Upcoming Events

Group Singing with Kristin Chambers
Sunday, February 22nd, 11:00am - 12:00pm
SJA Maple Leaf

Seattle vocalist and SJA instructor Kristin Chambers leads a dynamic group session for students who love to sing. THis event will focus on vocal harmony, expression, blend, and shared music-making. Together we will learn songs, explore our voices, and connect through sound and the joy of singing. Come add your voice to the mix!

*Registration Required

21+ Jam Night (Vocal Jam)
Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 - 10:00pm
SJA Maple Leaf

This 21+ Jam Night will focus on jamming as vocalists with a band and vice versa. This is a chance for vocal students at SJA to practice singing with a group of players, get experience interacting with a band in a live setting, and mingle with other students at the school. SJA students (and plus ones) must be over 21 years old to attend.

*Registration required

Concert & Masterclass with Orrin Evans
Saturday, April 11th at 11:30am - 1:00pm
SJA Greenwood

Orrin Evans - three-time Grammy nominee, renowned Philadelphia-based jazz pianist, and pianist for the acclaimed trio The Bad Plus - comes to SJA before heading to Benaroya Hall as guest director and pianist of the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. With over 25 albums to his name, Evans currently leads projects including Captain Black Big Band, Eubanks Evans Experience (EEE), and the Brazilian unit Terreno Comum. A collaborator with jazz luminaries such as Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, and Pharoah Sanders, Evans brings a depth of experience and artistic fire that makes this intimate concert and masterclass a rare opportunity to experience Orrin Evans up close, both as a performer and mentor.
*Registration Required

Community Guitar Class
Sunday, April 19th at 11:00am - 12:00pm
SJA Greenwood

Join SJA students and community members for a free group guitar class taught by guitarist and instructor Andrew Friedrich. Bring your guitar (electric preferred), learn something new, and enjoy playing with other learning guitarists.
*Registration required | Non-SJA students can register by filling out the contact form at www.seattlejazzacademy.com/contact

21+ Jam Night (Beginner)
Friday, May 1st at 7:00 - 10:00pm
SJA Maple Leaf

This jam session is ideal for beginner jazz students to practice playing with other musicians and students. Simple chord progressions will be covered, as well as some Level One tunes. All instruments are welcome. Students (and plus one's) must be over 21 years old to attend.
*Registration required

Teen Jam Session
Sunday, May 3rd 2:00 - 4:00pm
SJA Maple Leaf

Calling all teen players ages 13-20! Connect with fellow students, practice your improvisational skills in a group environment, and have fun jamming on your instrument with other teen players. All instruments welcome. Let the office know ahead of time if you plan on bringing a friend to join.
*Registration Required

Guitar Duo Workshop
Sunday, May 17th, 3:00 - 5:00pm
SJA Maple Leaf

Inviting SJA guitar students to sign up to a play through a jazz standard with a fellow guitar student. Students will be assigned a piece of repertoire from the Level One Guitar Exam and given the opportunity to perform in front of their peers. Completion of the Level One Guitar Exam is required to participate.
*Registration Required - Contact the office to register.

Vocal Masterclass with Johnaye Kendrick
Saturday, May 30th, time TBA
SJA Greenwood

SJA is thrilled to welcome two-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist, composer, and arranger Johnaye Kendrick for a special vocal masterclass. Known for her striking artistry and deeply expressive musical voice, Johnaye's work spans jazz, contemporary music, and original composition, earning national acclaim and the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Northwest Vocalist of the Year in 2025.
A dedicated educator and Professor of Music at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Johnaye brings a wealth of artistic experience to SJA. Her visit offers vocal students an inspiring opportunity to engage with a world-class artist at the height of her creative career.
*Registration Required

21+ Jam Night (Level One)
Friday, June 5th at 7:00 - 10:00pm
SJA Maple Leaf

This jam session will focus on playing Level One jazz and blues standards, and is a great way to get to know other students and practice your skills in jamming and live improvisation. All instruments are welcome. Students and plus ones must be at least 21 years old to attend.
*Registration Required

Spring Recital

Youth Recital:
Sunday, June 14th, 5:30 - 6:30pm

Adult Recital:
Sunday, June 14th, 7:00 - 8:00pm

At The Sanctuary at Faith Lutheran Church (Maple Leaf)

Gain valuable performance experience by playing or singing a tune you've been working on in your lessons for friends, family, and fellow students. This is an opportunity to practice sharing your music in a supportive setting and to build confidence as a performer. Students are welcome to collaborate with others or perform solo, using this recital as a chance to apply what they've learned and to continue growing as musicians.
*Registration Required to Perform - Contact the office to register.

Spring Ensemble Performances
Evenings of Saturday, June 20th & Sunday, June 21st
Sheridan Market (Lake Forest Park)

Enjoy the culmination of our Spring Quarter Ensembles as they perform for family, friends, and fellow students. These students will have worked together for ten to twelve weeks with an SJA instructor to learn a set of tunes, develop their skills in ensemble playing, and understand the role of each instrument in a group setting. Registration not required.