Monterey Jazz Education

Monterey Jazz Education includes the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, the Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo, the Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Band, the Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Uplifts!, the Summer Jazz Intensive, the Summer Jazz Camp, Trading Fours, and the HBCU Jazz Combo Challenge. It also includes bringing professional jazz artists into local schools, HBCU partnerships, online resources, instrument rentals and repertoire, and community events.

Programs

• Next Generation Jazz Orchestra (NGJO) — high school jazz musicians from around the country · Directed by GRAMMY-nominated pianist and composer Gerald Clayton.
• Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo — high school jazz musicians from around the country · Directed by award-winning bassist Katie Thiroux.
• Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Band — local students in the Jazz in the Schools program · Comprised of local students in the Jazz in the Schools program and selected on performance skills.
• Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Vocal Ensemble — local students in the Jazz in the Schools program · Comprised of local students in the Jazz in the Schools program and selected on performance skills.
• Summer Jazz Intensive — one week; daily rehearsals; one workshop per day · A week-long program where members of the Regional All-Star Band meet for daily rehearsals and have one workshop per day.
• Summer Jazz Camp — middle and high school instrumentalists and vocalists of all skill levels · Intensive and immersive jazz camp; not planned for 2026.
• Jazz Uplifts! — grades 3-6 · Opportunities to explore music learning through educational jazz concerts and workshops.
• Trading Fours — adult musicians · selected Wednesdays, 7-9pm; April through October · A fun jazz ensemble class for intermediate to advanced level adult musicians led by jazz pianist Bill Spencer.
• HBCU Jazz Combo Challenge — selected HBCU jazz ensembles · HBCU jazz ensembles from across the country are invited to compete via video performance submissions.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: Monterey Jazz is active year-round through education programs, touring ensembles and community events. The education program includes five performing ensembles on the local and national level. Performances are hosted and promoted by Monterey Jazz, and some are invited to play at the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm

About the provider

Founded in 1958 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization, Monterey Jazz says it has been committed to celebrating America’s creativity and cultural heritage since 1958. Its mission is to inspire the discovery and celebration of jazz, anchored by an iconic festival, and it says Monterey Jazz reaches more than 3,000 students annually.

• Bringing professional jazz artists into local schools
• HBCU partnerships
• online resources

Summer Jazz Camp is not planned for 2026. Note from HBCU Partnerships: the winning HBCU ensemble will be responsible for travel costs to participate in the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival, including roundtrip airfare, ground transportation, meals, and hotel accommodations.

What families say

“Monterey Jazz Festival is an unforgettable meeting place, where we can not only uplift communities of color, but also learn from their experiences through culture and music.” — Maria Medrano, Global Diversity, Narrative & Public Policy

“It’s a mood, a party, a tribal gathering, an improvisation and a cultural colossus.” — San Jose Mercury News

Last updated October 21, 2026.