Bringing Jazz to the Community
The Nash offers several programs designed to develop emerging jazz musicians as well as public appreciation for this original American art form.
Sign up for a workshop, hear an Emerging Artist or help a young musician find their own style!
Summer Jazz Workshops - The Nash is proud to host our Summer Jazz Workshops! This program is a great opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to learn from our distinguished faculty in a small group setting, while interacting with other aspiring musicians. The workshops cover a wide variety of topics and offer something for everyone. So, get out of the heat and get into some jazz at The Nash this summer!
Get Jazz Smart - (Online lectures) Wondering about the origins of jazz? Wanna learn about how Charlie Parker set a new standard for jazz improvisation? ASU’s Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Jeff Libman will help you get jazz smart as he leads these afternoon online classes covering a wide variety of jazz music and history topics. Each class consists of guided discussion, active listening to exemplary recordings, and an interactive atmosphere. No instruments required! Classes are just $25 per household for two class sessions held via Zoom. Link will be sent to you upon registration.
Masterclasses and Clinics - Throughout the year, The Nash hosts a series of jazz masterclasses and clinics with top local and visiting talent.
The Nash Legacy Ensembles - (Michael Kocour and Eric Rasmussen, Directors) - The Nash Legacy Ensembles are comprised of talented high school jazz musicians from across the Phoenix area who auditioned into this signature program of The Nash. Students in these ensembles explore essential jazz styles, composition and arranging techniques, and the art of improvisation, gaining invaluable small-group performance experience with expert coaching. The Nash Legacy Ensembles perform regularly at concerts and special events throughout the year and produce a year-end CD featuring original work by the groups’ members. The Nash Legacy Ensemble program is a fully-funded, and there is no cost to the participants.
The Nash Vocal Ensemble - Under the direction of Gregory Amerind, the The Nash Vocal Ensemble is comprised of emerging and professional singers who rehearse and train each week at The Nash. They perform for live audiences throughout the year.
The Gospel Choir at The Nash - The Gospel Choir at the Nash is an opportunity to sing song forms like spirituals, gospel, and anthems and to connect with others without fear or judgment. This singing opportunity promises to be a fun filled environment filled with positive vibes, vocal development, traditional & contemporary gospel music with a touch of stage presence. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Body.
The Nash Futures Workshop - Led by Pam Morita, The Nash Futures Workshop offers young musicians (ages 10 - 17) the space to explore the idea of improvisation as a learned skill--to navigate the related scales, arpeggios, and chords--so that they can begin to speak the language of jazz.
Phoenix Jazz Girls Rising - PJGR is designed to teach young female musicians the basic skills of jazz. Mary Petrich-saxophone and Claudia Bloom-piano, Instructors.
The Nash/PCM Youth Jazz Ensemble (with Phoenix Conservatory of Music) - In association with the Phoenix Conservatory of Music City Music Program, a free music college preparatory program for grades 4 – 12, four young musicians are selected through an extensive audition process to become The Nash/PCM Jazz Ensemble. The ensemble attends weekly sessions and training at The Nash, Phoenix’s downtown Jazz club, to develop their technique, improvisation skills while learning to play jazz in a true jazz environment.
Sunday Jam Sessions - Every Sunday the true spirit of jazz plays out on stage at The Nash, as student and pro musicians play together, unrehearsed, in a variety of combinations. There’s always a solid core trio. Student jazz musicians are welcome, with house band, grand piano, guitar and bass amp, drum set and sound all provided. Singers welcome. Event open to all ages! Great opportunities for audiences to enjoy 3 hours of jazz.
