Education & Mentorship

Workshops & Programs

Jazz Education for Everyone

Our workshops bring professional jazz musicians into schools, community centers, and colleges in the greater New York region and beyond. We meet students where they are — whether they have not played much with others, or they are already playing in an ensemble.

CCC Ensemble

Our flagship mentorship program pairs professional jazz musicians with advanced student players for a full season of rehearsals, culminating in a public performance.

Intermediate–Advanced · Inquire about participating · Year-Round

Community Workshops

Open workshops for adult learners and jazz enthusiasts of all backgrounds. Some experience necessary — just a love of the music and a desire to learn.

All ages · Some experience necessary · Year-round

College Programs

Workshops and masterclasses designed for college-level jazz students, connecting them with working professionals and the broader jazz tradition.

College level · greater New York region campuses

Coming Soon

School Residence

A one-day or multi-day in-school program where professional jazz musicians work directly with students — demonstrating, performing, and teaching the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and history.

Middle School–College · All instruments · greater New York region

Spotlight Program

The CCC Ensemble

The CCC Ensemble performing on stage

The CCC Ensemble is the heart of our education mission. Year round, a group of advanced student musicians is selected to work alongside professional jazz artists in a structured mentorship ensemble that performs at Jazz at Ray Blue Way.

01

Register

Sign up for the program — students submit recordings and are selected by our artistic panel based on musicianship and readiness.

02

Workshops

Participants rehearse weekly alongside professional musicians, learning repertoire, ear training, and improvisation.

03

Performances

The ensemble performs live at various community locations — a formative onstage experience for every musician involved.

"Every student who plays in the CCC Ensemble walks away understanding something that can't be taught in a classroom — that jazz is a conversation, and everyone has something to say."

— Ray Blue, Founder

Inquire About Participating

Bring Jazz to Your Community

We work with schools, community organizations, and colleges to bring jazz education directly to your students. Programs can be tailored to your curriculum, grade level, and available time. Contact our workshop leaders directly to discuss your needs and get a custom price quote.

Grades Middle School, High School, and College
Format Single visit or multi-day residency
Cost Custom price quote — contact us to discuss
Area Greater New York region and beyond
Jeff Barone

Workshop Leader

Jeff Barone

Jazz guitarist, educator, and workshop director.

(917) 328-5082
jeffbaroneguitar@gmail.com

Inquire with Jeff →
Joe Vincent Tranchina

Workshop Co-Leader

Joe Vincent Tranchina

Pianist, composer, and featured workshop clinician.

Inquire with Joe →

Still Going Strong

A Recent Gathering

December 2025 — musicians of all ages came together at BeanRunner Café for an evening of holiday jazz, proof that the workshops, the mentorship, and the music are very much alive.

Musicians performing together at the December 2025 holiday gathering

Students and professionals sharing the stage at BeanRunner Café.

The full group at the December 2025 holiday gathering

The whole ensemble together after a night of holiday jazz.

Join the Series

Inquire About Workshops

Ongoing Jazz Workshops · Peekskill, NY

Join our Jazz Workshop Series, where musicians of all ages and backgrounds can elevate their jazz skills and performance. Led by experienced professionals, these workshops are perfect for high school and college students, as well as adult musicians eager to deepen their understanding of jazz.

Enjoy personalized guidance in a collaborative setting, and connect with fellow jazz enthusiasts while participating in dynamic masterclasses and improvisation sessions. Developed by the award-winning saxophonist Ray Blue, this series promises an enriching experience with exceptional jazz artists and professional clinicians Jeff Barone, Joe Vincent Tranchina and others.

Instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. Don't miss out on this opportunity for growth and connection!

When Once a month, every third Thursday, starting Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6–8 PM
Where BeanRunner Cafe, 201 South Division St. & Esther St. / Ray Blue Way, Peekskill, NY 10566
Cost $10 / students under 18 · $30 / adults per session

Inquire About Workshops

Next session: Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 6–8 PM

To inquire about joining a workshop or ask any questions, contact our workshop leaders directly — we'd love to hear from you.

Jeff Barone

Jeff Barone

Workshop Leader

(917) 328-5082 jeffbaroneguitar@gmail.com
Joe Vincent Tranchina

Joe Vincent Tranchina

Workshop Co-Leader

cccjazzinfo@gmail.com
Inquire About Workshops →