Youth Jazz Classes
2025 – 2026 School Year
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is excited to announce our 2025 – 2026 classes! The JAZZ HOUSE Montclair welcomes new instrumental and vocal students of all levels and abilities, from beginners to pre-professionals headed to the nation’s top college music programs. 🎵
Program offerings include award-winning ensembles, masterclasses, GRAMMY Award-winning guest artists, jam sessions, and more! Registration and auditions are required to provide placement in classes by August 22nd.
Important Dates
- All new auditions, registrations, and tuition assistance applications must be
received by the deadline of August 22nd. - Placement and tuition assistance awards options will be returned to you
in early September. - Class sessions begin the week of October 4th 2025 and run until May 29th 2026.
Highlights
- Weekly small/large ensembles and Improv
- Electives including Afro-Latin Big Band
- Vocal Academy on Saturday Mornings
Pre-College Instrumental Academy on Sundays - Ages 12-18; all levels welcome
- Multiple Performance Opportunities
- Adult classes too!
2025 – 2026 Tuition
- Three class instrumental bundle / $3150
- Two class vocal bundle / $2750
- One ensemble class / $1375
Electives
- Improv / $925
- Instrument technique / $925
- Music business / $925
- Afro Latin / $1125
Tuition Assistance is available with an online application completed by August 22nd. A $150 non-refundable deposit toward tuition of each class registered for is due upon registration.
After registration and submission of audition videos, students will receive an email with their class placements, dates, and times. Students are placed into ensembles based on experience level. This email will come within a week of registration.
QUESTIONS?
Call us at 973-744-2273 or email
studentservices@jazzhousekids.org
Ensembles
LOUIS ARMSTRONG
MONDAYS 5:15 – 6:30 PM | TBD
SATURDAYS 10:30 – 11:45 AM | TBD
The Louis Armstrong Ensemble is the place where our youngest beboppers meet and are introduced to the joy of swing!
LEGACY BIG BAND
MONDAYS 5:15 – 7:00 PM | TBD
Explore the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charles Mingus and other grand masters of jazz. The The ensembles address jazz phrasing and improvisation, and focus on developing skills for playing in a section.
BLUES + ROOTS
MONDAYS 7:15 – 8:45 PM | TBD
SATURDAYS 10:00 – 11:30 AM | TBD
Students will begin to build their foundation of jazz by starting with the blues, standard tunes, and jazz classics in a fun and engaging setting.
MOSAIC BIG BAND
TUESDAYS 5:15 – 7:00 PM | TBD
These ensembles explore the music of the grand masters of jazz, address jazz phrasing and improvisation, and focus on developing skills for playing in a section.
ORGAN MESSENGERS
TUESDAYS 7:15 – 8:45 PM | Radam Schwartz
Building on the foundation of jazz, blues & roots swings with the jazz organ, with its rich history and distinct style.
JAZZ HOUSE MESSENGERS
TUESDAYS 7:15 – 8:45 PM | TBD
SATURDAYS 10:00 – 11:30 AM | TBD
The Messengers ensemble explores the art of improvisation, interaction, and performance while engaging in the advanced study of the jazz idiom.
VOCAL ACADEMY
WEDNESDAYS | 6:30 – 8:30 PM | Dylan Pramuk
This ensemble explores the art of solo and choral singing, plus provides comprehensive instruction in jazz theory and history. All singers from novice to advanced welcome!
ELECTIVES
ROOTS OF IMPROV
MONDAYS 4:00 – 5:00 PM | TBD
TUESDAYS 4:00 – 5:00 PM | TBD
The Roots of Improvisation elective is for students looking to expand their base of jazz knowledge. This improv session will develop students’ theory and give them a stronger understanding of the language of improvisation.
Rhythm Section Workout
WEDNESDAYS 4:00 – 5:30 PM | TBD
A focused class for jazz rhythm section players aiming to elevate their craft. Participants will refine their skills in essential areas like time, feel, accompanying, groove, and active listening. Through practical exercises and ensemble work, students will learn to create a cohesive, dynamic rhythm section that enhances the overall sound of any jazz group.
