as youth scholarships. Patrons consistently report a high level of satisfaction with the event.
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
Budget
$160,000.00
Description
Jazz classes are offered for all ages and ability levels and all instruments and vocalists. Listening and history classes, suitable for anyone, are also offered. Most classes are offered weekly for six-week sessions, in afternoons and evenings. Three-week 'mini-courses' are also offered, as are workshops and master classes. The educational approach is a journeyman/apprentice model, in which students learn through modeling and mentoring from working professionals. Classes are small, averaging six students. The vocal curriculum has the largest catalog anywhere of courses on the American Popular Song. Other tracks focus on Vocal Technique, Fundamentals and Musicianship, and Vocal Performance. The instrumental curriculum includes courses in theory, improvisation, and ensembles from beginning to advanced. Ensembles focus on music of major jazz artists and groups such as Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Thelonious Monk, or on styles from classic 'Blue Note' jazz to fusion.
Program Successes
Several former students have gone on to national success and recognition or to local professional careers:
RACHAEL PRICE, lead singer for the pop group Lake Street Dive, was an NJW student during her high school years, as was KANDACE SPRINGS, Blue Note recording artist.
ANNIE SELLICK, one of the original cohort of NJW students in 2000, has had a successful performing, recording, and touring career. She has recorded 7 CD's, the first with the help of her NJW faculty mentors.
CHRISTINA WATSON and Liz Johnson, also former NJW vocal students, have gone on to professional careers performing, recording, and teaching. Besides being faculty members at NJW, both have taught at the university level and have private teaching studios.
RAHSAAN & ROLAND BARBER (saxophone and trombone respectively) studied at NJW during their high school years and went on to advanced study at Indiana University and Manhattan School of Music and are prominent artists and teachers on the local scene.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Adults
Long-term Success
NJW has taught over 4,000 students in its 20 years as a nonprofit. Students completing class surveys report overwhelmingly positive results. Many former students have gone on to become working professional musicians, and a number have attained national or local recognition as performers or teachers. Many students describe their experiences in NJW classes as life-changing. Benefits cited include gaining a deeper appreciation of music, greater creativity and versatility in performing many styles of music, and a deeper connection to a musical community.
Short-term Success
Students have the opportunity to earn certificates for completing defined course sequences in Musicianship, Performance, Literature, and Ensemble Playing. Certificates assist students in planning a program of study and strengthen motivation to complete core courses needed for proficiency. Middle and High School age students have the opportunity to receive scholarships based on motivation and financial need, and are offered private lessons as well as class participation. Many of these students have gone on to prestigious music schools and college music schools and are typically ranked by faculty as performing well above the norm for entering students.
Program Success Monitored By
Online class surveys are completed at the end of class sessions; Students provide anectodal data verbally, via email, or video.
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
$160,000.00
Description
Jazz classes are offered for all ages and ability levels and all instruments and vocalists. Listening and history classes, suitable for anyone, are also offered. Most classes are offered weekly for six-week sessions, in afternoons and evenings. Three-week 'mini-courses' are also offered, as are workshops and master classes. The educational approach is a journeyman/apprentice model, in which students learn through modeling and mentoring from working professionals. Classes are small, averaging six students. The vocal curriculum has the largest catalog anywhere of courses on the American Popular Song. Other tracks focus on Vocal Technique, Fundamentals and Musicianship, and Vocal Performance. The instrumental curriculum includes courses in theory, improvisation, and ensembles from beginning to advanced. Ensembles focus on music of major jazz artists and groups such as Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Thelonious Monk, or on styles from classic 'Blue Note' jazz to fusion.
Program Successes
Several former students have gone on to national success and recognition or to local professional careers:
RACHAEL PRICE, lead singer for the pop group Lake Street Dive, was an NJW student during her high school years, as was KANDACE SPRINGS, Blue Note recording artist.
ANNIE SELLICK, one of the original cohort of NJW students in 2000, has had a successful performing, recording, and touring career. She has recorded 7 CD's, the first with the help of her NJW faculty mentors.
CHRISTINA WATSON and Liz Johnson, also former NJW vocal students, have gone on to professional careers performing, recording, and teaching. Besides being faculty members at NJW, both have taught at the university level and have private teaching studios.
RAHSAAN & ROLAND BARBER (saxophone and trombone respectively) studied at NJW during their high school years and went on to advanced study at Indiana University and Manhattan School of Music and are prominent artists and teachers on the local scene.
Beneficiaries
Adolescents
Adults
Long-term Success
NJW has taught over 4,000 students in its 20 years as a nonprofit. Students completing class surveys report overwhelmingly positive results. Many former students have gone on to become working professional musicians, and a number have attained national or local recognition as performers or teachers. Many students describe their experiences in NJW classes as life-changing. Benefits cited include gaining a deeper appreciation of music, greater creativity and versatility in performing many styles of music, and a deeper connection to a musical community.
Short-term Success
Students have the opportunity to earn certificates for completing defined course sequences in Musicianship, Performance, Literature, and Ensemble Playing. Certificates assist students in planning a program of study and strengthen motivation to complete core courses needed for proficiency. Middle and High School age students have the opportunity to receive scholarships based on motivation and financial need, and are offered private lessons as well as class participation. Many of these students have gone on to prestigious music schools and college music schools and are typically ranked by faculty as performing well above the norm for entering students.
