ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The annual JEN conference is our flagship program. Every January, thousands of jazz artists, educators, and enthusiasts gather together to learn, create, listen, and love on this unique original American art form.
photo by Frances Scanlon
young composer showcase
The Young Composer Showcase spotlights young jazz composers, giving students an opportunity to have an original composition recognized and performed at an international level.
JEN membership required to be eligible.
JEN is committed to representing and cultivating diversity in all areas of its operations, which includes, but is not limited to its staff, board members, volunteers, presenters, clinicians, performers, and audiences. This commitment is present in all programs. We are seeking and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for the Young Composer Showcase.
photo by Cherie Hansson
SISTERS IN JAZZ
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 offers 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.
At our annual conference, selectees rehearse and receive feedback from each year’s guest director. The quintet prepares two charts to premier at each JEN Conference.
photos by René Huemer
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!
photo by Bart Marantz
scholarships
JEN’s Scholarships program has been in existence since the organization’s first year and remains an important benefit to the members and students we serve. Each year, we proudly recognize talented, hardworking, aspiring students with a passion for jazz. JEN now has eight scholarships to be awarded each year, including the brand new Dave Brubeck Living Legacy Scholarship and the Yamaha/Jim Widner Scholarship. We encourage students of all levels and abilities to apply for our JEN Scholarships.
online events
JEN’s Online Events are huge part of JEN’s Program offerings. We offer monthly research webinars, panel discussions, masterclasses, and a host of other online events through our Resource Library*, available only in our member portal. Subjects include research, technology, jazz industry and the music business, improvisation, and education. *Full Individual membership or equivalent required.
research
The Research arm of JEN is in full swing. Each year, the Research Committee publishes the JEN Research Journal, JAZZ Education in Research and Practice. Each volume contains compelling articles based on research over a wide range of topics, from instrument technique to conducting an efficient sound check to breaking down vocal improvisation!
We also produce a free monthly research webinar series. JEN members can be in the Zoom room audience participating and interacting with the research guest.
JEN members may also apply to present research at the annual JEN conference, in the form of a research poster or presentation, or both.
awards
Each year, at the annual conference, it is JEN’s honor to recognize talented students, artists, and educators who have made a significant impact on jazz. We offer awards in the following categories:
- The Ellis Maraslis, Jr. Jazz Educator of the Year Award
- The John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year Award
- The LeJENds of Jazz Education Awars
- The LeJENds of Latin Jazz Award
- The Donald Meade Legacy Founders Award
- The Presidents’ Service Award
photos by Frances Scanlon
