JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is excited to announce the return of its annual free JAZZ HOUSE Goes to College program on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Trinity Commons, New York. The day-long experience for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing music in college and their families includes action-packed workshops, insightful panel discussion, and a college fair featuring top universities and music conservatories from across the country, including The Juilliard School, The Manhattan School of Music, New York University, Northwestern and many more.

 Many schools have come to this JAZZ HOUSE program every year, knowing that the organization’s students are among the most successful in their programs. Nearly 100% of the young people who study at the JAZZ HOUSE graduate from high school and attend institutions of higher learning. JAZZ HOUSE innovative programs are recognized for producing today’s rising stars on stage as well as leaders off the stage in all industries.

For over a decade, JAZZ HOUSE Goes to College has supported students who want to pursue music at the collegiate level, providing them with the tools to follow their dreams beyond their time with JAZZ HOUSE. Students will gain valuable insights by networking with industry professionals, connecting with representatives from top music programs, exploring diverse career paths both on the stage and behind the scenes.

“Unlike other fields, preparing for a career in the arts or music performance does not follow a clear pathway, and we feel it is incumbent upon us to to help our young people get the information they need to empower them to make some important decisions about where they want to they want to apply to college, what to study and how to springboard their academics to fulfilling - and gainful - careers,” said Melissa Walker, Founder + President of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS.

The morning session will include a panel discussion focused on careers on stage, offering students a chance to gain valuable insights into the life of a professional musician. An additional panel will explore careers off the stage, for those looking into fields like production, management, and education. Throughout the afternoon, students will have the chance to meet with top universities during the college fair. Smaller breakout sessions will allow parents to engage with university representatives about college applications, admissions, and financial aid, while their children can mingle with alumni to discuss student life.

JAZZ HOUSE Goes to College is part of the Giant Steps: Careers in Music Initiative, which also includes programs such as the CHiCA Power Leadership Summit and the Emerging Musician Community Concerts. These initiatives aim to build a strong network of musicians who are preparing to be future leaders on music, both on and off the stage.

Long recognized for its impact in Montclair, New Jersey, JAZZ HOUSE is now bringing its same world-class music education to New York City, through a collaboration with Trinity Church NYC. At Trinity Commons in Lower Manhattan, JAZZ HOUSE offers a robust, free jazz education program to all Trinity Youth. Additionally, the program curates free public performances throughout the year, to transform and advance the lives of the community through the power of music. The collaboration serves as a starting point to express the shared mission between Trinity Church and JAZZ HOUSE to be an instrument of change. 

For more information or to register for the November 9th JAZZ HOUSE Goes to College program, visit the website.

Now in its third decade, the nationally recognized JAZZ HOUSE KiDS transforms lives using the power and legacy of jazz through world-class education and performances that create avenues of access, learning, career development and community building. Recently featured on CBS Mornings and The Kelly Clarkson Show and celebrated by global superstar STING, the organization and students have received more than 150 awards and honors for excellence in jazz and jazz education. Fostering a unique community and culture around jazz music, JAZZ HOUSE has developed a reputation for developing young talent on and off the stage.

Every day of the week through a series of in-school programs in New Jersey and out-of-school programs in Montclair and Lower Manhattan, JAZZ HOUSE helps young people gain an artistic edge, fostering community leaders and global citizens who help build thriving communities. JAZZ HOUSE produces 150+ free public concerts per year to audiences close to 150,000, including the organization’s far-reaching cultural signature program, the award-winning MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, the largest free jazz festival in the NYC area, attracting 26,000+ attendees to downtown Montclair each year.