Jazz House Kids began as a spark of inspiration that was brought about when radio station WBGO asked professional jazz vocalist Melissa Walker to host a children’s jazz workshop. This experience was so positive that Melissa knew she wanted to continue bringing her passion for jazz music to children. Initially, this took the form of an assembly program that Melissa and a small group of friends would present at local schools. However, it soon began to grow into something much bigger. Jazz House Kids officially received its non-profit (501-C) status in 2002. In 2014, Melissa was honored as one of NJBIZ Magazine’s “Best Women in Business.” At Jazz House Kids, our mission is to “bridge the gap” created when budget cuts cause schools to have poor music programs or no music programs at all. We want to give all students the opportunity to have their lives transformed by exposure to high quality music education. As America’s original style of music, jazz is a national treasure! But it is also an excellent teaching tool. Students learning to play jazz also learn important skills that will help them become successful adult members of society. Included in these skills are greater confidence, perseverance, focus, collaboration, dedication, accountability, and the ability to receive constructive feedback. Our mission has three main areas of focus: Our school-based programs have served more than 30,000 New Jersey students and given them the opportunity to perform before half a million people. Our in–house classes and ensembles are recognized for producing many of the nation’s top young musicians. Our presence in the community is teaching students to become invested citizens at home and in the world at large. Students perform at countless “giglets” each year that support local nonprofit organizations, WBGO and senior citizens facilities. Also, each year since 2010, Jazz House Kids has presented the free, family-friendly Montclair Jazz Festival.