Ready to take your playing to the next level?
Advanced Jazz Program for Students in Grades 5–8
The Arts & Athletics Jazz Ensemble is designed for students who are already proficient on their instruments and are ready to explore the exciting world of jazz. Students will build upon their musical foundation while learning the three core elements of Jazz: Swing, Improvisation, and The Blues.
Taught by professional performing musicians, students will develop the confidence and skills needed to audition for middle school, high school, and collegiate jazz programs.
What Students Will Learn
Throughout the year, members of the Jazz Ensemble will strengthen their musicianship through:
- Improvisation
- Music Theory
- Jazz History
- Section Playing
- Repertoire Building
- Ear Training
Students will also perform regularly throughout the year, gaining valuable ensemble experience and confidence on stage.
Meet Our Instructors
Finn Wiest is a German drummer based in New York City and a first-call sideman on the NYC jazz scene. A graduate of the City College of New York, where he studied with Carl Allen, Steve Wilson, and Mike Holober, he has performed with artists including Ray Gallon, Pablo Held, Tyreek McDole, and Florian Ross at venues such as Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, Minton’s Playhouse, and Konzerthaus Berlin. An award-winning composer and former member of Germany’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra (BuJazzO), Finn released his debut album as a leader, Aurora, in 2025. Pianist Pablo Held describes his playing as “very tasteful and musical.” https://finnwiest.com
Camilo Molina is a Colombian jazz trumpeter based in New York City whose lyrical sound and modern improvisational approach have established him as an emerging voice on the international jazz scene. A prizewinner at the 2022 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, he has performed at leading venues in Miami and New York and worked with artists including Christian McBride, Brian Lynch, Marquis Hill, Michael Rodriguez, Etienne Charles, and Dafnis Prieto. In 2023, he released his debut album, The Journey, showcasing his distinctive voice as both a performer and composer.
Kevin Oliver Jr. is an Atlanta-born saxophonist, composer, and educator based in New York City. A graduate of The Juilliard School, he first gained national recognition as a member of the inaugural NYO Jazz under Sean Jones and as a YoungArts Finalist. Since then, he has performed with artists including Jon Batiste, Delfeayo Marsalis, the Roy Hargrove Big Band, and Endea Owens, while leading his own quartet. His debut album, OLIVER (2025), showcases his deeply personal approach to composition, blending jazz tradition with influences from gospel, R&B, and the musical heritage of his hometown. https://www.kevinoliverjr.com
Simon Mogul is a Miami-born tenor saxophonist based in New York City whose music blends the spirit of the jazz tradition with a contemporary voice. He has performed with acclaimed artists including Curtis Lundy, Bobby Watson, Jeremy Pelt, Warren Wolf, Arturo O’Farrill, and Phillip Harper at leading venues across the United States. In 2026, he released his debut album, Simon Says, produced by Curtis Lundy, and toured nationally with support from South Arts’ Jazz Road Tours program, culminating in an album release concert at Smalls Jazz Club. An active educator, Simon has coached ensembles at The City College of New York and serves as a saxophone mentor through Music on the Inside. https://www.simonmogul.com
Program Details
Time/Location: Arts and Athletics Studio (577 Columbus Ave at 88th Street), Thursdays 5-6:30 PM
Price: $300/month
Membership includes:
– Weekly Jazz Ensemble Rehearsals
– Regular Newsletters
– Access to our instructional library
Private Lesson Students attend FREE
Financial Aid Available