The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation’s Don “Moose” Jamison School of Music youth program begins its new school year on Saturday, September 14 at Dillard University. Open auditions for any youth ages 10 to 17 will take place on the first day of class at 10 a.m. Young students accepted into the Moose Jamison School of Music program will then receive free universal and jazz music instruction from some of the city’s most respected musicians, including Kidd Jordan, Leah Chase, Derek Douget and more.

New Orleans jazz legend, Kidd Jordan teaches class at the Heritage School of Music.

Started in 1990 by New Orleans jazz patriarch, Kidd Jordan and named after the late local music authority and WWOZ radio host, Don “Moose” Jamison, this youth music program is the primary educational program of the Jazz and Heritage Foundation and designed to give both aspiring young New Orleanians and notable musicians the opportunity to continue the great musical traditions of the region. It also provides jobs for dedicated adult musicians and training that prepares young musicians for formal academies. Some of New Orleans’ most beloved young stars are graduates of the Moose Jamison program, such as “Big” Sam Williams, Shamarr Allen and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews.

According to the Heritage website, the program is designed to “teach the performance technique and theory of jazz music. Our instruction is universal and may be applied to all styles of music, but the focus is on jazz – which is the cornerstone of all American music. We expect our students to have an interest in learning jazz.” Classes are held every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. from September through May, culminating in a final school year performance at the renowned New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in the spring. Students are required to have their own instruments, but all classes are free of charge.