Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC)

Located on the topmost floor of Gyanodaya College, Jhamsikhel, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory is a music school known popularly as KJC. An appreciated and played flamenco from early age, Mariano Abello found his way to Nepal from Spain few years ago and here, he met two other noted Nepali musicians, Nirakar Yakthumba and Manoj KC. Together, they shared the passion for jazz and decided to open a jazz conservatory that consisted of the faculty of professional players and educators from abroad as well as great Nepali music bands like Cadenza, Stupa and 1974 AD.



Established with a major focus of teaching Nepali people the core of music and jazz, they attempt to provide opportunities to the talents that are here in Nepal, hidden due to lack of opportunities. Each practice room provided for a separate set of instruments is sound proof and the school also has rooms for vocal training, group practice, music hall with seating capacity of 200 people, music library, fully functional and well equipped recording studio for commercial recording as well as to learn the art of recording and the principal’s office.

kjc

Designed for making the students competitive musicians in Nepal as well as in other parts of the world, the curriculum taught at KJC is same as the curriculum taught by Mariano at Florida Atlantic University in the USA. The course provides two or three year diplomas to the students through theory and practical classes. Anyone, starting from age three, of any musical ability can join the school as a student and the students are organized into ensembles so that they could gain proficiency in ensemble playing and improvisation.  Saxophones, flutes, clarinets, guitars, drums, pianos, etc. are some of the instruments to choose from along with ensembles of jazz, blues, funk, rock and classical.

Their goal, at the school, is to create a unique atmosphere for music students in Nepal to socialize and meet other musicians, however, to achieve this goal, dedication from the students is essential. The school allows the registered students to practice as long as they want provided that they maintain the facilities in good condition and not loiter around aimlessly. Kathmandu jazz conservatory aims to create a space for music lovers and learners, to teach music and to nurture talents that are beginning to blossom in Nepal.