Director's Message

from Javier Arau, NYJA Program Director

Live your dream

I conceived New York Jazz Academy to be a contributing cultural force in the New York City community, but the impact this humble school has had on this region and on musicians worldwide has more than exceeded my expectations. I attribute this positive influence to both a very strong curriculum and faculty and also to the enthusiasm and dedication of our student-body. Each new course that NYJA offers fills a void and satisfies a hunger that participants have. New York Jazz Academy is a place where you can come freely and jam with the greatest players in NYC, where you receive constructive feedback, concrete direction and materials, a place where you are encouraged and never discouraged, where players celebrate you and the music you are making. We give players a chance to realize their dreams.

Measured results

NYJA is not simply about getting together with other musicians and playing. Participants in our programs see actual measured results. We have helped hundreds of musicians break through plateaus and reach new musical heights. This growth is positive and palpable in all our programs. When we launched our jazz big band program, the response was so positive because the big band program fulfilled a dream of countless musicians who wanted to make a return to rigorous big band rehearsal and performance. When we launched our small ensemble programs, participants were elated to finally be a part of a musical environment where the ensemble members were artistically strong and the coaching was supremely effective. Over time, our summer programs became the most popular programs in NYC.

Expanding our course offerings

NYJA is an ever-evolving entity, possessing a creativity and flexibility to grow with the goals and interests of the community at large. New programs for 2012 will include more daytime ensemble options, more leveled vocal workshops, expanded summer programs that includes housing options for out of town students, and more fundamental notation and sight-reading classes for those who really need remedial work on reading and interpreting notation.

An Inclusive Approach

This emphasis on jazz styles and improvisation makes our programs attractive for students already involved in performance ensembles through other schools or organizations. We also encourage musicians who have never played in a jazz band to sign up, as jazz is an all-inclusive study that has greatly benefitted classical and pop performers through the years. Our programs are also open to those who play typically non-jazz instruments, including strings and double-reeds.

Sense of Community

New York Jazz Academy successfully forges lasting partnerships with private teachers and community leaders. Our ensemble programs help every private teacher in the community, whether affiliated with NYJA or not, and students can sign up for ensembles while still studying privately with non-NYJA teachers. By signing up for classes and ensemble programs and workshops, students can celebrate in belonging to a larger community of jazz fans and musicians. Many of our jazz club jam sessions are open to the public and provide even more opportunity for musicians to celebrate jazz with one another.

Responsible Pricing

It is safe to say that most music schools are less than generous when it comes to teacher rate splits. New York Jazz Academy offers the most generous rate splits in the country, keeping our teachers motivated and loyal. You know that, by joining New York Jazz Academy, you are contributing to a positive and healthy relationship between administration, teacher, and student. Our pricing is extremely competitive, and with low administrative costs, we are able to pass our savings on to you. This certainly is a win-win for all involved.

A Final Note

On a final note, when I began this venture, I knew that it would attract talented teachers, but the faculty roster that we have developed is beyond my wildest dreams. I am thrilled that so many world-class musicians and educators have signed up to be part of this program, as it will only help the community and jazz-at-large. Thank you for your interest in New York Jazz Academy, and I look forward hearing from you.

Getting Started

Below are a few links to help get you started. Have fun!

Course offerings at-a-glance
Programs by instrument
Faculty
Summer programs
Give a grant to a student!