Mission
The mission of Jazz Education Inc. (JEI) is to provide training and educational activities for school age youth in the field of music, using concepts and subjects not fully covered by private and/or public school systems. Educational activities designed to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of the history and culture of Jazz.

With a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1970, founder Bubbha Thomas started a non-profit organization called “Concerned Musicians of Houston,” now known as Jazz Education Inc (JEI). Mr. Thomas, five time Grammy nominated musician, envisioned a purpose and goal to educate the population of Texas about the cultural and rich history of America’s original music, Jazz. In that same founding year, AUGUST JAZZ MONTH, a city-wide celebration was introduced.

National Endowment for the Arts in 1970

Since 1970, JEI has earned a leadership role in education through music programming and has become one of the leading music organizations in Greater Houston and the State of Texas. The organization has been the recipient of many honors including the American Can, Centering the Arts, and the Barbara Jordan Award, given in tribute to many years of splendid service to the community.

Jazz Education provides a continuous series of innovative, high quality programs recognized as an invaluable asset to the city of Houston’s educational, musical, and cultural growth.  Known for its excellence in music enrichment programming, JEI reaches a larger and more diversified audience than any arts organization in Houston.

Jazz Education Inc., as a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, sponsors four main programs: Music In The Schools (Jazz & Poetry Series), Summer Jazz Workshop, SJW Scholarship Jazz Brunch, Houston International Jazz Festival, plus several special projects.

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