unison in learning
harmony in community
As the year draws to a close, we are reminded of the profound role the arts play in promoting community harmony, boosting resilience and encouraging empathy. We’re more dedicated than ever to creating the world we want to live in—one grounded in the values of jazz, like equality, diversity and compassion.
JAZZ HOUSE remains a beacon of access, learning, career development and community building through jazz. This year, we’re thrilled to share stories of remarkable students who are flourishing thanks to the opportunities you’ve made possible.
I am grateful that we have access to one of the best artistic experiences a young artist could hope for. Ava’s ability to hear tunes, play changes, improvise, and sing have skyrocketed since she started at JAZZ HOUSE. Her growth in the music has given her more confidence in her social interactions and has helped her feel more comfortable engaging the other students.”
FACT: 3.6 million U.S. students still do not have access to music education in schools, and disparities are particularly pronounced in low-income communities.
Source: Arts Education Data Project
Lark's improving abilities and performance in school are directly related to his experience at JAZZ HOUSE. The ability to focus for long periods of time, to prepare adequately beforehand, to respect the ensemble leader and the other players and to interact with everyone in a disciplined, productive and enjoyable way are all things he is clearly learning. It’s an unexpected outcome and it further deepens our respect and appreciation for the quality of teaching and the nurturing that everyone there provides our kids. There is something extraordinary happening within the walls of the JAZZ HOUSE.”
FACT: The complex musical structures of jazz activate multiple brain regions simultaneously, including the prefrontal cortex, typically associated with higher-order thinking and decision-making, which plays a crucial role.
Source: NeuroLaunch
In an academic setting, girls tend to excel, but because jazz is so male-dominated, we don’t see as many young women rising to the forefront. Programs like CHiCA Power at JAZZ HOUSE have been invaluable in bridging that gap, introducing Mattie to incredible female bandleaders whom she’s had the opportunity to hear live and even interact with. Melissa Walker is a powerful role model for Mattie. Seeing a woman of color making a difference and inspiring others has been incredibly motivating for her, and I’m sure she’ll look back on her time here as a defining moment in her life.”
FACT: 46% of girls in high school don’t believe they are smart enough for their dream career.
Source: Girls Index survey conducted by Ruling Our Experiences
We immigrated to America in part to provide Giz with a better education and opportunities to live freely. Coming from a household with her father a professional musician, Giz was always interested in music. We learned about JAZZ HOUSE, and moved to this neighborhood to be closer. To our great happiness, Giz was accepted as a student and JAZZ HOUSE has become a second home for her. We’re proud to support her journey. This isn’t just a music program to us; it’s a foundation for her future, and we look forward to being part of this community for years to come.”
FACT: Listening to music, performing, and singing together has been shown to
create a sense of group identity.
Source: Jill Suttie “How Music Bonds Us Together”
Together, we can continue creating a harmonious community that grows stronger with each young musician who walks through our doors.
Thank you for standing with us and championing the arts that uplift us all.
ACCESS
- $29 million Invested in year-round jazz education to bridge the gap in the arts
- 27,156 Hours of JAZZ HOUSE Music Scholars weekly programming in under-resourced communities
- 11,868 Students receiving tuition assistance or free arts education programming
- 1,554 Students receiving free private lessons
- 1,273 New instruments placed in the hands of kids through the Give an Instrument
Build a Musician program - 2,415 Female students participating in the CHiCA Power program
LEARNING
- 58,500+ Students served through JAZZ HOUSE music + education programs
- 1,450+ Professional musicians and guest artists
- 165 National + regional awards given to students and the organization
- 215 Core faculty leading in-school and out-of-school programs
- 25+ NEA Jazz Masters helping further
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
- 99% Young people who study at the JAZZ HOUSE in Montclair continue on to college
- $3.8 million+ Awarded in college scholarships to JAZZ HOUSE graduates
- 2,175 Paid Emerging Musicians Concert Program opportunities for students and alumni
- 380+ Alumni received internships, or were hired as teaching assistants, faculty and staff
- 30 Female industry leaders participated in the annual CHiCA Power Leadership Summit
- 12 Heads of jazz institutions participate in annual JAZZ HOUSE Goes to College program
COMMUNITY BUILDING
- 600,000+ Jazz fans attending JAZZ HOUSE public performances
- $2.85 million+ Generated for local businesses at the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL’S Downtown Jamboree
- 1450+ Free public concerts produced by the JAZZ HOUSE including the annual
MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL - 1.5 million+ Fans joining us for virtual concerts and online programs
- 1.8 million SiriusXM Real Jazz listeners for MONTCLAIR JAZZ FEST rebroadcasts
