Director's Message

from Javier Arau, NYJA Program Director

Welcome from Javier Arau

I would like to welcome you to the dynamic online home of New York Jazz Academy. I conceived NYJA to be a contributing cultural force in the New York City community. We offer opportunities for students young and old to play in ensembles, take private lessons, and participate in classes and workshops throughout the city. Most of our ensemble programs are based on the Upper West Side, at West 86th St. and West End Ave. The key to a student's successful music education rests in combining private lessons with ensemble experience. I had the opportunity while growing up to play in many bands, both inside and outside school, and music was valued as an integral part of every person's intellectual and emotional development. Times have changed, as we have seen music programs obliterated from the schools in NYC and around the country. New York Jazz Academy fills a void in the city by enabling students to participate once again in jazz ensembles.

One Step Beyond

At the same time, we have developed a curriculum that fills some significant holes in current trends in jazz education. Most jazz bands are concert jazz bands that emphasize reading, but they give little opportunity for players to experience improvisation. As a result, over the past 30 years of jazz education, thousands of students have played in jazz bands, but very few have developed any confidence and experience as improvising musicians. Our ensemble workshops move a step beyond previous concert jazz band models by emphasizing both reading and the improvisational experience, in an effort to help develop jazz players who really know how to play expressively and creatively.

An Inclusive Approach

This emphasis on jazz styles and improvisation makes our programs attractive for students already enrolled in concert jazz band programs at their own schools. We also encourage players 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.

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 the 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!

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