Program Success Monitored By
Online class surveys are completed at the end of class sessions; Students provide anectodal data verbally, via email, or video.
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
Budget
$140,000.00
Description
Performances are offered in the 'Jazz Cave', an intimate 76-seat listening room with superb acoustics. The venue has received local and national acclaim, and is one of DownBeat magazine's 'Great Jazz Venues' in the world.
* CONCERT SERIES: The NJW presents over 50 performances a year, featuring the area's top jazz artists. Booking policy has traditionally emphasized "mainstream" jazz but also includes more diverse, cross-genre bookings. Performances are recorded in high quality audio and video and some are are also streamed live to a local and national audience. A recent addition, the "Spotlight Thursday" series, features a weekday night performances and an eclectic booking policy. Matinees are also planned.
* JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON; a daytime jazz program offered to groups (e.g., convention and tour groups) as well as to the general public several times yearly;
* Special performances and eclectic bookings that may include national and touring artists and world music.
Program Successes
Local artists consistently seek opportunities to perform at the NJW.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Adolescents
Adults
Long-term Success
The NJW has presented over 500 performances in over 20 years as a nonprofit, serving over 27,000 patrons. The venue has consistently been part of DownBeat Magazine's list of "Great Jazz Venues" in the world, and has frequently been a recipient of a Nashville Scene "Best of Nashville" award.
Program Success Monitored By
Periodic surveys of patrons are conducted via email.
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
$140,000.00
Description
Performances are offered in the 'Jazz Cave', an intimate 76-seat listening room with superb acoustics. The venue has received local and national acclaim, and is one of DownBeat magazine's 'Great Jazz Venues' in the world.
* CONCERT SERIES: The NJW presents over 50 performances a year, featuring the area's top jazz artists. Booking policy has traditionally emphasized "mainstream" jazz but also includes more diverse, cross-genre bookings. Performances are recorded in high quality audio and video and some are are also streamed live to a local and national audience. A recent addition, the "Spotlight Thursday" series, features a weekday night performances and an eclectic booking policy. Matinees are also planned.
* JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON; a daytime jazz program offered to groups (e.g., convention and tour groups) as well as to the general public several times yearly;
* Special performances and eclectic bookings that may include national and touring artists and world music.
Program Successes
Local artists consistently seek opportunities to perform at the NJW.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Adolescents
Adults
Long-term Success
The NJW has presented over 500 performances in over 20 years as a nonprofit, serving over 27,000 patrons. The venue has consistently been part of DownBeat Magazine's list of "Great Jazz Venues" in the world, and has frequently been a recipient of a Nashville Scene "Best of Nashville" award.
Program Success Monitored By
Periodic surveys of patrons are conducted via email.
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
Budget
$100,000.00
Description
The NJW brings jazz performance and education to community settings and groups, to engage the wider community in jazz.
JAZZ ON THE MOVE , a series of free Sunday afternoon lecture/performances in diverse community settings.. The series focuses on important jazz artists and periods of jazz history, and draws standing-room audiences.
JAZZ A.M., a monthly program for families with children ages 2-10 and is designed to engage the community and offer a fun, immersive introduction to Jazz for young children.
JAZZ IN THE PARK, a series of free jazz concerts in Hadley Park in North Nashville
JUNETEENTH: NJW is an active participant in a community festival celebrating the Juneteenth holiday, furnishing musical performances, a brass band parade, a special JAZZ A.M. presentation, and an immersive community art activity.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
Audience surveys indicate enthusiastic response and a diverse audience. For JAZZ ON THE MOVE, audience numbers are consistently high and performances are often standing room-only. JAZZ A.M. is enthusiastically received by children and families, with many repeat visitors. JAZZ IN THE PARK is a new program for 2023 but early results indicate enthusiastic audience and community response and significant diversity in attendees.
Short-term Success
Jazz on the Move and Jazz A.M. have both received "Best of Nashville" awards from the Nashville Scene.
Program Success Monitored By
Audience surveys
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
$100,000.00
Description
The NJW brings jazz performance and education to community settings and groups, to engage the wider community in jazz.
JAZZ ON THE MOVE , a series of free Sunday afternoon lecture/performances in diverse community settings.. The series focuses on important jazz artists and periods of jazz history, and draws standing-room audiences.
JAZZ A.M., a monthly program for families with children ages 2-10 and is designed to engage the community and offer a fun, immersive introduction to Jazz for young children.
JAZZ IN THE PARK, a series of free jazz concerts in Hadley Park in North Nashville
JUNETEENTH: NJW is an active participant in a community festival celebrating the Juneteenth holiday, furnishing musical performances, a brass band parade, a special JAZZ A.M. presentation, and an immersive community art activity.
Beneficiaries
Seniors
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
Audience surveys indicate enthusiastic response and a diverse audience. For JAZZ ON THE MOVE, audience numbers are consistently high and performances are often standing room-only. JAZZ A.M. is enthusiastically received by children and families, with many repeat visitors. JAZZ IN THE PARK is a new program for 2023 but early results indicate enthusiastic audience and community response and significant diversity in attendees.
Short-term Success
Jazz on the Move and Jazz A.M. have both received "Best of Nashville" awards from the Nashville Scene.
Program Success Monitored By
Audience surveys
Program Areas Served
All Middle Tennessee
