a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs
“Cory Combs was an excellent teacher. Every class was presented with enthusiasm. His wide range of information and knowledge was appreciated. We had wonderful conversations after each class about what we had learned and our passion for jazz and music was truly heightened.”
–Discover Jazz student Vicki Block

For Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and countless others, jazz went beyond music. It was a lifestyle. An identity. A culture. These innovators pushed music forward, delighting avid listeners, but also leaving them eager for context. Why does Miles now sound like Jimi Hendrix? What do Ellington and Monk have in common?

Discover Jazz dives into the colorful mythology and history of jazz, swinging right into the music’s key figures, recordings, forms, and ideas. Each class hits upon essential concepts that, when taken as a complete series, give any fan the ability to hear between the lines of great jazz performances.

Presented at the Jewish Community Center in San Francisco, by SFJAZZ’s Director of Education, Cory Combs, the Discover Jazz series is your bridge to a deeper understanding of jazz—its history, musicians, and enduring culture.


Full Courses

Jazz history, live performance, classic audio and exciting video make Discover Jazz the most distinctive jazz appreciation course available for adults. We are pleased to announce two exciting new Discover Jazz offerings this summer and fall:



Individual Courses

Roots & The Blues

September 30


Ragtime

October 7


The Swing Craze

October 14


Rhythm & Blues

October 21


Rock & Roll

October 28