GSA JAZZ NIGHTS
Justin Kauflin . Thomas Fonnesbaek . Michael Hawkins & the Brotherhood . Jae Sinnett . Terry Burrell . John Toomey . Liz & Brydge . Alan Parker . Eddie Wiiliams . Jeff Smith . Jimmy Masters . Corey Fonville . Chris Brydge . Billy Williams . Andrew Randazzo
"Besides loving teaching, Justin Kauflin is very passionate about helping our local jazz scene realize its full potential" -VEER MAGAZINE
FREE JAZZ CONCERTS
Jazz Nights at GSA, organized & produced by Justin Kauflin, is a free concert series that brings exceptional jazz to the Hampton Roads community. Featuring local and international artists, it takes place at the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk providing an intimate musical experience for students and the community.
The 2025-26 Season has come to an end. Thank you for supporting live jazz!
MEDITATIONS
SUNDAYS AT 3 PM EASTERN
Need a little quiet? Join Justin's weekly live stream, unhurried and unscripted.
JAZZ EDUCATION
"Your sound is you and what you really feel inside" CLARK TERRY
"The film is an examination of the pursuit of greatness. It is a grueling and demanding endeavor, for sure, but also a source of unending joy"
A.O. SCOTT, NEW YORK TIMES
JAZZ AMBASSADORSHIP
Justin Kauflin combines world-class performance and personal storytelling in his educational sessions. As a faculty member at the Governor's School for the Arts and a U.S. Department of State Jazz Ambassador, he has led clinics and master classes for students of all levels nationwide and internationally. His direct connection to jazz's tradition comes from studying under renowned musicians, emphasizing mentorship, listening, and the human connection that jazz embodies.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My approach rests on three pillars: Disciplined Craft, Authentic Voice, and Resilience.
Disciplined Craft: Rigorous technical and harmonic training — voicings, comping, reharmonization, transcription — frees the creative mind. As Quincy Jones noted: "you gotta practice, you gotta put the left-brain work in."
Authentic Voice: Technical skill matters only when placed in service of personal expression, encouraging students to draw on their own experiences as the raw material for musical storytelling — producing original voices, not imitators.
Resilience: Having lost my sight at age 11 and built a career on the world stage, I understand that the greatest obstacles can become the greatest teachers. That perspective is brought into every session, helping students reframe challenges as opportunities for growth.
SCHEDULING & AVAILABILITY
Justin is based in Norfolk, Virginia and available for educational engagements throughout the academic year, with the most flexibility for travel and extended residencies during summer and school holiday breaks.
To inquire about clinics or residencies, contact Justin directly at justin.kauflin@gmail.com or reach out through the Contact page.
WHAT JUSTIN OFFERS
JAZZ WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
Interactive sessions on jazz improvisation, jazz vocabulary, ear training, technique, and performance practice - tailored to your ensembles levels and goals
KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON SCREENING
Community and school screenings of the Tribeca award-winning, Oscar short-listed documentary -- followed by a Q&A and jazz workshops
STUDENT JAM SESSIONS
Hands-on playing experience with Justin alongside your students, putting the lessons into immediate practice
SCHOOL RESIDENCIES
Multi-day visits that go deeper - combining coaching, performance, and conversation about life as a working jazz musician.
JAZZ CONCERT SERIES
Justin curates and produces a jazz concert series at The Governor's School for the Arts - free of charge
TESTIMONIALS
"They made our band room seem like the center of the jazz universe in those 90 minutes." -ANTONIO GARCIA,Director, VCU Jazz
"Justin is a natural teacher - with his honesty, sensitivity, temperament and ability to inspire." -LIZ BARNES, Director, GSA Jazz
"An artist like Justin, who is only a few years older than the students - has a particular resonance" -TRINITY EPISCOPAL SCHOOL,IB Music Director
AWARENESS & ADVOCACY
"Being blind is only a PART of who we are. It should never be something that defines you." JK
Justin lost his sight at the age of eleven but went on to graduate summa cum laude in high school & University, tour with Quincy Jones, and score a documentary that was shortlisted for an Oscar. As a Kennedy Center Access/VSA International Young Soloist Award recipient, he advocates for accessible music technology for blind and visually impaired musicians and producers, including Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol and Microsoft's Seeing AI.
RESOURCE LINKS
Seeing AI - A visual assistant for the blind, utilizing AI to audibly narrate the world. Free
Apple iPhone - free voiceover feature
Be My Eyes - free app that connects users to volunteers and companies worldwide.
The Seeing Eye - Harnessing Freedom Video
Native Instruments - Accessibility guide for Komplete Kontrol software users.
VA Dept. Blind & Visually Impaired - (DBVI) provides services and resources for employment, education & independence.
Dancing Dots Technology - Technology and training for blind musicians.
AVID Music Notation - Sibelius Tutorial for screen reader users.
National Library Service- (NLS) offers a catalog of large-print & brailled scores and books.
NLS Conversation with Justin - Video
Audible Books - Stories brought to life by captivating voices.
HR Paratransit - Hampton Roads transportation solutions
RayBan Meta Glasses - AI glasses that blend cutting-edge technology with iconic style.