I’m writing today to share that after more than a year and a half of leading the California Jazz Conservatory (CJC), I will be stepping down from my role as President, effective May 31, 2025.

As you may already know, the primary foundation of my 35+-year career in jazz has been as a record producer. After more than a year and a half in nonprofit leadership, I intend to refocus my time and energy on my endeavors as a jazz record producer/consultant. 

This decision comes after much reflection, and it’s one I’ve made with deep respect for the organization and the extraordinary people who give it life—our motivated students, inspiring faculty, hardworking staff, dedicated board of directors, and generous supporters.

It has been an incredible honor to lead this institution and to serve a community so deeply passionate about jazz and education. The work we’ve done together during challenging times has been meaningful and significant, and I leave confident in the strength and spirit of CJC and those who carry it forward.

Over the past year and a half, we have navigated formidable and complex changes to help ensure the organization’s sustainability while continuing to expand our reach and impact. We are all excited about continuing that impact with our upcoming Summer and Fall sessions!

So far this year, we’ve already served over 1,300 students through:

• An organization refocused on its mission as a community-serving Jazzschool, with increased enrollment close to pre-pandemic levels
• An increase in fundraising activity and reach, culminating in the generous Jennifer Maxwell matching grant challenge
• Weekly classes and ensembles led by working jazz professionals
• Workshops and masterclasses with renowned artists
• Our Jazzschool Jazz Jams at Jupiter series, which provides free weekly jam session opportunities for students of all levels 
• Our Jazzschool in the Schools program, offering free clinics in Bay Area middle and high schools
• Tuition assistance and scholarships to ensure no student is turned away for financial reasons
• A thriving community of artists, educators, and music lovers 

I hope you continue to support our Jazzschool-focused organization and all it represents. Your belief in this institution and its future makes a difference—now more than ever.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Nick Phillips
President
California Jazz Conservatory/The Jazzschool

AND AN UPDATE FROM THE CALIFORNIA JAZZ CONSERVATORY CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

On behalf of the CJC’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank Nick for his outstanding leadership this last year and a half as President of the California Jazz Conservatory, following the retirement of our founder, Susan Muscarella. 

In a difficult environment for non-profits, especially for education, music and the performing arts, Nick has navigated the organization through an important re-focus on the Jazzschool community music school with great skill and with utmost care for the student experience. All of us at the CJC thank Nick, with a special shout-out to our exceptional staff and faculty, for their tireless effort and dedication to all that they do for the community we serve.  

The seasoned senior staff are completely focused on the continued growth of the Jazzschool. With a 28-year pedigree, our enrollment in youth and adult programs continues to trend upwards to pre-pandemic levels. This year we have served more than 1,300 students. In addition, CJC has been re-energized by the centralization of operations in our original 2087 Addison Street location, also thanks in large part to the hard work of Nick and our dedicated staff.

Again, I would like to thank Nick for his enormous time, effort, dedication, and drive. We wish him well as he returns to his love of record producing.

Looking to the future, the Board is working to identify a new leader for the organization. In the meantime, the Executive Committee of the Board will play an active role in providing leadership to senior staff until a new leader is in place to ensure momentum continues to help us reach our current year goals: updating our Mission and Vision, growing community outreach and visibility, and fundraising to complete the Jennifer Maxwell match challenge. 

As you “play a key part” in the CJC community, we deeply appreciate your continued generous support. We could not have achieved all that we have or secure our future without you. I look forward to updating you on our progress.

Sincerely,

Gordon C. Brooks
Chairperson, Board of Directors
California Jazz Conservatory