Education & Community Programs
Our commitment
No young person should miss out on music because of where they live
Access to music education in Arizona varies from community to community. Many schools face limited funding, aging instruments and fewer programs. When the Roosevelt School District in South Phoenix closed five elementary schools at the end of the 2024–25 school year, music was among the programs put at risk.
Since our first Arizona celebration of International Jazz Day in 2013, our work has been tied to one purpose: keeping music teachers teaching and young musicians playing — with access to instruments, teachers, mentors and places to perform.
“With music on their mind, there’s no time for crime.”
Educational initiatives
How we support jazz education
Support for music teachers
When schools close or programs are cut, we listen to educators and families and work with community partners to help teachers keep sharing music with their students.
Working together to find answersPerformance opportunities for students
Arizona’s Battle of the Jazz Bands invites high school and college musicians to compete for a spot on a festival stage.
About the competitionPrivate music instruction
One-on-one lessons tailored to each student’s skill level and goals.
Ask about lessonsWorkshops & visiting artists
Professional musicians, hands-on instruction and instruments brought into Arizona schools and communities around Jazz Appreciation Month and International Jazz Day.
See upcoming eventsEmpowering students, grades 5 to 12
Programs by grade band
Programs are offered as funding, teachers and partner locations allow.
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Grades 5–6
Music Foundations
Rhythm, melody, basic music reading and ensemble skills.
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Grades 7–8
Developing Musicians
Technique, improvisation, ear training and ensemble skills.
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Grades 9–10
Advanced Musicianship
Performance, theory, improvisation and composition.
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Grades 11–12
Ensemble & Performance
Advanced ensemble playing, improvisation, performance experience and mentoring from working musicians.
Cultural partnership · Havana, Cuba
The Molina School of Music in Havana, Cuba
Jazz has always crossed borders. Through our cultural partnership with the Molina School of Music in Havana, the International Jazz Day AZ Foundation works to build friendships, create opportunities and raise awareness of the young musicians and artists who keep Cuba’s musical traditions alive.
Our International Jazz Day AZ Havana collaboration operates under the umbrella of the Orozco Contemporáneo Cultural Art Center.
Our Viva Havana Night — an evening of Cuban jazz, cigars and wine in North Scottsdale — supports the Molina School of Music. The venue and date will be announced soon.
Partners in education
Working together for young musicians
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Arizona schools & communities
Teachers, schools and community centers that host our programs.
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Northern Arizona University
Collaborating on the April 29–30, 2027 International Jazz Day programming in Flagstaff.
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Next Student Academy of the Arts
A sponsor and partner in putting instruments and instruction in young musicians’ hands.
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Molina School of Music
Our cultural partner in Havana, Cuba — a collaboration under the umbrella of the Orozco Contemporáneo Cultural Art Center.
Support the Teacher. Protect the Music.
Your gift or sponsorship keeps teachers teaching and young musicians playing.