Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to begin partnership with UCLA in 2012 | Culture Monster | Los Angeles Times

In a move that could represent a new high-water mark for jazz education in Los Angeles, UCLA will announce Wednesday that it is forming a new partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at its Herb Alpert School of Music. In an effort facilitated by Alpert along with institute Chairman Herbie Hancock and Kenny Burrell (who is director of jazz studies at UCLA), the program will create a new master's of music in jazz degree at UCLA beginning in fall 2012.

"I think that we have probably the best situation for the institute and also vice versa," Burrell said by phone between classes in Westwood (Burrell and Alpert also serve on the institute's advisory board.) "I think that UCLA, especially with the new development of the Herb Alpert School of Music, we’re in a good position for growth right now."

A nonprofit organization dedicated to jazz education that offers full scholarships to its students, the Thelonious Monk Institute has fostered a wealth of up-and-coming jazz talent, including winners of the institute's international jazz competition Ambrose Akinmusire, Gretchen Parlato and Jon Irabagon. The announcement marks a high-profile return to L.A. for the institute, which was part of USC's Thornton School of Music for eight years before relocating to New Orleans in 2007.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com