Durham Jazz Workshop
Durham Jazz Workshop is a nonprofit community music organization dedicated to jazz education, performance, and creative collaboration for students of all ages. Durham Jazz Workshop and Sharp Nine Gallery operate as complementary parts of a single ecosystem, with DJW serving as the education and community engagement arm, and Sharp Nine Gallery serving as the performance and presentation arm. Through in-school concerts, interactive clinics, and residencies, DJW brings professional jazz musicians into Durham-area schools to inspire curiosity, strengthen listening skills, and connect students to jazz as a living, evolving art form.
In-School Jazz Concerts
GRADES: Kindergarten--12
Durham Jazz Workshop offers engaging 60–90-minute in-school jazz concerts through the Durham Arts Council CAPS program. Professional DJW musicians combine high-quality live performance with accessible explanations, demonstrations, and student participation. Programs are tailored for elementary, middle, or high school audiences and align with music standards while promoting listening, collaboration, and creative thinking.
Max Participants: No maximum
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Special requirements:
Stage or large classroom; PA with 2 microphones; piano or keyboard with amp; bass amp; drum set; accessible electrical outlets.
Residency fee: $1000 (No fee for public schools)
Residency
GRADES: Kindergaten-12
Durham Jazz Workshop half-day residencies offer an immersive, arts learning experience led by professional jazz musicians and educators. Through workshops, guided listening, discussion, and collaborative music-making, programs are tailored by grade level and support skills such as rhythm, improvisation, ensemble playing, creativity, and focused listening.
Max Participants: No maximum
Duration: 3-4 hours
Special requirements:
Stage or large classroom; PA with 2 microphones; piano or keyboard with amp; bass amp; drum set; accessible electrical outlets.
Residency fee: $1500 (No fee for public schools)
