The Don “Moose” Jamison School of Music is currently accepting applications for their upcoming auditions for acceptance into the program. Interested musicians and individuals passionate about music are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The auditions are scheduled for Saturday, August 26th, and applications can be submitted online for convenience.

Established in 1990, the Don “Moose” Jamison School of Music is the signature educational program of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, which uses funding from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to create and sustain community programs that will further the Foundation’s mission to preserve and support our local cultural heritage and culture bearers.  It initially started as a free after-school program, named after Don “Moose” Jamison,  It was founded by Edward “Kidd” Jordan and provided music instruction initially on the campus of Southern University in New Orleans. The program grew over time, culminating in the opening of the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center in 2014. The Wein Center now serves as the school’s permanent location.

The center offers updated facilities, including classrooms for music instruction, an auditorium and a recording studio. This expansion has allowed the school to increase student capacity and provide a range of programs, including the HSM Beginners Program, which will meet Mondays and Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m., the Heritage School of Music, which will meet on Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Pro-Audio Workshops. Over 300 students receive free music instruction weekly at the center. Additionally, the school collaborates with the New Orleans Recreational Development Commission (NORD-C) to conduct Vocal Workshops at affiliated locations. Music educator Tonya Boyd-Cannon leads these workshops.

Prospective applicants interested in joining the Don “Moose” Jamison School of Music can visit the school’s official website for more information and to submit their audition applications. Applicants must be at least eight years old.