International Association for Jazz Education (Australasia)

Founded in the United States in 1968 as the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE), the organization formally changed its name to the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) in 1989 to more accurately reflect its membership base and global commitment to jazz education. Presently, active memberships total upwards of 11,000 teachers, musicians, students, music industry representatives, and enthusiasts in 45 countries.

IAJE Australasia represents members throughout Asia, Oceania, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently there are busy IAJE units in the Australian states of New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria. Throughout the rest of the Australasia Section we have active members in many countries, including China, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, New Zealand, and Kazakhstan. Members work together to establish programs at a local level to address the needs of their own communities. As part of IAJE they are able to draw on the experience, support and other benefits of a vast international network of colleagues. By working together we are able to achieve far more to develop and promote the jazz music we love than individuals can working in isolation.

The Australasian Board Representative, Saul Richardson, is available to advocate for the needs and concerns of Australasian members to the IAJE Executive Board.

Mission Statement

The mission of the International Association for Jazz Education is to assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education. As a means of advancing its mission, the International Association for Jazz Education initiates programs which nurture and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage; provide leadership to educators regarding curricula, aesthetics, and performance; assists teachers and practitioners with information and resources; and takes an active part in organising clinics, festivals and symposia at local, regional, national and international levels.

The International Association for Jazz Education also promotes the application of jazz principals in music materials and methods at all levels of education, communicates information to all segments of the public including artists, educators, students, enthusiasts, the music industry, and the general public and encourages education which provides knowledge, skills, and materials vital to a career in jazz. Further, the International Association for Jazz Education encourages research, provides financial assistance, and advocates for jazz in all appropriate forums, thereby building a larger group of both audience and artists.