Leadership Transitions at the Nashville Jazz Workshop
Friends,
We are writing to share exciting news about a leadership transition at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Several months ago, our Executive Director David Rodgers and the Board of Directors launched a strategic nationwide search for a long-term leader to continue NJW’s trajectory of growth.
After two years of exceptional transitional leadership from David Rodgers, we are pleased to welcome Max Abrams as the new Executive and Artistic Director of the Nashville Jazz Workshop. The Board has also elected Dr. Ryan Middagh as President of the Board of Directors, and we are grateful for the deep experience and perspective he brings to this position.
Introducing Max Abrams, Executive & Artistic Director
Max Abrams is a seasoned Nashville-based saxophonist, educator, and arts leader with over 25 years of professional experience in the music industry. As Executive and Artistic Director of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, Max will bring a unique blend of high-level artistic vision and administrative expertise to one of the region’s premier jazz institutions.
Throughout his prolific performance career, Max has recorded or performed with an extraordinary range of icons, including The Mavericks (of which he has been a member since 2009), Buddy Guy, Chris Stapleton, Yo-Yo Ma, and Lionel Richie. His work has been featured on major platforms such as The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and PBS Great Performances, as well as television soundtracks for Nashville and True Detective. As a solo artist, he has produced six records, most recently the critically acclaimed Samba Americana.
Beyond the stage, Max is a dedicated educator and innovator. He is co-founder and director of The Sax Loft, a premier online learning platform developed in collaboration with Jeff Coffin, Kirk Whalum, and Tia Fuller. A graduate of Princeton University, Max has spent over 15 years developing music programs and community engagement initiatives in Nashville. At NJW, he is focused on strengthening the local jazz ecosystem and creating meaningful jazz programming for all Nashvillians.
Feel free to contact Max directly to introduce yourself or welcome him to NJW by emailing max@nashvillejazz.org.
Statement from the President of the Board of Directors
Nashville Jazz Workshop
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Max Abrams as our new Executive and Artistic Director.
This selection follows an extensive national search, during which the Board had the privilege of meeting many outstanding candidates from across the country. Even within such a strong pool, Max stood out as an exceptional leader whose experience, vision, and values align powerfully with the mission of the NJW.
Max brings 25 years of experience as a professional musician in Nashville, along with a deep, demonstrated dedication to jazz education at both the local and national level. His blend of artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational commitment makes him uniquely qualified to guide the Workshop into its next chapter.
I want to express my profound gratitude to David Rodgers for his leadership and service during his time at the helm of the NJW. His contributions have strengthened the Workshop in lasting ways, and we are deeply appreciative of his hard work and artistry.
As we look forward, I am energized by the continued momentum of the Workshop and the bright future ahead. I am confident that Max’s leadership, combined with the passion of the NJW community, will amplify our impact on Nashville’s music education and artistic landscape for years to come.
We are excited for this next chapter—and grateful for everyone who helps make the Nashville Jazz Workshop the extraordinary institution it is.
Ryan Middagh
It has been a tremendous learning experience to serve as Executive & Artistic Director of the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Since joining the organization in February 2024, NJW has made meaningful and measurable progress across many areas, including programming, professional standards, staff development, audience cultivation, scholarship support, and the organization’s overall financial outlook.
One major milestone was the launch of the inaugural Nashville Jazz Festival last October—an effort that represented the culmination of more than 18 months of focused work to reimagine and strengthen NJW’s artistic identity and public presence.
From the outset, my goal was not to remain in this role long term, but rather to help stabilize the organization and guide it through a period of necessary financial and artistic transition. I am proud of the strides NJW has made and deeply grateful for the dedication of the team who made this progress possible.
NJW is exceptionally well positioned for its next chapter. Max Abrams brings outstanding vision and leadership as the new Executive & Artistic Director, and I am confident he will continue to build on this momentum. With Ryan Middagh recently elected as Board President, the organization benefits from a strong and thoughtful leadership team poised to carry the Workshop forward.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this organization and the city of Nashville. I look forward to continuing to support NJW and the broader Nashville jazz community in the years ahead.
David Rodgers
