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 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

  • David Rodgers

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

  • Jeri West

    OFFICE MANAGER

  • David Watterson

    DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

  • Charlie Reid

    DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS

  • Abigail Flowers

    HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

    ASSISTANT PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Board of Directors

Dr. Gary Smith | President: Family Practice Physician

Eileen Beehan | Vice-President: Retired, Catholic Charities

Andrew Reid | Treasurer: Partner, LBMC Investment Advisors

Angela Playle | Secretary: Attorney

Brook Babcock: President, Van Heusen Music

Tom Galagano: Finance, LBMC Investment Advisors

Aaron Glass: Edward Jones

Melissa Hanson: Lead Learning Consultant, CAT Financial

Henry Ingram: Middle School Teacher, Episcopal School of Nashville

Sheyla Paz Hicks: Sheyla Adventure Travel

Lauren Colleen Sublett: Creative Director, Music City Muse; Owner, Music City Health Advisors

Bzur Haun

Emeritus Board Members

Beegie Adair*
Kirk Whalum
Richard Griffin
Maxx Myrick
Skip Lawrence
Gary Wilson
Dr. Veronica Gunn
Chris Hugan
Connye Florance
Sandra Dudley
Rob Gordon
Bill Ivey
Adam Liff
Chester Thompson
Bill Holden
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

* In our hearts forever (1937-2022)
Founding Board Member

Lori Mechem, Founder

Special Consultants

I.T. Consultant
Greg Breal

Senior Advisor
Larry Seeman

Graphic Design
Brian Parker

Web Design
Carlos Ruiz

Roger Spencer, Founder