YLJC: Jazz Education For Middle & High School Students
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory offers one of the most prestigious jazz education programs on the west coast. This top-quality conservatory is open to middle- and high-school instrumentalists and vocalists who complete and meet audition requirements. Students are placed in small ensembles where they receive professional instruction from San Diego’s top jazz musicians and educators, including Gilbert Castellanos, Rob Thorsen, Bob Boss, and Charlie Arbelaez. Music students delve into jazz theory, history, and performance. They also receive many opportunities to perform in concerts and attend jazz festivals throughout California. Young Lions Jazz Conservatory is the top school for middle- and high-school kids with a passion for jazz.
LOCATION
Classes are held in the heart of the Arts District of Liberty Station. With many shopping and dining options as well as open spaces, students and families find Liberty Station a fun and convenient place to travel to and spend time.
Rehearsal Space:
2590 Truxtun Rd., Building 176, Ste. 102, San Diego, CA 92106
*Classes are held at this location. This IS NOT an office location.)
(Building 176 is just south of The Lot)
(Parking avilable behind The Lot. Enter off of Dewey Road between Rosecrans and Truxtun.)
Young Lions Jazz Conservatory
YLJC classes are held at this loaction.
*This is not an office location.
2590 Truxtun Rd., Building 176, Ste. 102, San Diego, CA 92106
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Tuition?
Tuition is paid by the acendemic year. Students can also join for the second semster (if there are spots available for their instrument).
- $1000 for the acedemic year
- $600 for the second semester only
Siblings receive a 50% percent discount.
There are no registration or material fees.
Do You Offer Scholarships?
Yes, we believe no child should miss out on the opportunity and enrichment that music education provides. To be considered for a scholarship, families should submit a scholarship application prior to the deadline. Click Here for more details.
How Many Students In A Class?
Ensembles have an average of seven students each.
What's The Class Schedule?
Classes meet once a week for 90 minutes. The majority of classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Some classes may be held in the evenings during the week. Class schedules are not set until after the audition process.
What Is The Placement Process?
Placement is administered by faculty, and each student's audition is carefully reviewed. Students are placed in ensembles based on their ability demonstrated in the audition video.
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate requests to be placed in a particular ensemble. The best way to get placed in higher-level ensembles is to practice!
How Many Classes Can I Miss?
In order to maintain the cohesiveness of each ensemble, and to be eligible to participate in external performance opportunities, students must not have more than two unexcused absences during the season. An absence is “excused” only as expressly determined by ensemble instructors.
If a last-minute emergency arises, students should notify their ensemble leader at the earliest possible opportunity. All other excused absences should be presented to ensemble leaders at least one week ahead of time for approval. Examples of excused absences include: college preparatory testing, funeral, family emergency, and illness.
Can I Join Mid Year?
Yes, mid-year auditions are held every December for the upcoming spring semester. Keep an eye on the website for dates or email us at info@yljc.org, and we'll notify you when placement auditions are announced.
Do I Have To Know How To Read Music?
Yes, YLJC has minimum requirements for the audition process, and reading music is a necessary component. Please view our audition requirements to learn more.
Do You Offer Big Band?
Yes, we have a big band! Members are hand picked by our Artistic Director, Gilbert Castellanos.
Do You Teach Different Types Of Jazz?
Yes, our curriculum represents many styles of music including traditional jazz standards from the American songbook, Afro Cuban, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova, Samba Music, Funk Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Bebop, Postmodern Bebop, and Modern Jazz just to name a few. Students are also encouraged to write music for their ensembles.