--- title: "Kansas City Jazz Academy" description: "Year-round jazz education for middle and high school musicians — a program of the American Jazz Museum." canonical: https://kcjazzacademy.org/ --- 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. ![An instructor holds a saxophone while teaching two student saxophonists at the Kansas City Jazz Academy.](/_astro/jazz-academy-banner.CPC9Q6-Y_o2m6a.webp) Jump to * [Summer Camp](#summer-camp) * [Fall Semester](#fall) * [Jazz in the Community](#community) ## In the Press Kansas City media on our students, our faculty, and the next generation keeping this music alive. [ ![Kansas City Jazz Academy students play electric bass and saxophones on stage under stage lighting, in a still from a KSHB 41 news feature.](/_astro/kshb-jazz-academy-2026.BT3lljQi_I2dfS.webp) 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 Manager Watch on KSHB 41 → (opens in a new tab)](https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/how-kansas-citys-next-generation-is-carrying-on-americas-jazz-legacy) * [ 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. Read at The Pitch → (opens in a new tab)](https://www.thepitchkc.com/miles-ahead-jazz-academy-students-are-rising-up-in-double-time/) * [ KC Studio Where the Jazz Begins Academy alum Morgan Faw on the road to Berklee — the program was “where it all started.” Read at KC Studio → (opens in a new tab)](https://kcstudio.org/where-the-jazz-begins/) * [ KSHB 41 KC Jazz Academy calls on students to keep history alive Students learning improvisation, theory, and the heritage of Kansas City jazz. ▶ Watch on KSHB 41 → (opens in a new tab)](https://www.kshb.com/news/black-history-month-2021/kc-jazz-academy-calls-on-students-to-keep-history-alive) * [ 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)](https://kcstudio.org/nurturing-the-legacy-of-kansas-city-jazz/) ## 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. * [![Students rehearse in the 12th Street Combo, a young saxophonist playing from a music stand.](/_astro/12th-street-combo.B7dlfS57_Z2igtzz.webp) 12th Street Combo Directed by Aaron Linscheid Beginner level ](/programs/12th-street-combo) * [![The J. MIQ Combo performs together, students playing saxophones and other instruments in a sunlit atrium.](/_astro/j-miq-combo.B0iH2kJu_XPG3o.webp) J. MIQ Combo Directed by MusicMan Thomas Intermediate level ](/programs/j-miq-combo) * [![The Vine Street Combo performs, a seated row of student saxophonists reading from music stands by tall windows.](/_astro/vine-street-combo.BNXCmWpC_Z1JCYPN.webp) Vine Street Combo Directed by Max Levy Intermediate level ](/programs/vine-street-combo) * [![The Williams Combo performs, a student on vibraphone alongside saxophonists by tall windows.](/_astro/williams-combo.Ch7AwRgI_2bw98E.webp) Williams Combo Directed by Charles Williams Intermediate-advanced level ](/programs/williams-combo) * [![The 18th Street Combo performs on stage under blue stage lighting, with piano and horns.](/_astro/18th-street-combo.CRNal0Tb_Z1eJ1II.webp) 18th Street Combo Directed by Stan Kessler Advanced level ](/programs/18th-street-combo) * [![Four Vocal Jazz students smile together for a group photo.](/_astro/vocal-jazz-vocal-jazz.MBskFrrv_1wcORf.webp) Vocal Jazz Directed by Lisa Henry ](/programs/vocal-jazz) * [![A jazz ensemble performs on stage in a black-and-white photograph, with piano, drums, and horns.](/_astro/piano-class.Bs3-iPuE_Z2ewKe1.webp) Piano Lessons Directed by Roger Wilder All levels ](/programs/piano-class) ## Faculty Working Kansas City jazz musicians and educators. Select a name to read their full bio. * [![Portrait