Charleston Jazz Academy
Realizing Dreams Through Music!
The Charleston Jazz Academy has distinguished itself as one of the region’s finest training centers for music and jazz education. The Academy has been featured in the world’s leading jazz publication, Downbeat Magazine (read article here), and was named winner of the 2022 Best of Charleston awards for musical instruction. Several of our students have made it onto the All-State Jazz Band, and have performed at events such as Spoleto Festival, North Charleston Arts Festival and the Charleston Jazz Festival. In addition, our students have earned scholarships to College of Charleston, University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University, and many have gone on to perform professional gigs.
With a variety of music lessons and classes, the Charleston Jazz Academy brings together students of all backgrounds and ages in a collaborative, fun and challenging environment to expand their repertoire and nurture the skills of music and improvisation while emphasizing the importance of team work, creativity and self-expression. Through our special workshops, jazz combo students have the opportunity to learn from Grammy Award-winning jazz artists and guest clinicians from institutions such as Berklee College of Music, University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina University, Manhattan School of Music, College of Charleston, and Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
Private and group music lessons and classes are available in most instruments, as well as jazz band, camps, and workshops. We believe in providing all students with an equal opportunity to participate in music education. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please let us know in the enrollment form. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and/or musical merit.
Charleston Jazz Academy
3005 W Montague Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29418
843-745-5908
Our History
Inspired by the history and positive impact of the Jenkins Institute, The CJA was established in June 2017 when it joined forces with the Leonard School of Music, which played an important role in teaching and inspiring young people through music since its founding in 1945. The purpose of the CJA is to cultivate the next generation of jazz artists and enthusiasts through a variety of education and outreach programs.
Support
Your support matters to our scholarship students studying at the Charleston Jazz Academy!
Every level of support makes a difference at Charleston Jazz. If you are passionate about helping us educate the next generation of jazz artists at the CJA or our Charleston Jazz Orchestra performances bring joy to your life, please consider making a donation. We value our donor family immensely and wouldn’t be here without the dedication and generosity of our community. Learn how you can support Charleston Jazz HERE!
