Our dream is to create a lasting space for young musicians—where youth are respected, supported, and inspired to realize the full potential of their unique gifts.

Horn section with femme musicians practicing at jazz class in Seattle

Our Capital Campaign: Building for the Future

At Seattle JazzED, our vision has always been about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a home where music comes alive and young people are celebrated, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Our dream is to build a lasting space where students from all backgrounds can gather and discover their unique voice. Although our journey has taken us on different paths, our mission has remained constant: to make music education more accessible, celebrate student expression, and foster lasting connections rooted in community.

Young musician in a green hoodie playing guitar during jazz class in Seattle

Since launching our capital campaign in 2019, we have been deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from local foundations, the State of Washington, the City of Seattle, and individual donors, collectively pledging $8 million. Originally, we partnered with Community Roots Housing (CRH) to embark on a large-scale building project.

However, in December 2023, the Seattle JazzED Board thoughtfully decided to shift away from that partnership, focusing instead on exploring new opportunities that will best serve our students and community.

Group of Seattle JazzED students playing strings in a band in South Lake Union

The majority of the funds raised remain safely in restricted reserves, designated to help us realize our future forever home—a place where music education can flourish for generations to come. As we’ve navigated changes to our original plans, we’ve carefully allocated a portion of the funds to ensure a smooth transition and to align with the needs of our students and community. We are committed to ensuring that the resources entrusted to us are used thoughtfully and in ways that support our long-term goals.

For now, the music continues to flow in our South Lake Union location, generously provided by our partners at Amazon. Since our founding in 2010, Seattle JazzED has grown from serving 56 young musicians to over 1,400 annually, and we are committed to providing every Seattle student with the opportunity to learn and grow through music.

Why Jazz Matters

 
Teenager playing a bari saxophone outside with a band

Jazz is more than music—it’s a tool for shaping lives, building community, and fostering growth. At Seattle JazzED, we believe in the power of jazz to inspire change:

  • We ensure every young person has access to music education, regardless of background or income, with sliding-scale tuition and free loaner instruments.

  • Our programs reflect the diversity of our community, creating an inclusive space where every student feels welcome and represented.

  • Jazz teaches improvisation—helping students develop creativity, resilience, and confidence, valuable both in and beyond music.

  • Through music, students learn to listen, collaborate, and build connections across our community.

  • We emphasize teamwork, responsibility, and leadership, helping students grow as compassionate individuals and future leaders.

  • Whether or not they become professional musicians, the skills learned prepare students for success in any path they choose.

Jazz changes lives. No matter our location, we’ll continue supporting young people in our community.

To make a capital campaign donation, please click the button below and utilize our online giving form. Please note 'Capital Campaign’ in the Note field. Thank you! For assistance, contact Erin Hill at erin@seattlejazzed.org or call 206.324.5299.

This vision is supported by 4Culture and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.

Etsy Shop Owner Photo (8).jpg
Etsy Shop Owner Photo (9).jpg

Honorary Advisory Council

Clarence Acox, Jr., Co-founder Seattle JazzED, nationally-acclaimed Jazz educator
Matt Cameron, Drummer for Pearl Jam and Soundgarden
Maud Daudon, Executive Leader of Career Connect Washington
Bill Frisell, Guitarist, composer and arranger
John Gilbreath, Executive Director, Earshot Jazz
Jodi Green, Civic Leader
Nancy Guppy, Seattle comedian and television personality
Mike Halperin, Honorary Campaign Co-Chair
Wayne Horvitz, Composer, keyboardist and record producer
Tim Lennon, Executive Director, LANGSTON
Tom Mara, Executive Director, KEXP
Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director for Jazz at Lincoln Center
Allison Miller, New York City-based drummer, composer, and teacher
Lee and Stuart Rolfe, Civic Leaders    
The Westerlies, New York City-based brass quartet
David Zapolsky, Honorary Campaign Co-Chair

Media Contact:
Erin Hill, Seattle JazzED Communications and Development Director
206-324-5299
erin@seattlejazzed.org