It is a timely and synergistic mix of Western (Jazz) and Eastern (Zen) traditions. When combined within a single philosophy, they provide a foundation for personal meditation through the practice of improvised, freeform artistic creation . . . based on music, drawing, painting, choreography, writing, acting, sculpture, architecture, photography — virtually any form of physical art.

And this inclusive practice is intended for, and works for, every level of creative — from curious beginner and amateur artisan, to part-time enthusiast and accomplished professional. But to be clear, when it comes to music (or any other art form), JazzZen does not teach you how to be an artist — you already are one, even if you don't know it yet.

Instead — it teaches you how your inherent artistic perspective, mind-set, and imagination (as well as your spirit) can be enriched by blending meditation and a progressive Zen discipline — into the routine of your creative pursuits.

But JazzZen doesn't stop there. It's more than a mix of jazz and Zen traditions. The JazzZen Foundation — with the generous and ongoing support of its global membership and other gracious benefactors — is on a Mission . . .

Access to a basic education, for every child, should be a given right. A great many impoverished families around the world, however, have children that have no access to a formal education — of any kind.

The most critical and formative period in a child's life is between the ages of 3 and 7. It is the mission of our Foundation to help provide disadvantaged children in this age-group with a basic education — one school, one notebook, one pencil, and one teacher at a tme.

A more-educated global population is invariably one that has a better chance of overcoming tomorrow's challenges while building a better world for everyone.

The JazzZen Foundation

In recognition of the extreme difficulties that virtually all families have when living in poverty, much thought has been given to how new JazzZen schools will be created, what will be taught, how students will be selected and families supported. To this end, The JazzZen Foundation will carefully research and select the location of each future school. Selections are based on a school's long-term potential for success — this is determined by considering several factors, including the acceptance of each school by the local culture and the social stability of the area in which the school will be established.

Once a school is operational, it will be managed locally — while being fully-funded and regularly-monitored by the Foundation. Teachers, teaching assistants, support and administration staff are hired locally and will all receive regular training. The goal of every school is to teach students the fundamentals of numbers and arithmetic, reading and writing (in both English and their local language), as well as art and music, health and physical fitness. Parents will be encouraged to provide ''at home'' support — to the extent that their time, circumstances, and resources allow. The following map shows some of the potential locations being considered for future schools.





Young students (at 3 to 4 years old) learn to communicate, regulate emotions, and trust caregivers. Positive, dependable interactions during this period directly influences a child's future self-esteem and ability to solve problems. Our teachers understand this and will be capable of supporting this critical period in a child's life.

As students progress (at 5 to 6 years old), they quickly absorb language, form complex relationships, and learn how to share and interact with others. This is the time when they begin to understand their own personalities and how they fit into the world. In a standard, full-time program at a JazzZen school (for 6 hours a day), teachers will have constant opportunities to positively influence their student's. development. During the mid-day break, the school provides a lunch for every student — sometimes this may be the only real meal they receive each day.

In their final year (at 7 years old), children usually test the extent of their academic skills, establish their sense of individuality, and heavily develop a sense of self-esteem through comparisons with peers. Teachers will do their best to ensure that these ''senior'' students have the maturity and academic skills to take the next step in their education.

The magnitude and importance of this undertaking is not underestimated — which is why schools will be established at a rate that ensures that every new school is fully-operational before the next school is opened. Having said that, the goals of the JazzZen Foundation are ambitious. It is currently projected that JazzZen schools (in more than 20 countries) will be established and running with a total enrolment of over 1,000 students by the year 2037. Provided that funding continues to increase, the growth in the number of schools, thereafter, could be exponential.

Now that would be a truly remarkable way to make the world a better place for everyone.

Contact us by using the e-mail address: gro.nezzzaj@ofni or use the following e-mail form for General Inquiries, Questions about Donating or Providing Program Support.

FESTIVAL SEMINARS

In addition to the work described above, The JazzZen Foundation also holds half-day Seminars at 7 internationally-recognized jazz festivals — in Asia, North Africa, Europe, and North America — between April and September each year. For more information visit www.jazzzen.live


GLOBAL RETREATS

Week-long Retreats at JazzZen Centers in Japan, India, Morocco and Canada are also held between October and February each year. For more information visit www.jazzzen.life