Presented by the American Jazz Museum
Kansas City Jazz Academy
High-quality jazz education for middle and high school students ready to take their musical skills beyond the traditional classroom.
In the Press
Kansas City media on our students, our faculty, and the next generation keeping this music alive.
KSHB 41 · NBC Kansas City
How Kansas City's next generation is carrying on America's jazz legacy
“Once you get the jazz bug, you have it for life.” — Clarence Smith, Academy ManagerWatch on KSHB 41
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The Pitch
Miles Ahead: Jazz Academy students are rising up in double time
The Academy's young players coming up through vocal jazz, piano, and combos at 18th & Vine.
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KC Studio
Where the Jazz Begins
Academy alum Morgan Faw on the road to Berklee — the program was “where it all started.”
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KSHB 41
KC Jazz Academy calls on students to keep history alive
Students learning improvisation, theory, and the heritage of Kansas City jazz.
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KC Studio
Nurturing the Legacy of Kansas City Jazz
Inside the Academy's mission to teach grades 7–12 and preserve Kansas City's jazz legacy.
Read at KC Studio (opens in a new tab)
About the Academy
Classes are held in the historic Gem Theater, 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.
Our Programs
Combos and classes grouped by experience level — from first-time players to advanced ensembles. Select a program for its full description.
Faculty
Working Kansas City jazz musicians and educators. Select a name to read their full bio.
Masterclasses & clinics
Guest artists
Academy students learn directly from the artists shaping jazz — these guests have taught masterclasses and clinics for our students.
- Terence Blanchard
- Terri Lyne Carrington
- Tia Fuller
- Benny Golson
- Sean Jones
- Adam Larson
- Sherrie Maricle
- Will Matthews
- Christian McBride
- T.S. Monk
- Nicholas Payton
- Houston Person
- Logan Richardson
- Max Roach
- Bobby Watson
- Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz High School All-Stars with Dr. J.B. Dyas
Looking ahead
Spring Semester 2027
Join us this spring for weekly instrumental and vocal jazz rehearsals at the Gem Theater.
- Semester: February – May 2027 — exact dates to be announced
- Anticipated tuition: $300 early bird · $400 regular
- Registration: Not yet open — details and early-bird deadlines will be announced here.
We expect tuition to remain the same as Fall 2026. Limited scholarships and payment-plan options are available, and we don't want any student to miss out over cost. Email [email protected] to talk through options.
Fall 2026 registration is closed. The current semester runs through December 13.
Summer Instrumental Combo Camp
The Academy's Summer Instrumental Combo Camp is a five-day jazz intensive for high school and advanced middle school instrumentalists at the historic Gem Theater. The 2026 camp wrapped on July 17 with the Summer Showcase on the Gem stage. Details for the next camp will be announced here.
Jazz in the Community
Kansas City Jazz Academy students are available for performances throughout the community. From small ensembles to larger student groups, our musicians bring the spirit of jazz to events, celebrations, and educational settings across the region.
Booking a Jazz Academy performance supports young artists while helping them gain real-world experience performing for live audiences. If you're interested in featuring Jazz Academy students at your event, email [email protected] to learn more about availability and booking.
Scholarships & questions
Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis — apply with the scholarship form. Once your student has registered, you'll receive more information from Clarence Smith, Manager of the Kansas City Jazz Academy. Questions? Email [email protected].