TRANSFORMING
LIVES
THROUGH JAZZ

Starting and sustaining high-quality jazz programs in underserved schools

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Jazz Education That Changes Lives

Jazz Empowers brings high-quality jazz education to underserved schools nationwide, helping students build confidence, creativity, and community through music.

50,000+

Students

900

Schools

1325+

Instruments

“Jazz Empowers took a chance on me, altering the course of my education for the better. Their efforts have changed countless lives including mine.”

Diego Andres Vazquez Landeros
Jazz Empowers Alumnus

Our Programs

Charter School Residency Program

A year-long jazz education program designed for underserved charter schools with no existing band program. Jazz Empowers provides professional instructors, instruments, and curriculum to launch and run a complete jazz program, helping students build musical skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for jazz.

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Band Director Support Program

Designed for underserved schools with existing jazz programs, this initiative provides funding, curriculum resources, and personalized coaching to help programs grow and thrive. Participating directors receive a $1,000 grant and ongoing support to build stronger, more sustainable jazz opportunities for their students.

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Jazz Band Director Cohort

A free online community providing K–12 jazz educators with professional development, teaching resources, and peer support. Members gain access to monthly training sessions, masterclasses, and classroom-ready materials designed to strengthen jazz education programs.

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Our Advisory Board

  • Miguel Zenon

  • Lakecia Benjamin

  • Michael Dease

  • Allison Miller

  • Ted Nash

  • Jeff Coffin

  • Bob Mintzer

  • Jon Irabagon

  • Terell Stafford

  • Dave Douglas

3.6 Million Public School Students in the United States Don’t Have The Opportunity to Learn Music at Their School.

We are changing this by bringing jazz programs to underserved schools across the country. Join us today and join the movement for music education equity.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!

We are grateful to our sponsors for helping Jazz Empowers bring high-quality jazz education to students in underserved schools. Their support is transforming lives through the power of music.