Raise closed, search for fresh raises on Seedstage

College Point, NY

Launching a jazz school to provide inclusive music education and performance opportunities in Queens.

• Mission-driven founding: Addressing lack of jazz education access in Queens public schools.
• Experienced leadership: Founded by a saxophonist with 45 years of professional jazz experience.
• Performance-focused: Offers jazz combos, big bands, and live public performance opportunities.
• Community engagement: Plans to host festivals to increase regional participation and visibility.
• Startup support needed: Funds will bridge early operational costs until full enrollment is reached.

Queens School of Jazz and Contemporary Music is raising funds to support its launch and initial operations as the first dedicated jazz school in Queens, New York. The school seeks to fill a significant gap in access to jazz education by offering affordable programs for students of all ages, including early childhood classes, performance opportunities, and instruction from experienced professionals. The capital raised will be used to cover first-year expenses such as rent, staffing, insurance, and essential equipment including instruments and music charts. Since full student enrollment is not expected in the first year, the funds are critical for maintaining operations until the school can sustain itself through tuition revenue.

Led by seasoned jazz saxophonist Stewart Kong, the school aims to preserve and promote jazz by establishing a strong educational foundation rooted in both history and live performance. With fewer than 10% of Queens public high schools employing full-time music teachers, this initiative addresses a pressing need in the local community. As part of its long-term vision, the school plans to introduce large-scale jazz events and festivals that celebrate iconic jazz figures and bring broader visibility to emerging talent. Through these programs, the Queens School of Jazz and Contemporary Music seeks to become a cultural anchor for jazz education and performance in the borough.

Company Info

The Queens School of Jazz and Contemporary Music offers inclusive jazz education and performance opportunities for all ages in College Point, NY.

The Queens School of Jazz and Contemporary Music is a community-based music school located in College Point, New York, focused on providing accessible jazz education to individuals of all ages. Founded by seasoned jazz saxophonist Stewart Kong, the school was created in response to a lack of formal music instruction in Queens despite the borough’s rich jazz heritage. The curriculum includes early childhood education, jazz history, music theory, listening courses, and opportunities to perform in big bands or jazz combos. Classes are led by experienced instructors and are open to the public, supporting both beginners and experienced musicians.

The school also hosts an annual summer band camp and year-round performance programs for students and adults alike. In its first year of operation, funding is being used to cover rent, staffing, equipment purchases, and insurance, with the goal of achieving financial sustainability within two years. With plans for expansion, the school aims to launch community jazz festivals like the Basically Basie and Totally Tito events to broaden its impact and visibility. These initiatives are intended to attract talent from beyond Queens, offer scholarship opportunities, and celebrate jazz’s historical and cultural significance.