Dave Klein Jazz seeks to inspire and educate music students of all ages through individual, group, and online instruction. By focusing on Jazz and basic improvisation, students learn to listen to themselves and others around them. Creativity and self-expression plays a major role in jazz music and helps develop the confidence to perform with or in front of others.

Founded in 2010, the organization serves the greater Washington D.C. area. Weekly private lessons are administered by Dave Klein and a network of other inspiring private teachers in the area.

There exists a great need in the area we serve, as well as all over the world, for cost effective methods of musical and creative development, especially for youth. Those who can afford private music tutoring tend to excel much more rapidly than those who cannot afford it or chose to rely on the school system's musical education process. In addition to continuing to grow and serve more of the D.C. area, Dave Klein Jazz seeks funding to develop online resources for music students all over the world to use. Specifically, we are currently developing a website for assisting students with one of the most difficult aspects of jazz improvisation: following the chord changes while the song is playing in the background and deciding which notes to play. This and other tools are meant to be much cheaper than private music instruction, thereby increasing global access to music education resources.

Problem

People all around the world seek ways to express themselves through some creative outlet. However, many don't have the tools, resources, or education to express themselves through music. The current environment allows for basic exposure to music for most, but real appreciation and understanding of how to make your own music is left to the very privileged few who can afford private instruction. Overall mental health and development can be improved dramatically through self-expression and musical exploration.

Solution

Our solution is to provide for-profit private music education in well funded areas of Washington D.C and other major U.S. cities. The profits and resources gained from these activities, as well as from donations and investors, will be used to develop online and other resources targeting those who want exposure to making music but don't have the money or the first clue on how to start. The goal is to work internationally in developing and rural areas to prove that musical education can have a dramatically positive impact on personal and community development. The innovative aspect of our model is to focus on the side of music that fosters creativity and self-confidence, as well as critical thinking and mental development. Many music educators today are so overwhelmed with trying to get 50-100 students to perform together in unison that they cannot focus on the needs of each musician. Online and mobile applications can be a excellent tools to spread music teachers all over the world digitally, so that individual musicians, rich or poor, can have the proper resources to grow effectively.

Example

A private music teacher in Washington dc establishes a profitable teaching base of students. Works with each one individually and in groups. Raises awareness for a specific community where music education resources are lacking. Sends some physical materials to the area (used instruments and supplies, music books, etc.) Works through online platform to follow up with new students and ensure they are progressing well.

Marketplace

Competitors could include music teachers and organizations such as Music & Arts, who seek to expand their private teaching business without adding resources for underprivileged students around the world. This could drive down our profits and make it more difficult to gain access to profitable students and communities. Other competitors include music software and education companies, which mass produce education materials without regard to serving the needs of communities that lack music education programs. These organizations could make it difficult for us to grow and gain enough exposure in the U.S. Our products need to be competitive with theirs. However, if we were able to secure some sort of partnership with an already existing company, like Jamey Aebersold Jazz for example, this could help fuel or growth and exposure tremendously.