About us

Fall 2017 IAJ jazz class with KAmau KeneyttaMission Statement: “To help young people and adults develop performance skills and confidence in becoming leaders of the future, and to educate them in the heritage of American jazz.”

Founded in 2014, the International Academy of Jazz San Diego (IAJSD) is a unique music enrichment program for young people ages 10 to 18, as well as adults, who have a desire to improve their jazz skills beyond the scope of what typical local school systems or individual classes may offer.

Patterned after the many successful local symphonic programs, the IAJSD features jazz ensembles of various sizes geared towards performances. In our 2015-16 season, our advanced students performed two concerts at Symphony Hall (TedX San Diego and Jazz @ the Jacobs) for crowds of more than 2,000. Our students have been selected as finalists for the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Festival for the previous two years, and have traveled both years to Monterey, CA to compete.

Students are placed at appropriate skill levels in ensembles led by our instructors.

Click here for faculty bios.

Click here for a list of IAJSD Instructors  

We currently rehearse for our Youth Summer Program at City Heights Music School each Saturday morning between 9:30 and 11 am.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, IAJSD is led by a dedicated group of individuals and assisted by a volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Board.

Please click here to see our Board of Directors.

Photos courtesy of Robert Sanchez.

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