Concerts. Classes. Community.

Nashville’s home for jazz since 2000.

Welcome to the Nashville Jazz Workshop, Nashville’s community center for jazz. We are dedicated to enriching people’s lives and building community through world class jazz education and performances. We invite you to hear it (through performances in the Jazz Cave), learn it (we offer classes for all levels), and share it (we offer free community programming every month). Join our email list to stay up to date, or send us an email at info@nashvillejazz.org with questions.

Welcome.

JUST ANNOUNCED! The Inaugural Nashville Jazz Festival

October 25th and 26th, 2025, at 3rd and Lindsley.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Featured
Midtown Jazz Quartet “Step Lightly” Album Release Concert
Aug 15
Midtown Jazz Quartet “Step Lightly” Album Release Concert
NJW + Analog Present COW
Aug 16
NJW + Analog Present COW
Steve Goold | "You Are What You Eat" Clinic on Brian Blade
Aug 17
Steve Goold | "You Are What You Eat" Clinic on Brian Blade
Steve Goold | Solo Improvisation on Drumset
Aug 17
Steve Goold | Solo Improvisation on Drumset
Pat Coil Trio Presents “On Standard Time”
Aug 22
Pat Coil Trio Presents “On Standard Time”
Lori Mechem Presents “Too Darn Hot”: Songs of Summer
Aug 23
Lori Mechem Presents “Too Darn Hot”: Songs of Summer
Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra
Aug 24
Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra
Jazz on Buchanan: Johnathan Smith
Aug 28
Jazz on Buchanan: Johnathan Smith
Monica Ramey: "That's My Style: Celebrating the Music of Peggy Lee & Cy Coleman"
Sep 5
Monica Ramey: "That's My Style: Celebrating the Music of Peggy Lee & Cy Coleman"
Thea & James: In Harmony with Thea Danos & James Richardson
Sep 12
Thea & James: In Harmony with Thea Danos & James Richardson
Dara Starr Tucker Album Release Show
Sep 13
Dara Starr Tucker Album Release Show
Locked In: Rhythm Section Chemistry with Dave Elitch & Kevin Scott
Sep 21
Locked In: Rhythm Section Chemistry with Dave Elitch & Kevin Scott
Alex Hahn | Reflections Tour at the Nashville Jazz Workshop
Nov 22
Alex Hahn | Reflections Tour at the Nashville Jazz Workshop

UPCOMING CLASSES

Featured
Intro to Songwriting in the Songbook Style with Steve Leslie
Sep 8
Intro to Songwriting in the Songbook Style with Steve Leslie

MONDAYS, 6-8 PM

IN-PERSON, 3 WEEKS

SEPTEMBER 8, 15, and 22

Join Grammy-winning songwriter and educator Steve Leslie for an immersive exploration of songwriting inspired by the Great American Songbook. This course covers the techniques of legendary composers like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter, focusing on song form, melody, harmony, and lyric themes. Through guided analysis and hands-on exercises, students will learn to craft songs that echo the elegance and emotional depth of classic American standards, blending tradition with their unique creative voice.

Vocal Cohort with Abigail Flowers
Sep 8
Vocal Cohort with Abigail Flowers

MONDAYS, 6:30-8:30 PM

IN-PERSON, 4 WEEKS

SEPTEMBER 8, 15, 22, and 29

Join vocalist Abigail Flowers for a supportive, in-person vocal class focused on active listening, performance, and communal growth. Each week offers an opportunity to take one meaningful step forward in your musical journey—whether you’re a seasoned singer or just beginning. With an emphasis on lifelong learning and consistent progress, this class nurtures vocal development in a collaborative, encouraging environment. All skill levels welcome.

Beginner’s Jazz Improvisation with Desmond Ng
Sep 9
Beginner’s Jazz Improvisation with Desmond Ng

TUESDAYS, 6-8 PM

IN-PERSON

SEPTEMBER 9, 16, 23, and 30

Unlock the fundamentals of jazz improvisation in this engaging beginner-friendly class. You’ll explore the building blocks of jazz harmony, study classic solos to understand the language of jazz, and learn standard repertoire essential for any aspiring jazz musician. We’ll also cover common jam session procedures so you can feel confident and prepared to join in and play with others. Perfect for instrumentalists or vocalists ready to take their first steps into improvisation.

Brazilian Rhythms & Repertoire with Erik Abernathy
Sep 9
Brazilian Rhythms & Repertoire with Erik Abernathy

TUESDAYS, 6-8 PM

IN-PERSON, 4 WEEKS

SEPTEMBER 9, 16, 23, and 30

$150

Explore the vibrant world of Brazilian music in this performance-based class led by guitarist Erik Abernathy. Students will dive into classic Brazilian repertoire—especially samba and bossa nova—while learning the rhythmic foundations and stylistic nuances that define the genre. Each session focuses on group playing, allowing students to develop ensemble skills, deepen their rhythmic feel, and connect with the soulful spirit of Brazilian jazz.

Celia Cruz and the Birth of Salsa: Jazz, Rhythm, & Immigrant Voices with Alison Brazil
Sep 10
Celia Cruz and the Birth of Salsa: Jazz, Rhythm, & Immigrant Voices with Alison Brazil

WEDNESDAYS, 6-8 PM

IN-PERSON, 4 WEEKS (This class meets in-person with the option to join online if needed.)

SEPTEMBER 10, 17, 24, and OCT 1

$150

Celia Cruz, the legendary Queen of Salsa, was the vibrant voice at the heart of a genre born from the immigrant experience in America. While Salsa’s rhythmic roots trace back to Afro-Cuban son, its modern form blossomed in New York City, shaped by the creativity of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican immigrants who infused it with jazz, funk, and diverse Latin influences. This 4-week course, designed for jazz enthusiasts, centers on Celia Cruz’s extraordinary legacy as a cultural icon and musical innovator.

UPCOMING ENSEMBLES

Featured
Small Ensemble with Larry Aberman - 8/25-9/29
Aug 25
Small Ensemble with Larry Aberman - 8/25-9/29

MONDAYS, 6-8PM

IN-PERSON, 6 WEEKS

8/25-9/29

$360

This intermediate to advanced ensemble is open to all instrumentalists. Students will cover more advanced concepts of literature, including intros, endings, styles, tempos and comping.

Small Ensemble with Ben Graves - 8/27-10/1
Aug 27
Small Ensemble with Ben Graves - 8/27-10/1

WEDNESDAYS, 6-8PM

IN-PERSON, 6 WEEKS

8/27-10/1

$360

This intermediate to advanced ensemble is open to all instrumentalists. Students will cover more advanced concepts of literature, including intros, endings, styles, tempos and comping.