About Us
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory: Giving young musicians diverse, experiential, and meaningful learning opportunities to sustain and enhance the development of America’s Classical Music — Jazz
Our Story
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory (YLJC) was founded by world-renowned jazz trumpeter and educator Gilbert Castellanos. His passion for jazz education led him to create The Young Lions Series in 2013, a program that showcases rising jazz talents (ages 11-18) and provides them with invaluable performance experience. Hosted weekly at Balboa Park’s Panama 66, the series allows young musicians to hone their craft under Castellanos’ mentorship.
Building on the success of the Young Lions Series, Castellanos expanded his vision in 2017 to launch Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, a non-profit dedicated to shaping the next generation of jazz musicians. YLJC provides students with a comprehensive jazz education, covering theory, history, cultural influences, Latin/Afro/Brazilian rhythms, and master classes with internationally acclaimed artists. Students rehearse weekly in small combos and gain real-world performance experience at prestigious venues and festivals, including Jazz @ The Jacobs Series at Jacobs Music Center, The Rady Shell, KSDS Jazz 88.3 Live Series, North Park Music Festival, Adams Avenue Street Fair, and the Next Gen Monterey Jazz Festival. Additionally, conservatory students are featured at the Young Lions Series at Panama 66 each Wednesday and at other private and public events throughout San Diego County.
As a young musician, Castellanos was given opportunities to perform alongside jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Nancy Wilson, Wynton Marsalis, Charles McPherson, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Gerald Clayton, Willie Jones III, George Benson, Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Branford Marsalis, Dr. John, Charlie Haden, and Natalie Cole, just to name a few.
With YLJC, Castellanos is paying that forward—nurturing and empowering young artists to develop their skills, find their voice, and carry the torch for jazz into the future. Young Lions Jazz Conservatory is the fruition of his long-held dream.
Our Mission
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory (YLJC) stands at the intersection of passion for jazz and the nurturing of young talent. Our mission: to revolutionize young lives and invigorate the San Diego community through jazz. We're not just teaching notes and rhythms; we're building intellectual curiosity, character, and self-confidence in middle- and high-school students. Our approach: to offer unmatched performance opportunities in public venues and champion a culture of diversity and inclusion. We are dedicated to advancing the art and appreciation of jazz, not only as music but as a community pillar, through dynamic performances and impactful education. This commitment defines YLJC.
Overview
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory (YLJC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a collaborative learning environment that nurtures young musicians, enriches the community, and supports the development of well-rounded individuals.
Community Impact
We believe that music is meant to be shared. YLJC is committed to community outreach, providing students and instructors with opportunities to bring jazz beyond the classroom through performances, special programs, and partnerships with local organizations. By sharing their musical gifts, students gain real-world experience while making a lasting impact on the community.
World-Class Education
Alongside YLJC’s renowned faculty, students benefit from master classes with internationally acclaimed jazz artists, offering specialized training in technique, improvisation, composition, and performance. The curriculum includes music theory, ear training, jazz history, and cultural studies, ensuring a well-rounded jazz education.
Performance Opportunities
YLJC students have numerous opportunities to perform at public and private events throughout San Diego County. They also participate in jazz festivals, competitions, and clinics, where they connect with fellow musicians nationwide and gain valuable experience in professional and competitive settings.
Our Commitment
Our goal is to uphold the highest standards of jazz education in a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment. The study of music not only enriches the lives of our students and teachers but also strengthens the community and the future of jazz.
Our Partners
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Thank You To Our Generous Scholarship Donors!
Mrs. Joan Jacobs and Dr. Irwin Jacobs - YLJC Jacobs Big Bands
Gina Kakos - Kakos Clinis & Masterclasses
Gina Kakos - Charles Kakos Scholarship
Patty Moises - Patricia Moises Scholarship
Marilyn K. James - Marilyn K. James Scholarship
Harry Matheny - Witt/Matheny Scholarship in Memory of Jerry Witt
Lederer Family - Margaret Lederer Scholarship
Judy and Neil Finn - Judy and Neil Finn Scholarship
Anne Fletcher - The Georg’Ann and Helen Lioness Scholarship
The Dyson Family - Bob Boss Memorial Scholarship
Marilyn K. James - Marilyn K. James Scholarship
Kim and Mark Cullen - Kim and Mark Cullen Scholarship
Erin and Allan Kaspar - Erin and Allan Kaspar Scholarship
Sandra Lieberman - The Hamilton Loeb Scholarship
John H Borja - John H Borja Scholarship
The Wild Famly - Gene Wild Memorial Scholarship
Michele Zousmer - Michele Zousmer Scholarship
Angela Christie - Angela Christie Scholarship
The Pettit Family - The Pettit Family Scholarship
Anonymous - The Granada Scholarship
Sycuan Scholarship
La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship
Forrest Westbrook Spirit Awards For Private Instruction