Masterclass

Masterclasses at TKA Jazz are truly unmatched experiences, giving students the rare opportunity to meet and work directly with world-class artists and educators while sharpening their musical skills and gaining real-world insight into the professional music world. These interactive sessions go far beyond a typical rehearsal, offering personalized feedback, live demonstrations, and insider tips from performers at the top of their craft. Just as importantly, they create valuable one-on-one connections with established professionals, helping students build relationships that can open doors to internships, college programs, and future gigs.

Kirk Whalum

Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist & iconic sax solo on Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.

A female singer in a gold sequin dress performing on stage with her arms raised, surrounded by musicians and instruments.

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.

A man in a blue suit playing the flute on stage with a jazz orchestra, colorful stage lighting, and music stands with cityscape designs.

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

A Black woman singing passionately on stage with a microphone, dressed in a black, sequin-adorned outfit, with a live band playing in the background under stage lights.

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

A man in a gray suit playing a trombone during a jazz concert with a large band, stage lighting, and music stands in the background.

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

A man in a suit playing a trumpet during a performance with an orchestra in the background.

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

A man in a tuxedo playing a red Yamaha drum set during a performance on stage with a red curtain background.

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