of Clarence Smith.](/_astro/clarence-smith.CABY9Wk-_Z2fXuLK.webp) Clarence Smith Manager of the Kansas City Jazz Academy ](/faculty/clarence-smith) * [![Portrait of CharCarol Fisher.](/_astro/charcarol-fisher.DThiAznR_1M3Ewy.webp) CharCarol Fisher Kansas City Jazz Academy Administrator ](/faculty/charcarol-fisher) * [![Portrait of Aaron Linscheid.](/_astro/aaron-linscheid.CAWVCozC_2qXo5U.webp) Aaron Linscheid Instructor — 12th Street Combo ](/faculty/aaron-linscheid) * [![Portrait of MusicMan Thomas.](/_astro/e-t-music-man-thomas.CGNSvyWw_Z13XzSl.webp) MusicMan Thomas Instructor — J. MIQ Combo ](/faculty/musicman-thomas) * [![Portrait of Stan Kessler.](/_astro/stan-kessler.CtqTbIdD_Z1H5mtI.webp) Stan Kessler Instructor — 18th Street Combo ](/faculty/stan-kessler) * [![Portrait of Roger Wilder.](/_astro/roger-wilder.DPT-C7ii_Z19D7zO.webp) Roger Wilder Instructor — Piano Lessons ](/faculty/roger-wilder) * [![Portrait of Lisa Henry.](/_astro/lisa-henry.CUVQYani_1W99qo.webp) Lisa Henry Vocal Jazz Instructor ](/faculty/lisa-henry) * [![Portrait of Desmond Mason.](/_astro/desmond-mason.Bs1ebX4X_Z1rsOHe.webp) Desmond Mason Vocal Jazz — Staff Accompanist ](/faculty/desmond-mason) * [![Portrait of Charles Williams.](/_astro/charles-williams.BVcqExf5_6XWaR.webp) Charles Williams Instructor — Williams Combo ](/faculty/charles-williams) * [![Portrait of Will Matthews.](/_astro/will-matthews.d95gj7ys_ZJXiWT.webp) Will Matthews Guest Instructor — Artist in Residence ](/faculty/will-matthews) ## 2026 Summer Instrumental Combo Camp **$250** · tuition * **Who:** High School and Advanced Middle School instrumentalists * **Auditions:** Sunday, July 12 · 1–3 PM * **Camp:** Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17 · 9 AM – 4 PM * **Summer Showcase:** Friday, July 17 · 2:30–4 PM * **Where:** The Gem Theater · 1615 E 18th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 [Register on Eventbrite (opens in a new tab)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kansas-city-jazz-academy-instrumental-combo-camp-2026-tickets-1986636538365?aff=oddtdtcreator) [Scholarship form (opens in a new tab)](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ThzqdvSQYkm9V7VphU6UrAmVUByin7FDpzikKYHYK7dUMTZZS043RkFYOTVBT1JFVTQxTjE0RDJSWi4u) Prepare for your audition What to play for your instrument — prepared songs, scales, backing tracks, and downloadable sheet music. [View audition requirements](/auditions) ## Fall Semester 2026 Year-round instruction continues in the fall — weekly instrumental and vocal jazz rehearsals at the Gem Theater. * **Semester:** September 5 – December 13, 2026 * **Tuition:** $300 early bird (through August 31) · $400 regular (from September 1) * **Registration:** opens after Summer Camp Tuition rises to $400 per semester beginning Fall 2026 to keep the Academy sustainable — limited scholarships and payment-plan options are available, and we don't want any student to miss out over cost. Email [csmith@kcjazz.org](mailto:csmith@kcjazz.org) to talk through options. ## 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 [csmith@kcjazz.org](mailto:csmith@kcjazz.org) to learn more about availability and booking. ## Scholarships & questions Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis — apply with the [scholarship form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ThzqdvSQYkm9V7VphU6UrAmVUByin7FDpzikKYHYK7dUMTZZS043RkFYOTVBT1JFVTQxTjE0RDJSWi4u). Once your student has registered (by scholarship form or Eventbrite), you'll receive more information from Clarence Smith, Manager of the Kansas City Jazz Academy. Questions? Email [csmith@kcjazz.org](mailto:csmith@kcjazz.org).