This session is part of a two-part Berklee series at JEN 2026, offering both a broad overview and a deeper dive into the pedagogy behind Berklee’s jazz education. For over 80 years, Berklee College of Music has been a transformative force in jazz education—pushing boundaries, elevating artistry, and nurturing generations of innovators. This 50-minute faculty-led workshop offers an inside look at Berklee’s evolving identity as a jazz school, rooted in Black American music traditions and reimagined through global collaboration, genre-fluid exploration, and cultural relevance. Led by Sean Skeete (Dean, Performance Division) with a panel of esteemed educational leaders, the session will explore how Berklee approaches jazz as a living, dynamic language—honoring history while preparing students for today’s creative landscape. Through discussion, examples, and interactive dialogue, participants will gain a clearer picture of how Berklee frames jazz education as more than a genre, but as a powerful, ever-expanding ecosystem for musical, social, and personal expression. Learning Outcomes / Takeaways By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Articulate Berklee’s approach to jazz as a cultural and creative foundation that informs diverse musical practices.
Identify how improvisation, mentorship, and community engagement shape student development.
Apply strategies for balancing tradition and innovation when teaching jazz across genres and cultures.
Explore opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing, and student pathways within the Berklee network.
Target Audience Jazz educators, program directors, ensemble leaders, high school and college faculty, student advisors, and prospective partners in jazz education. Presenters Primary Presenter: Sean Skeete (sskeete@berklee.edu)
Co-Presenters: Dr. Lenora Helm Hammonds, Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin, Professor Tia Fuller, Chair George Russell
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