2026 conference Applications open each year from
April 1 – April 30
If you’ve never applied before and want to know how,
or if you simply need a refresher course, watch our informative webinar below!
conference performer
2026 Applications open
April 1 – April 30
Full Individual, Chapter Organizer, Institution or Corporate membership required
conference presenter
2026 Applications open
April 1 – April 30
Full Individual, Chapter Organizer, Institution or Corporate membership required
research presentation
2026 Applications open
April 1 – April 30
Full Individual, Chapter Organizer, Institution or Corporate membership required
jenerations jazz festival
2026 REGISTRATION OPEN DATES
JEN Chapters
March 1
JEN Full Individual Members
April 1
Full Individual, Chapter Organizer, Institution or Corporate membership required
First come, first served
(until all available slots are filled)
YOUNG COMPOSER SHOWCASE
2026 Applications
OPEN NOW!
Feb 1 – June 1
Full Individual, eJEN, yJEN membership required
scholarships
2026 Applications open
Jan 15 – April 15
Open to high school and university students, ages 14 & up
JAZZ INDUSTRY / MUSIC BUSINESS
2026 Applications open
April 1 – April 30
Full Individual, Chapter Organizer, Institution or Corporate membership required
SISTERS IN JAZZ
2026 Applications open
July 1 – Sep 30
Full Individual, eJEN, yJEN membership required
exhibitors
2026 Registrations open
May 1
Connect with attendees throughout the conference!
Institution or Corporate membership required
Advertise in the Conference Guide
2026 Conference Sponsors & Partners
PRODUCING SPONSOR
DownBeat Magazine (Maher Publications) produces the annual conference program and show guide as well as ongoing JEN member benefits year-round.
ADVANCED ASSOCIATE SPONSORS
The Preservation Hall Foundation, a fundamental pillar of the New Orleans music community, supports the Inspirations Main Stage and one clinic room. More info >
Loyola University New Orleans School of Music and Theatre Professions supports the Inspirations Stage, one clinic room, and is the exclusive sponsor of the 2026 Conference lanyard and badge.
The Herb Alpert Foundation supports the general operations of the Jazz Education Network through a generous grant.
ASSOCIATE SPONSORS
Yamaha Corporation of America provides invaluable concert piano, digital keyboard, and drumset resources for the performing and clinic venues of the Conference, the Sisters in Jazz program, and provides support for the Inspirations Stage.
Conn-Selmer, Ludwig, & Musser facilitate drum sets and vibraphones for the performing and clinic venues of the conference and provides support for the Visions Stage.
Zenzalai Music is a woman-owned indie jazz label providing support for the New Voices Stage and the Sisters in Jazz Program.
A JEN Founding Institution partner, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation is a fiscal sponsor of the ongoing JEN Research Fellowship and provides support for the New Voices Stage.
The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame / Jazz Hall Radio is a proud media partner of the Jazz Education Network, providing valuable advertising support.
Travel • Merchandise • Festivals (TMF) is the exclusive merchandise partner and an official travel partner of the Jazz Education Network and provides awards and banners for the annual conference.
Jazz Road, a program of Atlanta non-profit South Arts, is an artist-centric touring and residency grants program to spread jazz throughout the country. Jazz Road provides support for the Inspirations Main Stage.
The Merida Internatonal Jazz Festival (MIT-Jazz Festival) is born from the energy and enthusiasm of a city (Merida, Spain) that breathes history and culture. MIT-Jazz provides support for the JENerations Jazz Festival and the International Welcome.
SHOWCASE SPONSORS
The KHS America family of instrument brands facilitate drum sets & music stands for the performing and clinic venues of the conference and support for the LeJENds Stage.
Berklee College of Music is a sponsor of the annual John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award and provides support for the Visions Stage.
Berklee College of Music is a sponsor of the annual John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award and provides support for the Visions Stage.
Music Works International is an internationally recognized talent and booking agency representing some of the most exciting and refined jazz, world music, and Americana artists. MWI provides support for one clinic venue.
The University of New Orleans School of the Arts Music Department provides support for one clinic venue.
The Midwest Clinic is a sponsor workshop partner of the annual JEN Conference.
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
JazzWire is the exclusive sponsor of the Exhibitor Welcome Reception and curates the “Adult Learner Track.” Look out for sessions marked “JazzWire Recommended” in the program show guide.
Encore Tours celebrates the work of the Jazz Education Network as a sponsor, in-part, of the 2026 Donor Reception.
Lawrence University is a proud sponsor of the 2026 JEN College Fair.
The Eastman School of Music / University of Rochester is a proud sponsor of the 2026 JEN College Fair.
The Cultural Curriculum Project, 501(c)(3) curates local field trips and tours in New Orleans and is a proud sponsor of the 2026 College Fair.
JazzComposersPresent.com, online space where composers, musicians, and listeners come together to celebrate jazz music, is proud to support the 2026 Young Composer Showcase.
ArrangeMe, a Hal Leonard Company, is proud to support the 2026 Young Composer Showcase.
JazzArts Charlotte celebrates the work of the Jazz Education Network as a sponsor, in-part, of the 2026 Donor Reception.
program partners
Music for All is a proud co-presenter of the JENerations Jazz Festival.
The AAJC is the official presenting partner of the Donald Meade Legacy Jazz Griot Award and a co-presenter of the HBCU Spotlight Performance and the New Orleans All-Star Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Indiana University Press is the publishing partner of the Jazz Education Network’s peer-reviewed research journal, Jazz Education In Research and Practice.
Special thanks to our production partners including Aria Lights for stand lighting, Fender Instruments for amplifiers, The Backline Company for percussion equipment, and Axxis for audio/visual production and support.
SPECIAL THANKS!
The Jazz Education Network is grateful to all who help make our annual conference possible including the JEN Staff, Board of Directors and dozens of volunteers.
THANK YOU!