The Jazz Gallery proudly launched its newest educational initiative with students from the South Bronx Charter School for International Cultures and the Arts on February 6th, 2024

The inaugural masterclass focused on the music of Roy Hargrove, who was one of the founders of TJG, and the entire Roy Hargrove Big Band was present at The Jazz Gallery to participate in the program; to provide feedback and offer encouragement to the students as well as to perform. The students prepared tunes from the Roy Hargrove repertoire to perform for their professional elders, and then participated in a masterclass which culminated in the Roy Hargrove Big Band taking the stage. The students had never experienced the music in such a dynamic and intimate manner and their excitement was palpable!

Through this program students have the rare opportunity to engage with professional musicians, perform and receive feedback on their craft, learn about jazz history, and be immersed in music at an intimate New York City jazz venue. Two more masterclasses are scheduled for the season on Tuesday March 26 and Tuesday April 16 where the students will learn about important jazz artists Art Blakey and Thelonious Monk. Just as at the first masterclass, these subsequent classes will be led by world class professionals with deep ties to The Jazz Gallery. Johnathan Blake has been confirmed to conduct the masterclass on Art Blakey!

For the past few years, The Jazz Gallery has been working with the Institute for Collaborative Education on the Lower East Side through our free tickets program, and this new program was developed to expand the reach, accessibility, and understanding of Jazz to the musicians and audiences of future generations.

With generous support by the Joyce and George Wein Foundation, The Jazz Gallery is presenting this series of educational masterclasses throughout 2024.