ADVANCED STUDENTS
Afro-Latin Big Band
WEDNESDAYS 6:30 – 8:30 PM | Juanga Lakunza
The Afro-Latin Big Band celebrates the vibrant fusion of Afro-Latin rhythms and jazz. With a focus on percussion and danceable tunes, this ensemble offers a lively and immersive experience, bringing the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Latin music to life.
JAZZ HOUSE PRE-COLLEGE INSTRUMENTAL ACADEMY
SUNDAYS | 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Among the nation’s top pre-collegiate instrumental training programs for serious-minded advanced students from across the region. The flagship program includes the awarding-winning JAZZ HOUSE Big Band and JAZZ HOUSE Ambassadors Ensemble and the Dynasty Band tracks. Held on Sunday afternoons throughout the school year, the rich elective offerings help emerging musicians take their musicianship to the next level. JAZZ HOUSE Academy students participate in high-profile annual performances, competitions and touring to further enhance national exposure of these talented students. Many of our alums go on to attend world-class conservatories and prestigious academic institutions with significant merit-based music scholarships and are recognized on today’s jazz scene as tomorrow’s rising stars. Pre-Placement Required
Saturday Instrumental
For families who need weekend offerings due to busy schedules we have small ensembles at three experience levels!
- Louis Armstrong Ensemble 10:00am -11:15am Ed Palermo
- Blues & Roots 10:00am – 11:30am Galo Inga
- Messengers & Organ Messengers 10:00am – 11:30am TBD
Giglet Bootcamp
WEDNESDAYS 4:00 – 6:00 PM | Birsa Chatterjee
An intensive program designed for young jazz musicians to tackle the art of playing gigs. This course focuses on memorizing standard jazz repertoire, honing musical professionalism, and improving communication skills. Through hands-on practice, students will learn to apply jazz language over classic standards, preparing them to excel in live performance settings.
PRE-COLLEGE ACADEMY ON SUNDAY
NEWLY EXPANDED!
Among the nation’s top pre-collegiate instrumental training programs for serious-minded advanced students from across the region. The flagship program includes the awarding-winning JAZZ HOUSE Big Band and JAZZ HOUSE Ambassadors Ensemble. Held on Sunday afternoons throughout the school year, the rich elective offerings help emerging musicians take their musicianship to the next level. JAZZ HOUSE Academy students participate in high-profile annual performances, competitions and touring to further enhance national exposure of these talented students. Many of our alums go on to attend world-class conservatories and prestigious academic institutions with significant merit-based music scholarships and are recognized on today’s jazz scene as tomorrow’s rising stars. Pre-Placement Required
DYNASTY TRACK
DYNASTY BIG BAND
SUNDAYS 12:00 – 2:30 PM | Darrell Smith
This ensembles explore the music of the grand masters of jazz, address jazz phrasing and improvisation, and focus on developing skills for playing in a section.
IMPROV
SUNDAYS 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Brandon McCune, Jason Marshall
This improv session will develop the student’s theory and give them a stronger understanding of the language of improvisation. Advanced Level
MESSENGERS + AMBASSADORS SMALL ENSEMBLES
SUNDAYS 4:00 – 5:30 PM
JAZZ HOUSE BIG BAND TRACK
IMPROV
SUNDAYS 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Caili O’Doherty, Radam Schwartz, Mike Lee
This improv session will develop the student’s theory and give them a stronger understanding of the language of improvisation. Advanced Level
JAZZ HOUSE AMBASSADORS
SUNDAYS 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Caili O’Doherty, Radam Schwartz, Mike Lee
Our most advanced students take center stage in the Ambassadors Ensemble, where they receive college-level instruction from world-class jazz educators. With opportunities to perform at prestigious venues and competitions nationwide, this ensemble tackles challenging repertoire with precision and passion.
JAZZ HOUSE ORCHESTRA
SUNDAYS 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Nathan Eklund
As our premier, audition-only ensemble, the Jazz House Orchestra is one of the most sought-after high school bands in the country. This elite group of young musicians competes at the highest level and performs at top venues, providing an unparalleled opportunity for serious and dedicated students.
Major support for our programs is provided by:
Brandenburg Productions, BDP Holdings, Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Kenneth Goldman Donor Fund, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Ralph Pucci International, Regan Family Foundation, Rose Cali, TD Charitable Foundation, Trinity Church Wall Street, The Victoria Foundation, and our many other generous supporters.
THANK YOU!