Founded in 1997, the Jazzschool is now located in the historic Kress Building on the northwest corner of Shattuck and Addison streets, situated in the heart of the burgeoning Downtown Berkeley Arts District. Integrating a unique number of uses complementary to jazz study and performance, the Jazzschool resides in a multidimensional arts community with the Tony Award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the Aurora Theater, the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre in the Nevo Education Center, Capoeira Arts, the Art & Music Room at the Berkeley Public Library and the restaurant, Downtown.
Hailed as one of the most comprehensive schools for jazz in the country, the Jazzschool offers instrumentalists and vocalists of all ages and levels a broad spectrum of performance and lecture classes, short-term workshops and private instruction. Classes are designed for the professional musician, the serious student and the jazz aficionado seeking greater personal enrichment. The Bassment, Jazzschool’s book and record store, serves as a unique resource for first-rate reading and listening materials and provides students and the public with supplemental jazz course materials, out-of-the-ordinary books, recordings, videos and music related accessories. The Jazzcaffè and The Jazz Image (a photography gallery featuring works by Lee Tanner) contribute to an intimate setting for faculty and student performances (see concert schedule, pp. 30–33). The Jazzcaffè serves as a gathering place for musicians, their families and friends to exchange ideas, listen to great music and enjoy a bite to eat.
Located at the hub of the Downtown Berkeley Arts District, students have easy access to the Jazzschool via public transportation. The downtown Berkeley BART station at Center Street is located less than half a block from the Jazzschool’s front door and AC Transit bus stops are nearby. In addition to metered street parking and passenger loading zones, there is a public parking garage only one block away.
Great Gift Ideas!
Jazzschool gift certificates make a great gift! They can be used for classes, workshops and concerts!
Our world renown theater company is currently auditioning professional musicians to collaborate on original high-energy productions. A minimum 200 hours of stage time is a requirement--however previous experience playing for theater is appreciated but not necessary. Musicians interested in exploring all types of musical styles are encouraged to apply. If interested please send us a message on MySpace.
Thanks for the add! --El Teatro Campesino Luis Valdez, Artistic Director
It was an honor to play Yoshi's for the Jazzschool benefit and realize that every band leader on stage was someone I have personally learned from! Thank you, Susan and the Jazzschool!
