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
GSA JAZZ NIGHTS
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 2026-27 Season Line-up to be announced soon!
MEDITATIONS
SUNDAYS AT 3 PM EASTERN
Need a little quiet? Join Justin's weekly live stream, unhurried and unscripted.
KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON
"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
"Your sound is you and what you really feel inside" CLARK TERRY
JAZZ AMBASSADORSHIP
Justin Kauflin merges top-tier performances with personal storytelling. As a faculty member at the Governor's School for the Arts and a U.S. Department of State Jazz Ambassador, he has conducted clinics worldwide. His deep connection to jazz stems from learning and performing with esteemed musicians, highlighting the importance of mentorship and human connection in jazz.
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
SCHEDULING
To inquire about clinics or residencies, contact Justin directly at justin.kauflin@gmail.com or reach out through the Contact page.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My approach is built on three pillars:
Disciplined Craft: Rigorous training in technique and harmony fosters creativity, as Quincy Jones said, "you gotta practice, you gotta put the left-brain work in."
Authentic Voice: Technical skills should serve personal expression, encouraging students to use their experiences for original musical storytelling.
Resilience: Having lost my sight at 11, I view obstacles as valuable teachers helping students see challenges as growth opportunities.
WHAT JUSTIN OFFERS
JAZZ WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
Interactive sessions on jazz improvisation, jazz vocabulary, ear training, technique, and performance practice
KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON SCREENING
Community and school screenings of the award-winning documentary -- followed by Q&A and workshops
STUDENT JAM SESSIONS
Hands-on playing experience with Justin alongside your students, putting 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 produces a free jazz concert series at The Governor's School for the Arts.
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, 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.