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Below is our recent interview with Marco Chelo, Co-Founder and Director at New York Jazz Workshop:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to your company?
A: Founded by Marc Mommaas and Marco Chelo in 2008, The New York Jazz Workshop is a community-based music school for students of all ages. We are located in Midtown Manhattan near Times Square and offer a wide range of in-person and online music programming.
Q: Any highlights on your recent announcement?
A: After a terrible year with the pandemic stopping almost all artistic activities (with the exception of online classes and concerts) we are ecstatic to reopen our location in Midtown Manhattan for our music education programs.
Q: Can you give us more insights into your offering?
A: During the summer months we offer two types of programs: one specifically for adults and one for young musicians between the ages of 12-6 years old. Programs include instrument-specific courses (piano, guitar, vocal, rhythm) as well as ensemble classes such as jazz improvisation, and Brazilian music.
Q: What can we expect from your company in the next 6 months? What are your plans?
A: We are planning to further develop and offer Teambuilding and Leadership Development workshops to corporations that are based on jazz music. Our leadership programs have already had success with companies like General Electric, Thompson Reuters, and Blackboard. This teambuilding programs include themed segments such as “Leadership Styles in Jazz” (describing the leadership methods of famous band leaders from Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis), “Finding Your Own Voice,” and the importance of rhythm and communication within organizations.
Q: What is the best thing about your company that people might not know about?
A: Our excellent faculty features internationally renowned musicians who are not just educators but incredible performers. Many of our teachers hold positions in prestigious conservatories like Juilliard, the New School, and Manhattan School of Music.
