UPDATE: Auditions for the inaugural class of students will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, January 14 in Tulane’s Dixon Hall Music Room. Email [email protected] for more information.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is working with Tulane University to nurture the next generation of New Orleans’ musicians. Plans for the Trombone Shorty Academy, which will target underserved New Orleans high school students, were announced yesterday.

A 5-year-old Trombone Shorty plays at a jazz funeral in the Treme.

The program is a partnership between the Trombone Shorty Foundation and the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South at Tulane.

“If we give other young musicians the opportunity, and they want it like Troy wanted it, we will have more successful young people,” said Jesse McBride via press release. The Tulane instructor and jazz pianist has been picked to teach high school students starting this spring.

Tulane students will also mentor Trombone Shorty scholars as part of the university’s service-learning program, and Andrews himself will be a hands-on presence in the effort.

High school performers must audition to participate in the free after-school program at Tulane, which aims to teach young musicians the rich musical traditions of the region. Students will explore gospel, traditional jazz and early brass band music, rhythm and blues, soul and Andrews signature “SupaFunkRock.” Additionally, they’ll learn the basics of the music business, copyright matters and other practical skills.

Auditions for the just-announced Trombone Shorty Music Academy will take place in January.