The Institute’s worldwide, highly regarded Jazz in the Classroom programs are tailored for elementary, middle, high school, and college students to help them develop an understanding of and appreciation for jazz music. The series strives to share the positive aspects of jazz with young people who would not otherwise have opportunities to learn about this great national treasure.
The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance is a tuition-free two-year program that accepts one ensemble of musicians for each class. All of the students receive full scholarships, as well as stipends to cover their monthly living expenses. The students study both individually and as a small group, receiving personal mentoring, ensemble coaching, and lectures on the jazz tradition.
International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication.
Through the Institute’s Peer-to-Peer Jazz Education Tours, gifted student musicians from twelve public performing arts high schools served by the Institute present weeklong tours for their peers in other cities.
With an initial gift from the Northrop Grumman Foundation, in 2016 the Institute launched its free STEM learning curriculum for students throughout the United States and around the world. With funding from additional partners, the Institute is in the process of expanding these groundbreaking curricula.