create the music that inspires you
A Home for the Study and Performance of Jazz
Seattle Jazz Academy is a brick-and-mortar conservatory and music club in Seattle dedicated to the serious study of jazz. Musicians of all ages gather here to learn the tradition, develop their craft, and share the music with one another.
About Seattle Jazz Academy
Seattle Jazz Academy is a premier music school dedicated to the art of jazz, improvisation, and creative musicianship. Founded in Seattle and built on a deep respect for the tradition of jazz, our Academy has grown into a thriving hub where students of all ages and skill levels come together to study, create, and perform.
​
Our faculty—comprised of accomplished performers, composers, and educators—work closely with students across a range of instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet, voice, and more. Whether you're stepping into your first ensemble or refining your artistry as a professional, you’ll find a supportive and challenging environment that’s designed to help you grow.
​
At Seattle Jazz Academy, students become part of a vibrant and dedicated musical community. We are not just a school—we are a club, a family, and a team. Our students range from absolute beginners to seasoned experts, from hobbyists exploring a new passion to advanced musicians pushing the boundaries of their craft. Group classes, private coaching, jam sessions, masterclasses, and regular performance opportunities make up the rhythm of life at the Academy.
Jazz is more than a style of music—it’s a way of listening, thinking, and connecting. At Seattle Jazz Academy, we believe that learning to improvise is one of the most rewarding and transformative skills a musician can develop. That’s why we’ve created a space where musical excellence meets joyful exploration.
​
We invite you to join us. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to take your playing to the next level, we look forward to welcoming you to the Seattle Jazz Academy family—and helping you grow as a musician, improviser, and artist.
A Community Centered on the Music
Seattle Jazz Academy is built around the belief that jazz is a profound artistic tradition and a gift meant to be shared. The Academy brings together students, teachers, and listeners to study, practice, and perform this music at a high level. By keeping the focus on the music itself, the school creates a welcoming environment where people from many backgrounds can gather through a shared love of the art form.
​
1. Our role is educational.
Seattle Jazz Academy is a conservatory and musical community devoted to the serious study of jazz. Our responsibility is to provide a place where students can develop their craft, deepen their understanding of the music, and learn the tradition with care and discipline.
​
2. The history of jazz is studied with honesty and respect.
Jazz emerged from profound cultural and historical experiences in America, including the African American tradition that shaped its sound and language. These realities are an essential part of the music’s story and are taught as part of understanding the tradition.
​
3. The school welcomes a broad community of musicians.
Students, families, and instructors come from many walks of life. Anyone who approaches the music with curiosity, dedication, and respect for the tradition is welcome to study here.
​
4. Music is the common ground.
Improvisation, collaboration, and listening are central to jazz. These practices naturally bring people together through shared creative work and musical conversation.
​
5. Artistic expression belongs to the individual.
Jazz has always encouraged musicians to develop their own voice. Students are supported in exploring their ideas and experiences through the music while engaging deeply with the tradition.
​
6. The music does the work of bringing people together.
At Seattle Jazz Academy, the focus remains on musical excellence, shared study, and community. When people gather to play, listen, and learn, the music itself creates the connection.
Founders note
“For the first time, I could express myself freely on the instrument and connect with others through music. That experience is what Seattle Jazz Academy was built to offer.”
​
I grew up studying piano from the age of three, immersed in classical music. That traditional foundation gave me strong technique, sight-reading skills, and a deep appreciation for music—but something was missing. I remember seeing my friends play music together at parties, having fun, while I was stuck only performing pieces for recitals or competitions.
​
That changed when I met Larry Kee, a working jazz pianist who introduced me to blues and improvisation. It was a revolutionary moment. For the first time, I could express myself freely on the instrument and connect with others through music. It sparked something deeper than just practice—it made music feel alive.
That experience became the foundation of Seattle Jazz Academy: a place where musicians of all levels can discover the joy of playing, improvising, and growing together. Today, the Academy is far more than just a piano school—we’re a full-spectrum jazz institution with a powerful community spirit. And I’m proud to see our students, from first-timers to professionals, carrying that spark forward every day.
​
— Mack Grout, Founder
🎷 Ready to start your journey with us?
Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or refining your voice as an improviser, Seattle Jazz Academy is here to support your growth. Join a community of musicians who take music seriously—and have a great time doing it.
👉 Contact Us
​
Or follow these links to learn more about our programs: Piano Bass Guitar Voice Brass Woodwinds Drums Ensembles Youth