Jazz Music Conservatory

More than music education — This is where jazz artists are shaped.

Train in the language of jazz through immersive, performance-driven study.

Develop improvisation, musicality, and artistic voice while working alongside other dedicated musicians.

Students leave prepared for collegiate jazz programs with strong technique, improvisation skills, ensemble fluency, repertoire, and a developing artistic voice

With a focus on ensemble collaboration, real-world application, and mentorship from experienced artists, this program prepares students for collegiate training and the next stage of their musical journey.

Young man with long curly hair playing a gold-colored saxophone, wearing a black button-up shirt, against a plain background.

Apply for Fall 2026

Applications are now open for priority consideration. Space is limited.

View Audition Requirements

Areas of Instrumental Study

Close-up of a piano keyboard with black and white keys.
Close-up of a piano keyboard with black and white keys.

PIANO

Close-up of a silver flute lying on a black textured surface.
Close-up of a silver flute lying on a black textured surface.

WOODWINDS

Close-up of the bell of a brass instrument, possibly a trumpet, with a dark background and shiny metallic surface.
Close-up of an electric bass guitar's bridge and pickups, with metal strings, a yellow body, and a white pickguard.

BASS

BRASS

Close-up of a vintage, sunburst electric guitar showing the body, pickups, strings, and control knobs.
Close-up of a snare drum with drumsticks resting on top, part of a drum set.

DRUMS

GUITAR

Students may specialize while also collaborating across tracks—just like in real studio and performance settings.

JAZZ MUSIC CONSERVATORY
- FALL COURSE STRUCTURE

CORE TRAINING

Instrumental Skills (Classes by instrument)
Seminar

ENSEMBLE & PERFORMANCE

Combo Rehearsal / Workshop
Performance-Based Training

ELECTIVES

Piano Proficiency (required for certain electives)
Composition
Arranging
Recording / Studio
Advanced Theory / Aural Skills

Additional Electives Available
Students may enroll in multiple electives based on placement and availability.

Close-up of a piano keyboard with black and white keys, and blurred warm lights in the background.
Close-up of a piano keyboard with black and white keys, and blurred warm lights in the background.

The Jazz Music Conservatory at OC Music & Dance is a pre-professional program designed to develop versatile, collaborative musicians. Students build skills in improvisation, theory, ear training, composition, and arranging through an integrated and performance-driven curriculum.

Training includes seminars and small ensembles (combos), with an emphasis on listening, transcription, and performance. Ensemble work is central, helping students build a strong repertoire and develop their artistic voice.

Designed as a pre-college pathway, the program prepares students for collegiate jazz studies and continued growth as confident, expressive musicians.

MEET OUR JAZZ MUSIC
ARTISTIC TEAM

Close-up of a man with styled brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a brown polka dot tie. He is sitting in a well-lit room, with a beige wall and a window in the background.

DAN RECKARD

Dan Reckard is an accomplished pianist, saxophonist, composer, and educator dedicated to cultivating the next generation of musicians through rigorous training and real-world experience. 

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A man in a black shirt sitting in front of a grand piano with a red curtain backdrop.

RON KOBAYASHI

Ron Kobayashi is an acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator whose career spans more than three decades of performance and arts education.

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