Who we are

The Nashville Jazz Workshop is Nashville’s community center for jazz education and performance.

Our mission is to enrich people’s lives and build community through world class jazz education and performances.

We accomplish our mission through:

  • A workshop environment where jazz professionals pass on their knowledge & experience in a journeyman/apprentice situation

  • Classes for players & non-players

  • Performances to promote community appreciation of jazz

We embrace diversity among our faculty, staff, and students as a means of achieving excellence in education, as a stimulus for innovation and problem solving, and for ensuring a culture of inclusion.

Our history

The Nashville Jazz Workshop began in 1998 as the Nashville Jazz Institute, founded by Lori Mechem and Roger Spencer. Dissatisfied with traditional academic jazz programs, they created a workshop-based model rooted in the journeyman/apprentice tradition, giving students hands-on experience performing alongside faculty.

In 2000, the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, changed its name, and moved to the Neuhoff Complex in East Germantown. Over time, NJW expanded its programming to include visual art exhibits, student and faculty concerts, the Snap on 2 and 4 performance series, and a range of community events.

As NJW grew, it became a vital hub for Nashville’s jazz scene—a place where top professionals teach and perform, new artists develop, and student groups take root. The Workshop collaborates with schools, radio stations, festivals, and arts organizations, earning its reputation as Nashville’s “community center for jazz.”

Today, the Nashville Jazz Workshop is located at 1012 Buchanan Street.

Our staff

A young woman smiling while holding a gold saxophone during a performance, with another saxophone player slightly blurred in the background.

  • Max Abrams

    EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

  • Joe DeBusk

    ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

  • David Watterson

    DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

  • Charlie Reid

    DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Abigail Flowers

    HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

    DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Board of Directors

Ryan Middagh | President: Chair of the Department of Jazz and Global Music at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music

Eileen Beehan | Vice-President: Retired, Catholic Charities

Andrew Reid | Treasurer: Partner, LBMC Investment Advisors

Angela Playle | Secretary: Attorney

Tom Galagano: Finance, LBMC Investment Advisors

Aaron Glass: Edward Jones

Henry Ingram: Middle School Teacher, Episcopal School of Nashville

Sheyla Paz Hicks: Sheyla Adventure Travel

Bzur Haun

Katrina Rinne

Emeritus Board Members

Beegie Adair* (1937-2022), Founding Board Member

Kirk Whalum

Richard Griffin* (1953 - 2023)

Maxx Myrick

Skip Lawrence

Gary Wilson

Dr. Veronica Gunn

Chris Hugan

Connye Florance

Sandra Dudley

Rob Gordon

Bill Ivey* (1944- 2025)

Adam Liff

Chester Thompson

Bill Holden* (1962 - 2026)

Elyse Adler

Mary Young

Cindy Oliva

Scott Chambers

Stephanie Spottswood

Bill Bundy

Derrick Wayne Dowell

Michael Berg

Joy Fauntleroy

Nekasha Pratt

Rose Rutledge

Teree McCormick

Dr. Steven Lewis

Dr. Herman Williams

Samantha Lacey

Eddie Hamilton

Jeff Ockerman

Melissa Hanson

Matt Noggle

Tom Fouce

Marc Adesso

Lyle Fellows

*Forever in our hearts - Thank you for your contributions to the Nashville Jazz Workshop

A woman with short, blonde hair and glasses, wearing a dark purple jacket, sitting at a table in a dimly lit room.

Lori Mechem, Founder

Special Consultants

I.T. Consultant
Greg Breal

Senior Advisor
Larry Seeman

Graphic Design
Brian Parker

Web Design
Carlos Ruiz

A man with glasses and a beard holding a double bass.

Roger Spencer, Founder