Jazz Education Network 2024 Conference

Welcome! We are thrilled to join the Jazz Education Network (JEN) in presenting its 2024 Conference at the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans! We applaud how JEN members embrace an improvisational spirit as you map out innovative and trailblazing ways to engage and educate your students. Thank you!

The JEN conference gives us an opportunity to connect with all of you and to remind you that Yamaha is your partner in music education, not just through our great instruments and professional audio products but also with resources, support and professional development.

See our Yamaha Performing Artists’ Clinics and Presentations

We want to express our appreciation and gratitude for everyone involved in making this conference possible. We want to hear about your programs and learn about you and your specific needs to see how Yamaha can partner with you to help.

Stop by our booth to say hello and check out our newest products. We’re eager to talk with you about your needs as a performer or educator.

If you need help or have additional questions, please feel free to reach out directly to us at educators@yamaha.com. Sign up for the Yamaha Educator newsletter to access advocacy, professional development, information on instruments, resources, partnerships in education and more.

Yamaha Featured Panel

“Dancing the Dance: Thriving at the Intersection of Teacher and Performer“

Join John Wittmann, Associate VP of Artist Relations for Yamaha, and an all-star panel of Yamaha Performing Artists — Allison Miller, Michael Dease, Wycliffe Gordon and Bethany Robinson — as they share keen insights from years of experience in dual roles as teachers and performers, as well as their thoughts on the best ways to serve your students and fellow musicians, while taking care of yourself and remaining inspired.

Friday, January 5
5:00-5:50 p.m.
Bolden 1

Meet Yamaha Artists

Come by the Yamaha booth (#115) to meet, talk to and even participate in jam sessions with Yamaha Performing Artists:

Friday, January 5, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Cole Davis (bass)
Rex Richardson (trumpet)

Friday, January 5, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Cole Davis (bass)
Rex Richardson (trumpet)
Jeff Coffin (saxophone)
Rob Parton (trumpet)

Saturday, January 6, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Ignacio Berroa (drum set)

Saturday, January 6, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Cole Davis (bass)
Altin Sencalar (trombone)

Yamaha Performing Artists’ Clinics and Performances

Wednesday, January 3

9:10-10:00 a.m. — Rudresh Mahanthappa, Bird Calls (Inspiration/Celestin Ballroom)

Thursday, January 4

3:00-3:50 p.m. — Allison Miller, “How to Practice Efficiently—The Melodic Way—For Drummers” (Imperial 5)
3:00-3:50 p.m. — Adam Schroeder, UNLV Jazz Ensemble I (Visions/Empire Ballroom C)
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Aric Schneller, Sam Houston State University Jazz Ensemble (Strand 11)
10:10-11:00 p.m. — Mike Tomaro, Mike Tomaro Big Band (Inspirations/Celestin Ballroom)

Friday, January 5

2:00-2:50 p.m. — Brian Lynch, Brian Lynch and The Stamps Jazz Quintet (LeJENds/Storyville Hall)
2:00-2:50 p.m. — Ignacio Berroa, Caliente featuring Oscar Hernandez, Ignacio Berroa and trumpet legend Ray Vega (Visions/Empire Ballroom C)
6:00-6:50 p.m. — Brian Lynch, “Comprehensive Method for the Improvising Trumpeter” (Imperial 5)

Saturday, January 6

9:00-10:00 a.m. — Mike Steinel, Instrumental New Music Big Band Reading Session (Inspirations/Celestin Ballroom)
12:00-12:50 p.m. — Wycliffe Gordon, “The Big Band Living Legacy Project Project, Featuring Bob Mintzer, Terell Stafford and Wycliffe Gordon” (Inspirations/Celestin Ballroom)
1:00-1:50 p.m. — Rob Parton, University of North Texas TWO O’Clock Lab Band (Visions/Empire Ballroom C)
2:00-2:50 p.m. — Gregory Yasinitsky, “Writing for Little Big Band” (Bolden 6)
2:00-3:00 p.m. — Ryan Middagh, Young Composer Showcase (Imperial 5)
6:00-6:50 p.m. — Wycliffe Gordon, Florida A&M University Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Wycliffe Gordon (Visions/Empire Ballroom C)
10:10-11:00 p.m. — Adam Schroeder, Brian Lynch, Allison Miller, John Daversa Big Band (Inspirations/Celestin Ballroom)

For a full list of clinics, sessions and performances, check the JEN website.

Professional Development Resources

Through the Yamaha Educator Suite blog site and SupportED magazine, Yamaha reaches thousands of educators with professional development tips, advice and resources. If you have questions or need help finding resources for your program, email us at educators@yamaha.com.

Here is a sampling of our top professional development articles: