Artists in Residence

TKA Jazz collaborates with world-class artists to offer unmatched residencies at The King’s Academy. These extraordinary opportunities enable TKA Jazz students to learn from and perform alongside industry leaders, forging invaluable connections within the music business. Through these immersive experiences, students not only explore the art of high-level production but also gain a deep understanding of the skills and mindset required to thrive as professionals in the field.

Jeremy Jordan

  • Tony & GRAMMY Nominated Broadway Star

  • Best known for his portrayal of Jack Kelly in Newsies, Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde & Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby 

  • On Television he’s portrayed Jimmy Collins in NBC’s SMASH, Winn Schott on the CW series, Supergirl, and voiced the role of Varian on Disney's Tangled: The Series

Nicole Henry

  • One of the Jazz World’s Most Acclaimed Vocalists

  • She has enjoyed four TOP 10 CDs, including her latest album, “Time to Love Again,” which reached #4 on the U.S. JazzWeek chart

  • Named “Vocalist of the Decade” by BroadwayWorld

  • Henry has headlined shows in New York, Tokyo, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Shanghai, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Boston, San Francisco, and Miami at notable venues such as Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Birdland, Blues Alley, The Smith Center, Kravis Center, Jazz St. Louis, Spaghettini’s, Feinstein’s, Middle C, and more.

Nestor Torres

  • GRAMMY Award-Winning Flautist

  • He has recorded and released over 16 solo recording albums

  • He has collaborated with diverse artists such as Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Dave Mathews, Herbie Hancock, and Tito Puente; as well as performed with the Cleveland, Singapore, and New World Symphony Orchestras

Wendy Moten

  • Runner-Up on NBC’s The Voice Season 21

  • As a solo artist, she is known for the Top 5 hit “Come In Out of the Rain”

  • Toured and Performed with Stars like Julio Iglesias, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, David Foster, Vince Gill, Michael Bolton, Michael McDonald, and Kirk Whalum

Wycliffe Gordon

  • Named Best Trombonist by DownBeat Magazine for 6 years

  • Named Trombonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association for 15 years

  • Former Veteran Member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

  • Performed with Jazz icons like David Sanborn, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Doc Severinsen, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and Branford Marsalis

Wayne Bergeron

  • Best Lead Trumpeter in the World

  • Has been recorded on over 500 TV and Motion Picture Soundtracks

  • His trumpet solos can be heard on the motion pictures West Side Story (2021 Steven Spielberg), La La Land, The Incredibles 1 & 2, Rocky Balboa, Despicable Me 1, 2 & 3, and Sing.

  • Performed with Jazz icons like Gordon Goodwin, Arturo Sandoval, Pat Williams, Sammy Nestico, Chris Walden, Tom Kubis, John La Barbara, Bill Watrous, Bob Curnow, and Quincy Jones

Duffy Jackson

  • Drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra

  • Named “Jazz Wunderkind” by making national TV appearances on "I've Got a Secret" and "The Mike Douglas Show" at the age of ten

  • Performed with Jazz legends like Sammy Davis Jr., Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Benny Carter, and Monty Alexander

“The King’s Academy Jazz Ensemble is a gift and inspiration to all who love Jazz.”

— Arturo Sandoval, Grammy-winning Jazz great