The Kansas City Jazz Academy offers high-quality jazz education for middle and high school students ready to take their musical skills beyond the traditional classroom.
Classes are held in the historic Gem Theater, located in the heart of the 18th & Vine Jazz District — the birthplace of Kansas City jazz.
Our supportive and challenging environment helps young musicians build confidence, creativity, and community through immersive jazz study.
The Academy provides year-round instruction, including weekly instrumental and vocal jazz rehearsals. Semester-long programs run in the Fall and Spring, with an intensive Summer Jazz Camp in July for middle school, high school, and college students.
Instrumental Combos
- Improvisation and soloing skills
- Song form and stylistic interpretation
- Ear training and theory fundamentals
Vocal Jazz
- Professional artistry and stage presence
- Performance etiquette and confidence
- Vocal technique across diverse jazz styles
Throughout the year, students also engage with national and international guest artists through masterclasses and clinics, enriching their exposure to the broader jazz world.
Rooted in Kansas City's rich jazz legacy, the Academy provides a supportive environment for young musicians to develop confidence, creativity, and community through jazz.
Who: High School and Advanced Middle School Instrumentalists
When: September 7th Starts at 1pm
Where: The Gem Theater
1615 E 18th Street, KCMO 64108
Dec. 7, 2025: Fall Showcase
Feb. 7, 2026: Spring Session Begins
This beginner-level combo is for students new to performing jazz. It focuses on basic ensemble playing, improvisation, and an introduction to jazz theory and history.
Directed by Aaron Linscheid
An intermediate-level combo for students with some experience in jazz. This class emphasizes group performance, improvisation, and a deeper understanding of jazz theory and repertoire.
Directed by MusicMan Thomas
For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts.
Directed by Max Levy
For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts.
Directed by Charles Williams
An advanced-level combo for experienced students. This class develops high-level skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and jazz theory, with a focus on more challenging repertoire.
Directed by Stan Kessler
For middle and high school students interested in learning vocal jazz techniques, this class explores jazz history, improvisation, and vocal performance. Students will focus on building musical skills and understanding jazz as an art form. Directed by Lisa Henry. Maximum enrollment: 10 students.
Designed for piano students at all levels, this class introduces the basics of jazz improvisation, theory, and ear training. Students will learn foundational skills to develop their creativity and confidence at the keyboard.
Maximum Enrollment: 4
Directed by Roger Wilder
Doxy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM7X8OfcN20
Blue Bossa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdR7v0WbZbA
- Prepared Pieces: Doxy by Sonny Rollins and Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham. Play the head once and improvise for one or two choruses. The backing track is provided.
- Chromatic Scale: Play at least one octave and, if possible, the full range of your instrument.
- Scales—Be prepared to play any scale you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on keeping a steady tempo and note accuracy.
- Sight Reading
- Prepared Pieces: Doxy by Sonny Rollins and Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham. Play the Melody and comp for one chorus and improvise one chorus. The backing track is provided.
- Scales and Chords—Be prepared to play any scale and/or chords you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on keeping a steady tempo and note accuracy.
- Sightread - Be prepared to play the written notes/rhythms and chord changes if comfortable.
- Prepared Pieces: Doxy by Sonny Rollins and Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham. Comp one chorus and either improvise for one chorus or trade 4s over two choruses. The backing track is provided.
- Prepare these grooves—swing, Bossa Nova or samba, rock/funk.
- Rudiments – Be prepared to play any rudiment you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on a steady tempo and accuracy.
- Sightread
Instruments include piano, vibes, violin and guitarBb Instruments include tenor sax, trumpet and clarinetEb Instruments include alto and baritone saxophoneBass Clef Instruments include trombone and bass
