The annual JEN conference is our Flagship Program. Held every January, this prestigious conference is a gathering of all jazzers – artists, educators, enthusiasts – who come to the conference to listen, learn, teach, perform. It’s the best gathering of the year!
JENERATIONS JAZZ FESTIVAL
The JENerations Jazz Festival runs concurrently with the Annual JEN Conference. Our pilot program began in 2012 and with each passing year we have added space for MORE ensembles to participate, with a total of 3 venues. More than 800 elementary, middle, junior high, high school, community and college musicians of all ages participate in this exciting weekend of jazz each year!
We invite YOU to add your ensemble name to this ever-growing list! Join us in this enriching event where world-class education is delivered in a totally non-competitive, nurturing environment to your students!
The Young Composer Showcase spotlights young jazz composers, giving students an opportunity to have an original composition recognized and performed at an International level.
In an effort to support JEN’s overall commitment to represent and cultivate diversity and inclusion in jazz, the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Women in Jazz Committee has re-established the Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo Competition. Through this exemplary program, full-time university students identifying as young women or non-binary jazz artists ages 18-29 will audition and be selected to perform in the Sisters in Jazz quintet.
awards
JEN’s award program has been in existence since the organization’s first year. Each year, we proudly recognize the talented and hardworking students and educators who have made an impact on jazz.
It is our honor and privilege to be able to extend these awards each year to deserving educators and artists.
scholarships
JEN’s scholarship program has been in existence since the organization’s first year and remains an important benefit to the members and students we serve.
With eight scholarships awarded each year, we proudly recognize talented, hardworking, aspiring students with a passion for jazz. We also offer a number of additional programs that help fund and support jazz education.
research
Research at JEN is in full swing! We have a healthy and robust research arm, with educators and professionals continually making relevant contributions. The annual conference has a full day dedicated only to research; posters and sessions are available to all attendees, with the research posters being made available online for later viewing.
JEN also publishes the yearly journal, Jazz Education in Research and Practice. Thoughtful articles and essays on a variety of subjects related to jazz will satisfy the craving to know and learn more about jazz. If you want to get in the weeds of jazz, the journal is a must!
ONLINE EVENTS
Started in 2020, as a pivot to the COVID-19 pandemic, JEN’s online events have become a staple in the JEN diet! Our monthly research webinars are educational and informative. JEN members have an opportunity to be in the Zoom room with our webinar guest, interact and ask questions. Other webinars include guests such as JEN Young Composers, Sisters in Jazz, and other well-known artists and educators. Subjects range from how to apply to perform or present at the annual conference, to panel discussions on improvisation, theory, and racial harmony in the jazz world.
All webinars become part of our ever-growing Resource Library, which JEN members can access 24/7 through the membership portal.
grantS
Thanks to a generous grant from the Herb Alpert Foundation, we present JAZZ2U – the Jazz Education Network’s commitment to jazz outreach.
Eligible JEN members can apply for a $300 or $500 grant to assist in funding a speaker, clinician, or performer, at any event that will bring jazz to new or existing audiences via schools, community centers, performances or “informances” by quality performers and advanced educators.
photo credit René Heumer, Cherie Hannson, Frances Scanlon
