Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance

One of the Monk Institute's earliest goals was to create a unique college-level jazz program where the masters of jazz could pass on their expertise to the next generation of jazz musicians the way Thelonious Monk had done in his Manhattan apartment throughout the '50s and '60s. In September 1995, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance was launched and the first class of seven students began their intensive training with some of the world's greatest musicians.

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance is a tuition-free two-year program that accepts one ensemble of musicians for each class. Internationally acclaimed trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard serves as the Artistic Director. 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. They are also encouraged to experiment in expanding jazz in new directions through their compositions and performances.

The Institute of Jazz Performance students and instructors present a number of major concerts and community outreach programs throughout the United States and internationally. International performance highlights include the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the King of Thailand, the 1998 Summit of the Americas in Chile before 34 heads of state, the United Nations "Day of Philosophy" event in Paris sponsored by UNESCO, the Tokyo Jazz Festival, and tours of Egypt, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Vietnam with Institute Chairman Herbie Hancock.

Renowned jazz musicians Wayne Shorter, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Barry Harris, Terence Blanchard, Hal Crook, Steve Turre, Carmen Lundy, Dave Holland and Kenny Barron are among the distinguished Artists-in-Residence who have taught at the Institute of Jazz Performance at USC in recent years.

The current class is an eclectic group of amazing musicians. Members include Gordon Au (Carmichael, California), trumpet; Joseph Johnson (Kansas City, Missouri), bass; Johnaye Kendrick (San Diego, California), voice; Davy Mooney (New Orleans, Louisiana), guitar; Vadim Neselovskyi (Odessa, Ukraine), piano; Jake Saslow (Long Island, New York), saxophone; Colin Stranahan (Denver, Colorado) on drums.

 

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