Education

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 a Rising Star or help a young musician find their own style!

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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!

Rising Star Program  – Each year The Nash selects up-and-coming jazz musicians from the area to be part of the Rising Star Summer Concert Series.  The musicians range from high school to recent college graduates under the ages of 25, who either are based or were raised in Arizona.  All groups are offered clinics by experienced local jazz educators.  The Rising Star Series provides a platform for these emerging artists to gain prominence in the jazz community as well as offers an entertaining concert series for jazz fans to enjoy in the summer.

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 Nash Futures Workshop – This unique, 15-week program led by Pam Morita offers young musicians an introduction to the art of improvisation. The Nash Futures Workshop offers young musicians (ages 10 – 17) the space to explore these ideas–to navigate the related scales, arpeggios, and chords–so that they can begin to speak the language of jazz. All rehearsals will take place at The Nash.

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.

Private and Group Lessons – From piano to bass, vocal to drums, learning and practicing jazz at The Nash allows musicians to develop their sound and style in our authentic jazz club.  Our roster of talented instructors work with musicians of any age and any skill level. Contact info@thenash.org for more information.
How Cool is Jazz – The Nash educators bring jazz into the classroom with our How Cool is Jazz program.  Geared for grades 4th – 12th, these hour long sessions teach kids about the history and development of jazz in America and a live performance for the class or assembly. Contact info@thenash.org for more information.