Milestones Jazz Workshop - Spring Session is in Progress. Visit the Jazz Calendar for Performance Dates.

The Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop offers a jazz education and performance experience for kids of every skill level from 7th though 12th grades. No jazz experience is necessary, but students should have a minimum of one to two years of playing experience on their instrument.

The Milestones program is not designed to teach students how to play their instruments, but rather, to teach them to play jazz.

Students are placed in groups based on experience level and availability to ensure the best possible learning environment.

If you have questions about this, please contact us for more information at JazzFresno@gmail.com.

Schedule

The next session begins in the fall of 2026. Typically, rehearsals are once per week through a multi week session.

Location

Milestones is using space at

United Conservatory of Music and Arts
6759 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93710

The phone number on site is 559/249-2851
The phone number of the Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop Project Director (Bill) is 559/903-0338.

What to expect

Students will play in a fun, supportive small-group setting where you will learn to improvise and play in a group. Each combo meets once a week for approximately 90 minutes over the 10-week period.  At least two live performances are anticipated.  There will be a culminating performance at the end of the last week plus a performance at a local food and beverage establishment.  Last session the groups performed at a local jazz jam session for an enthusiastic crowd and we plan to repeat this experience. Other performance opportunities during the session are also possible.

There is also be optional big band rehearsal opportunities on Saturday mornings for all participants at an alternate site. Complete this interest sheet to get information about the Saturday opportunities that are ongoing and FREE.

Milestones is not intended to replace your school jazz program, but rather to enhance your school jazz program and give you additional experience and jazz skills that your school program may not have time to sufficiently include.

TUITION

• Tuition for the Milestones program is broken into two parts: the registration/audition fee and program tuition. The registration/audition fee is $40 and is due upon registration for the program. This fee is not refundable.

• Tuition for the ten-week Milestones program is anticipated to be $300 but may vary based upon actual program expenses. This may be paid in a lump sum at the placement audition, or, you may break this into three monthly payments. The tuition for late registrants (if space is available) is prorated.

• For families with more than one student participating in the Milestones program, we offer a $50 discount off the second student’s tuition.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A lack of financial resources should not keep any child from participating in the program and although we do not currently have a scholarship fund, but we are seeking donations to be able to offer some scholarships. The scholarship application is a simple one, and we encourage you to apply if finances are a concern. We hope to be able to offer quarter, half and full scholarships.  If you are able to contribute to the student scholarship program we thank you in advance.

OTHER FUNDRAISING COMMITMENTS

In order to assist us with keeping costs down and tuition at a more affordable level, all Milestones students are asked to assist in the fundraising process. Each student is asked to raise $50 per session.

We make fundraising a simple process, primarily by enlisting our students help in selling tickets to Milestones events to family and friends.

Placement Audition

The audition process helps us place you in the proper ensemble, matching your current skills with peers at a similar level.  Whether you’re a developing student or an advanced improviser, we’re looking for passionate musicians ready to learn, rehearse, and perform.

Please note, placement is based on space availability by instrument and seats are filled on a first-come-first-served basis with priority given to currently registered students.