Los Angeles Jazz Festival Foundation (LAJFF) is a year-round arts and education organization dedicated to nurturing the next generation of young musicians through world-class jazz instruction, performance opportunities, and mentorship. Rooted in the cultural richness of Los Angeles, the Foundation provides transformational access to music education for students who may otherwise be excluded from high-quality arts programming due to economic, geographic, or systemic barriers.

LAJFF believes that jazz—America’s original art form—has the unique power to develop creativity, discipline, leadership, cultural understanding, and confidence in young people. Through our seasonal Jazz Intensives, Holiday and Summer Youth Ensembles, master classes, community concerts, and professional mentorship, students gain hands-on experience working with renowned educators, celebrated musicians, and industry professionals.

Our programs are designed not only to teach music, but to cultivate belonging, artistic identity, teamwork, and resilience. Whether a student is exploring jazz for the first time or preparing for collegiate and professional opportunities, LAJFF offers a supportive pathway that encourages continued growth and lifelong engagement with the arts.

Each year, LAJFF serves a diverse group of youth from across the region, providing instruction, rehearsal space, transportation support, instruments, and access to high-level performance environments. Many of our alumni continue into advanced arts training, scholarship opportunities, and leadership roles within their school and community music programs.

As a nonprofit, LAJFF relies on the generosity of donors, community partners, and arts advocates who believe in sustaining accessible, high-quality music education in Los Angeles. Your support directly fuels instruction, curriculum development, ensemble opportunities, student scholarships, and the continued expansion of our mission:
to inspire, empower, and elevate young musicians through the transformative power of jazz.

lajazzfestivalfoundation.org