Upcoming Shows
Meditations
SUNDAYS at 3 PM Eastern
Need a little quiet? Join Justin's weekly live stream, unhurried and unscripted.
Sunday Meditations
Jazz Nights at GSA
Justin Kauflin . Thomas Fonnesbaek . Michael Hawkins & the Brotherhood . Jae Sinnett . Terry Burrell . John Toomey . Liz & Brydge . Alan Parker . Eddie Williams . Jeff Smith . Jimmy Masters . Corey Fonville . Chris Brydge . Billy Williams . Andrew Randazzo .
FREE JAZZ CONCERTS
Jazz Nights at GSA, produced by Justin Kauflin, is a free concert series showcasing exceptional jazz from local and international artists at the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, offering an intimate experience for students and the community.
The 2026-27 Season Line-up to be announced soon!
Education
Justin Kauflin, a U.S. Department of State Jazz Ambassador and faculty member at the Governor's School for the Arts, combines performances with personal storytelling. His deep connections to jazz emphasizes the significance of mentorship and human connection in the genre.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My approach rests on three pillars:
1. Disciplined Craft: Rigorous technique training enhances creativity, as Quincy Jones noted, "you gotta practice, you gotta put the left-brain work in."
2. Authentic Voice: Technical skills should empower personal expression, enabling original musical storytelling.
3. Resilience: Losing my sight at 11 taught me to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
CLINIC TESTIMONIALS
"They made our band room seem like the center of the jazz universe in those 90 minutes." -VCU Jazz
"Justin is a natural teacher - with his honesty, sensitivity, temperament and ability to inspire." -GSA Jazz
"An artist like Justin, who is only a few years older than the students - has a particular resonance" -TRINITY EPISCOPALIB Music
"Your sound is you and what you really feel inside" CLARK TERRY
Outreach
SCHEDULING
For inquiries about screenings, clinics, or residencies email Justin directly or via the Contact page.
Advocacy
"Being blind is only a part of who we are. It should never be something that defines us" -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.
Accessibility
RESOURCE LINKS
Seeing AI - A visual assistant for the blind. Free
Apple iPhone - free voiceover feature
Be My Eyes - free app that connects users to volunteers worldwide.
The Seeing Eye - Harnessing Freedom Video
Native Instruments - Accessibility for Komplete Kontrol software users.
VA Dept. Blind & Visually Impaired - (DBVI) provides services for employment, education & independence.
Dancing Dots Technology - Technology and training for blind musicians.
AVID Music Notation - Sibelius Tutorial for blind composers
National Library Service- (NLS) offers large-print & brailled scores. Free
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