Sam First Supports the Next Generation of Jazz

Partnership with Harmony Project

This summer, we will begin a partnership with the Harmony Project. Help Sam First fund private lessons for students who would not otherwise have access to one-on-one training. Students will gain greater competency in a personalized educational setting, with the intention of forming a Harmony Project/Sam First jazz ensemble by the start of the 2026/2027 school year.

 

University Nights

Each month, Sam First features two local university ensembles for our monthly student performance series. Your valuable funding allows these emerging music professionals to gain crucial experience as they perform for a live audience where they are able to connect with other young musicians, attract new fans, and receive video recordings that can be used for future auditions and promotional opportunities. This series is in addition to Sam First’s long-standing partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA.

 

Musician-Led Teaching Programs

Support teaching programs for musicians in the Sam First family as Sam First provides a venue for inspiring performance, master classes, ensemble practices, and recordings. 

 

All Ages Venue

In order to facilitate these programs, and to provide access to an under-21 jazz audience, Sam First is transitioning towards an all-ages venue and is currently proceeding through the required permit process.​