Future Jazz KC is a 501c3 federally recognized non-profit based in Kansas City.  We provide performance and educational experience for musicians grades 6-12 and professionals alike.

Future Jazz Ensembles and Combos will focus on…

Rhythm

Ensemble Playing

Sight Reading

Improvisation

Composition

Transcription

Jazz Theory

Jazz History

Working With Others

Stage Presence

Leadership Skills

Traditional Jazz Repertoire

New and Commissioned Music

Mission Statement

The mission of Future Jazz  is to cultivate, expand and enrich the community for Jazz and improvised music through education, performance, and advancement.  Developing the musicianship of all our students is the foundation of our curriculum. We believe that the lessons learned from hard work, the empathy required of music making and the openness and curiosity essential to creativity—are critical to achievement in any pursuit, musical or otherwise. We also believe that music is a powerful catalyst for the kind of personal growth central to any educational experience.

Future Jazz was founded by the Artistic Director, Marcus Lewis, in 2015 genericforgreece.com.  It started with the vision of a summer jazz camp.   This is an ideal experience for musician students interested in gaining performance experience, knowledge about jazz, making new friends or working with pros in an intensive jazz learning environment. Instruction is geared towards students playing any brass, woodwinds (including flute and clarinet), and rhythm section instruments including drums, vibes piano, guitar, and bass. It was a success and Marcus wanted to figure out a way to get the community involved.  So hence was the birth of Future Jazz.

Philosophy

Future Jazz was founded on three revolutionary ideas: that jazz music represents freedom through expression , that is truly a an American art form that has helped to bring people together from all ethinicities and backgrounds and has always been culturally relevant. While our ideas remain constant , the music around us has and requires that we evolve with it.

We are committed to this approach by wholeheartedly embracing change. We update our curriculum and technology to make them more relevant, and attract diverse students who reflect the multiplicity of influences in today’s music. We also continue to widen the network of industry professionals who use their openness, virtuosity, and versatility to take music in surprising new directions.