Program 02, Arts Education & Youth Development
Next Generation Jazz
Instruments, instruction, and mentorship for Carson's young musicians, free of charge, taught by working professionals.
What it is
Next Generation Jazz is the pipeline. It exists because talent is evenly distributed and opportunity is not.
The program removes the three things that actually stop young musicians: the cost of an instrument, the absence of a qualified teacher, and the lack of anywhere real to play.
Nothing here is a recital program. Students learn from working professionals, rehearse toward real performances, and open shows on the Carson Jazz Live series in front of actual audiences.
- Who it's for
- Young musicians in Carson and the surrounding communities.
- Requirements
- No audition. No prior experience. No cost to participate.
Components
How it actually works
- 01
Youth Ensemble
A standing rehearsal ensemble where students learn repertoire, improvisation, ensemble listening, and stage presence, then perform publicly as openers on the Carson Jazz Live series.
- 02
Masterclasses & Clinics
Artists appearing on our concert series teach a workshop during their visit. It's a contractual part of every engagement, not an optional add-on. Students learn from the same musician they'll watch perform that weekend.
- 03
Instrument Lending Library
A maintained inventory of horns, drums, and keyboards loaned to students at no cost for the duration of their participation. No family should have to choose between rent and a rental horn.
- 04
One-on-One Mentorship
Advanced students are paired with professional musicians for individualized guidance on technique, repertoire, auditions, and, for those pursuing it, the practical realities of a music career.
- 05
Scholarships
Direct financial support for private lessons, summer intensives, audition travel, and college application costs.
- 06
In-School Residencies
Teaching artists come into existing music programs at Carson-area schools, supplementing rather than duplicating what district music teachers already do.
Outcomes we track
What we measure, and publish
- 01Enrollment and retention
- 02Performance opportunities per student
- 03Instruments placed
- 04Scholarships awarded
- 05Students continuing music into high school and college
Have a student who should be in this program? Enrollment is open and free.
Get involved
Four ways into this program
Support the music
A student is waiting on an instrument that has not been bought yet.
That is not a metaphor. It is the actual state of the lending library. Donations pay working musicians, hold free seats for students and seniors, put instruments in young players' hands, and record the elders while there is still time. In that order.