New York Jazz Workshop ( NYJW) Launches New Classes, Free Monthly Improvisation Series, and International Workshop Programs

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 12, 2025 / New York Jazz Workshop (NYJW), one of New York City's premier jazz education institutions, announces an expanded lineup of programs for 2026, marking 18 years of providing world-class jazz instruction to musicians of all levels. The comprehensive offerings include new weekly workshops, a free monthly improvisation class series, and international retreat programs in Brazil, Italy, and Japan.

Founded in 2008 by saxophonist Marc Mommaas and musician and entrepreneur Marco Chelo, New York Jazz Workshop has established itself as a leading non-conservatory alternative for jazz education in Manhattan. With over 4,000 students served and a faculty of 40 professional jazz musicians, NYJW continues to expand its mission of making quality jazz education accessible to all.

"After 18 years in New York City, we're thrilled to offer our most comprehensive program lineup yet," said Marco Chelo, Co-founder and Technical Director. "From beginners taking their first steps in jazz theory to advanced musicians refining their craft, we're committed to serving the entire jazz community."

NEW PROGRAMS FOR 2026

Starting in January 2026, NYJW will launch six new workshop series:

Intro to Music Theory - A 12-week online course offered once annually, providing foundational music theory education from the comfort of home. Sessions are recorded for flexible learning. Saturdays starting January 17th, 11 AM-12 PM. ($465)

Swinging Through the American Songbook - A comprehensive exploration of the Great American Songbook, open to all instruments and levels. Wednesdays starting January 21st, 8-10 PM.

Singing Technique for Instrumentalists - An 8-week workshop demonstrating how vocal training enhances instrumental musicianship. Tuesdays starting January 20th, 5-7 PM.

Pop Rhythm N' Yous - A 12-week intensive covering essential rhythmic patterns from Charleston to polyrhythms, clave to breakbeats. Available Sundays 1-3 PM (starting January 18th) or Thursdays 9-11 PM (starting January 21st).

Jazz Trio Workshop: Piano & Guitar - Exclusive small-format instruction pairing one pianist and one guitarist with world-class bassist Sean Conly. Auditions required to match skill levels. Ongoing 4-session packages starting January 2026.

8-Week Vocal Performance Course - An intensive program culminating in a live performance, featuring pianist accompaniment throughout and full band for final sessions. Sundays 2-4 PM, March 1 - April 26, with performance May 3rd.

FREE MONTHLY IMPROVISATION CLASS

In collaboration with New York Music Institute, NYJW will offer a free monthly improvisation class with legendary saxophonist Patience Higgins, starting January 5th, 2026. The class meets every first Monday of the month from 9-11 PM and welcomes musicians of all levels. This program honors the educational legacy of the late Barry Harris, making jazz improvisation instruction accessible to the broader community.

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP PROGRAMS

NYJW's acclaimed international retreat programs continue to expand:

Brazil 2026: Salvador De Bahia (February 23 - March 2, 2026) - An immersive experience in Afro-Brazilian culture, music, and rhythm in the UNESCO "City of Music." Registration deadline: January 5th, 2026.

Italy Summer Jazz Workshops 2026: Two sessions in Tuscany featuring world-class instruction at a vineyard retreat. Session 1 (June 7-13) focuses on instrumental performance with Marc Mommaas, Kenny Wessel, and Paolo Benedettini. Session 2 (June 14-20) emphasizes vocal performance with Michelle Walker, Kenny Wessel, and Paolo Benedettini.

Kyoto, Japan 2026: September 21-30, 2026. Details to be announced.

ABOUT NEW YORK JAZZ WORKSHOP

New York Jazz Workshop (NYJW) was founded in 2008 as a non-conservatory alternative for jazz education, offering private lessons, group workshops, and international programs. Located at 265 West 37th Street in Manhattan, NYJW serves over 4,000 students annually with a faculty of 40 professional jazz musicians.

In addition to new offerings, NYJW continues its popular weekly workshops including Intro to Jazz Improv, Jazz Improv 2 and 3, Let's Sing Live, Let's Sing 2 Online, Jazz Creations, Blues in Brooklyn, Bebop Ensemble, Jazz Standards, Art of the Jam, and Brazilian Ensemble.

For more information, visit https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com or call (212) 242-5284.

NYJW offers multiple discount programs: 25% off for students enrolled in multiple workshops (after the first), 25% off for students ages 17-26, and 10% off for students 70 and over.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Marco Chelo
Co-founder & Technical Director
New York Jazz Workshop
Email: marco@newyorkjazzworkshop.com
Phone: (212) 242-5284
Website: https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com

RELATED LINKS:

Registration: https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com/registration/
Weekly Workshops: https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com/weekly-workshops/
Gift Cards: https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com/music-gift-cards/
Educational Resources: https://newyorkjazzworkshop.com/blog/

SOURCE: New York Jazz Workshop, Inc.