Episode 23 Ken Schaphorst

Fifty years ago, the New England Conservatory of Music started the first fully accredited jazz studies program at the conservatory level. Since then, NEC has been a pioneer in the education of jazz artists. NEC trains the some of the most talented young musicians in a broad range of styles, while continually seeking ways to expand jazz traditions through the development of students’ individual voices.  In our conversation with the Chair of Jazz Studies, Ken Schaphorst, we talk not only about the NEC’s  wide-ranging programs, but also their extensive plans to safely start their school year through in-person and on line learning during this challenging time of COVID-19.   As Jazz Times writes: “NEC’s jazz studies department is among the most acclaimed and successful in the world; so says the roster of visionary artists that have comprised both its faculty and students.”