IAJSD is open to both vocalists and instrumentalists who are current music students. We provide classes for youth who are 10-18 years old, as well as adults who are 18-85 years old. Ensembles are led by top jazz performers and experienced educators, including Kamau Kenyatta and Tonga Ross Ma’U.
We are back in the classroom for our Spring Jazz Music Program! Each student will be given the opportunity to perform live with their specific IAJSD jazz ensemble class at the end of the course to showcase everything they have learned together.
This spring, youth students will be meeting with our talented teachers for their 90-minute classes at 9:30 AM every Saturday, January 7th – May 27th.
GET YOUR FREE CLASS!
We are currently offering ONE FREE CLASS to musicians who want to learn more about our programming, how it all works, and learn more about how we find the right ensemble to fit your skill level and age. Once you register, we do request a phone call and audition so we can be sure to understand where you are currently, your goals, and what will be our next steps in placement.
Step One – Register
YOUTH REGISTER HERE
ADULTS REGISTER HERE
_______________________________________________________________
Step Two – Schedule an Audition Review Call
All students who wish to join IAJSD for the second semester are required to either meet with us in person or send in a video recording audition.
- The student will be assessed on:
1) Sight-reading: Instructors will supply music to read
2) Jazz melody solo* and
3) Improvisation* of your choosing
*Please provide your backing tracks for the melody and improvisation on an MP3 or device of your choosing.
Need a Scholarship?
Youth scholarships are available on a limited basis to underprivileged students. Auditions and requests are required to obtain a scholarship. Schedule a call with Guy Gonzales today to learn more!
Thank you! We look forward to working (and playing jazz) with you!
TESTIMONIALS
Chuck B.
The San Diego concert Band is proud to be a supporter, through annual sponsorship, of IAJ-SD. Long live "kid and music" in San Diego!
Chuck Brown
Bridgit B.
The founders and instructors have hearts of gold. Their concern for the students is immeasurable. What a blessing to San Diego they are!
Bridgit Bailey
Giedeman
Diane I.
Over the past 4 months of Online IAJSD classes. i have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge that i can directly apply to my playing jazz! they individualize their approach to reach student, based on their level of knowledge and goals. The teachers are very supportive and truly want each student to be successful and gain skills that will make them better musicians."
Diane Ireland
Santee, CA
Personalities Come Alive
“I’m so inspired by how the staff work with the kids and seeing them perform at the end of the semester just filled my heart with warmth and joy. Each student and their personalities coming alive with the music and the collaboration of the small ensembles is very cool!”
Laura Hendrickson
Supporter
An Inspiring Program
“An inspiring program for middle and high school aged jazz performers. The instructors are top-notched, the performance opportunities are out of this world, tuition is reasonable. This program has changed my daughter's life.”
Amy Dyson
Parent
Letting my Sound Flow
“Kamau is like being at the beach, just laying in the warm sand. He made me not afraid of music. When I first started at the academy I was terrible at soloing. I was slow and unsure. I was doing classical music at the time and the only jazz musician I cared about was Bill Evans. Without Bill Evans I wouldn't have never even considered jazz. I always wanted to play what sounded like him. But since i was just starting jazz, I didn’t quite know what vibe i wanted to bring out to the air. I didn't know what I wanted to hear. But under kamaus tutelage, I began to let my sound flow through without worrying.”
Mattias Almassy
Student
What a blessing!
Hi Guy, “Kamau had mentioned that IAJSD was going to continue the adult classes in the fall. I just wanted to confirm that, as this has just been so much fun and I can't imagine not continuing on.This organization has definitely been the “silver lining” in the Covid pandemic. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I had bad experiences with a teacher when I was a little girl, which is the reason I have avoided lessons and formal training my entire life. As ridiculous as it sounds, this is the first time I have felt like I actually had some value as a musician, but unfortunately I have tons to to learn. But, also, as you said, Kamau is a great teacher – very patient and supportive, and I have learned so much. Again, I am so grateful that you took it upon yourself to start teaching adults, and also for your entire jazz program. What a blessing! Thanks.
Diane
A WONDERFUL NIGHT
"It was a wonderful night. Cole is always so quiet, so it makes my heart sing to see him up there so energized and having so much fun -Parent of student, 2017-2018"
FANTASTIC!
"This evening’s event was fantastic! We just want to say how grateful we are that so many talented people support and nurture our kids. Thank you for making it all happen - Parent of a student, class of 2017-2018"
