The Central Coast Jazz Institute is a non profit organization (501 C3) in Cambria, California, dedicated to the instruction and preservation of American jazz music. CCJIʼS founder is Charlie Shoemake, renowned jazz vibraphone artist with the George Shearing Quintet and long known as the pre-eminent instructor of jazz improvisation on the west coast. For 18 years Charlie operated his noted jazz school in Los Angeles where he taught over 1500 students including many of todayʼs jazz greats such as Ted Nash, now of the Lincoln Center Orchestra, Andy Martin, regarded by many as the top jazz trombone player in the country, and trumpeter Kye Palmer, a long time member of the Tonight Show Orchestra, just to name but a few. The non-profit Central Coast Jazz Institute will continue that legacy.

 

The CCJI seeks to provide scholarships for private jazz instruction to students of all ages. One scholarship provides two lessons a month per student and also includes the opportunity for student participation in public jazz recitals throughout the year. In addition to musical instruction CCJI will secure top jazz musicians to the central coast from all over the world to speak at a monthly lecture series open to the students and the public The Institute, along with the jazz departments and their programs at Cal Poly and Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo, will help to make Caiforniaʼs central coast a top destination for jazz instruction in the country.

 

As a non-profit, the CCJI welcomes scholarship funding from foundations, corporations, and private donors. All donations are fully tax deductible. Your donation will help to preserve American jazz music for generations to come and will allow promising musical talent to thrive. Donations are accepted by credit card, Paypal, or sending a check.

Lessons/Scholarships

$900/6 months
$1,800/1 year

 

 

 

 

Red Holloway & Charlie Shoemake
© Photo M. Schimberg

 

 

 

 

 

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