“To jazz, or not to jazz, there is no question!” - Louis Armstrong
Jazz improvisation is by far one of the most complex styles of music, that when perfected, it can set the stage to impact essential life skills and even improve overall emotional well-being. And when challenged earlier in life, the impact is enhanced exceptionally more.
Jazz education teaches the importance of adapting — creatively, collaboratively, critically, and culturally. It is a genre of refinement and resilience. At its core, jazz springs inspirational notes with a compilation from the tales of yesterday, looking forward to the tomorrows. Its unparalleled sound delivers a convincing and hopeful outlook for observers — that whatever may be, will be.
While we can’t foresee tomorrow’s stories, history can begin its discovery today. As the saying goes, “history is what we make it,” or should we say “improvise.” And there’s a distinguished organization establishing its own history through ad-libbing anecdotes from the musical minds of the young and old.
Tucked away in Memphis, is a group of first-class and award-winning musicians, vocalists, and instructors who make up Memphis Jazz Workshop (MJW), a nonprofit destined to cultivate the future of jazz through education and preservation. MJW’s mission is clear, intentional, and diligent in working to make the jazz genre of music instruction a vital source of learning for young people — locally and globally.
As founder and artistic director of MJW, Stephen Lee begged the question of how music legends could help bring back the legacy of jazz and continue making history with young people. In 2016, the organization was formed with its founding board of directors and faculty, and an inaugural group of 20 student musicians were later recruited with the first summer camp held at Visible Music School in 2017. Over the years, enrollment quickly saw growth. Fast forward nine years later, MJW has more than 70 students in the after-school program and around 80 that assemble for music studies over the summer.
An esteemed pianist, music artist, and teacher in his own right — studying under accomplished musicians and performing with jazz legends like Gregory Porter, Esperanza Spaulding, Billy Kaye, and Saul Rubin — Lee believes it truly takes a village to see impact at its fullest. But as astounding as his career has and continues to be, Lee can’t be remiss in his calling to serve young up-and-coming musicians.
MJW was designed to be an introductory or extended music education resource making space for young people to further advance their craft outside of the classroom — whether instrumentally or vocally. The organization works with experienced faculty trained in music composition, theory, and improvisation, beginning with instrumental education in its early days, and now evolving into a full-on vocal department. Yes, MJW has a Berkeley College of Music professor on staff, Patrice Williamson, that teaches verbal improvisation, including one of the most challenging techniques that originated in jazz — scat singing.
Gabby Cain, a senior at White Station High School and four-year student at MJW, is a passionate jazz vocalist and pianist, and attests to the devotion and training she receives from faculty, especially their superior vocal coaches over the years. Most notably, she has worked alongside talented peer vocalists under the current direction of Williamson. “MJW has helped me feel more comfortable around other musicians, which has allowed me to build my musical character,” says Cain. “Being a vocalist, it can be nerve-racking or intimidating to perform with instrumentalists, but MJW has shown me that I am a musician, too, and we are all equivalent in making music and working together.”
Memphis Jazz Workshop instrumentalists perform at 2026 JEN Conference in New Orleans (Photo by Rene Huemer, Courtesy JEN)
Through improvisation and collaboration, MJW teaches students how to be astute and meticulous with their gifts, but also socially responsible for one another and their listening audiences.
Matteo Severs is in his third year at MJW. A senior at Overton High School, and player of the saxophone, clarinet, and flute, he knows first-hand what it feels like to have a musical space to escape after a packed school week. “MJW has provided me with an outlet to learn skills I could not get elsewhere,” says Severs. “Even with a busy schedule, I could catch up with learning jazz by going to MJW, knowing I won’t be judged.”
Moreover, Elijah Sembler shares a similar testament to the impact MJW has made on his life. The 18-year-old, first-year college student at Southwest Tennessee Community College, has spent five years at MJW as a tenor saxophonist. “At MJW, you are not only surrounded by world-class musicians and teachers, but also a community of hungry musicians of all ages who constantly push you to be a great musician and the best version of yourself,” says Sembler. “MJW is more than just the music, it truly is about community.”
Operating in historically underserved communities, MJW is a single chance for many Memphis youth to explore Jazz music as a hobby, or ultimately, a career. “Many children of underserved communities in Memphis dream of becoming musicians,” says Lee. “MJW employs many resources in providing a high-quality musical education and creative expression opportunities for youth. By partnering with other community organizations and participating in city initiatives, MJW works to ensure programming and scholarships are accessible, including employment opportunities through the City of Memphis’ MPLOY program. To date, MJW students have been awarded over $5 million in music scholarships for more than 10 colleges and universities nationwide.”
Ted Ludwig, a five-year instructor at MJW, teaches guitar, combo, theory, and improv, coaching students on standard jazz repertoire, as well as modern and original compositions. With his guidance, students are able to arrange and compose new material for combo performances. “I am passionate about jazz music,” says Ludwig. “Jazz is about community. We learn from that community, we live in that community, and it’s our responsibility to pass on what we have learned to the next members of that community. It is very rewarding to hear our students grow and play at a high level.”
MJW students have received offers and scholarships to attend some of the most prestigious higher education programs and conservatories in the world.
Johnny Yancey has been an instructor since the beginning days of MJW. As a trumpet instructor and assistant for masterclass improvisation, combo, and large ensemble, he shares in facilitating the history, culture, and curriculum to equip students with cutting-edge skills and preparation. “I am very passionate about this music and sharing what I know,” says Yancey. “I’ve led a big-band institution for over 20 years, and recently I had some of our current and former MJW students join my big-band institute to perform. It is heartwarming when they can fit in with the professional musicians and elevate the band with their energy.”
Memphis Jazz Workshop vocalists perform at 2026 JEN Conference in New Orleans (Photo courtesy Manesha Secrest-McRee)
Recently, MJW students received an invitation to showcase their profound talents in New Orleans, at the 2026 JEN Conference, an annual event that brings together jazz beginners and experts for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. JEN (Jazz Education Network) offers a mix of music fest, networking, education, and inspiration for thousands of attendees from around the globe to gather for the love of jazz. Students were also able to perform onsite for different universities and colleges of interest with some being approached with scholarship offers.
“The JEN conference was an amazing opportunity and gave us a chance to further put our city on the map,” says Sembler. “One thing I am most excited about taking away from the conference experience is knowing that there truly is a great amount of people who love and play this music, and that there is a lifetime of music to be played with those amazing people.”
The MJW community declares that a jazz revival is needed in Memphis. And the true renaissance of jazz culture can only arise from youth, with the guidance of musicians who have lived the musical richness of the art form. MJW is committed to keeping the needle moving forward to continue writing the legacy and creating the next generation of high-quality jazz musicians and enthusiasts.
Students as early as second grade can begin learning the fundamentals and exploring their dream of becoming a professional musician through training at MJW. No prior experience is needed. Whether you just picked up an instrument or have an advanced playing relationship with it, all levels are welcome. Besides, like any musician, there has to be a starting point.
So is jazz an influential asset for creating a history of fullness thereof? As Louis Armstrong put it, there is no question.
To learn more about Memphis Jazz Workshop’s music programs and summer camps, visit memphisjazzworkshop.org.