About TJAO

Our Program

Established in 2021, the Toronto Jazz Academy provides a vibrant space for students who love playing and learning about the great traditions of jazz music.

Under the guidance of our passionate faculty, students focus on instrument fundamentals, ensemble skills, improvisation, and music theory.

We currently offer three programs:

Toronto Jazz Academy Orchestra (TJAO): An auditioned group for high school musicians seeking advanced training and performing experience.
TJAO Junior Jazz Program: For students in grades 7-11, this program offers a supportive environment to play jazz, develop fundamentals, learn improvisation, receive high-quality instruction, and perform with like-minded peers.
TJAO North: An auditioned group for advanced high school students in Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, and Aurora.

We believe that studying music helps develop essential skills in children, including creativity, memory, focus, and fosters happy, motivated learners.

Throughout the year, students also have the opportunity to attend masterclasses with TJAO faculty members, gaining additional insight and inspiration from experienced musicians.

Musical Director

Jules Estrin

Music Director for the Toronto Jazz Academy Orchestra Jules Estrin maintains a busy schedule giving master classes, lectures and clinics on band and jazz band pedagogy. He has recently presented at the Ontario Band Association, Ontario Music Educators Conference, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Sir Wilfred Laurier University, Toronto District School Board, Peel District School Board, Halton District School Board and has adjudicated at the Brandon Jazz Festival in (Brandon, Manitoba), Optimist Band Festival (Regina, Saskatchewan), West Coast Jazz Festival (Nanaimo, British Columbia) Golden Horseshoe Festival (Ancaster, Ontario) and many more.

Recently Jules has been appointed Musical Director (Canada) of the Canada Cuba Summer Jazz Academy to be held in Varadero, Cuba from July 1st-8th, 2025!

As a trombonist Jules Estrin has appeared with many internationally renowned entertainers and musicians including: Clark Terry, Paul Anka, Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, Ralph Bowen, Don Menza, Rob McConnell, Moe Koffman, Matt Dusk, Kenny Wheeler and PJ Perry. Jules has performed internationally in France, Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States and at jazz festivals across Canada.

As Musical Director of the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band program the group performed with legendary jazz artists Randy Brecker, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lew Tabackin, Tom Scott, Wycliffe Gordon, Joey DeFranceso, PJ Perry and Guido Basso. In 2010 the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band opened for Al Jarreau at the Brantford International Jazz Festival.

Since 2019 Jules has been serving as Jazz Camp Director at Interprovincial Music Camp and has enjoys working with all the campers and the incredible faculty!

Jules is a graduate of McGill University and University of Toronto holding a BMus & MMus.

Bucky Pizzarelli

Joey Defrancesco

Clark Terry

PJ Perry

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