Founded in the United States in 1968 as the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE), the organization formally changed its name to the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) in 1989 and the International Association for Jazz Education in 2001 to more accurately reflect its membership base and global commitment to jazz education. Active memberships totaled upwards of 8,000 teachers, musicians, students, music industry representatives, and enthusiasts in 35 countries. IAJE's mission was to assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education.

On April 18, 2008 Chuck Owen, President of the International Association for Jazz Education, sent members a broadcast e-mail that "the IAJE Board has voted to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Law.... A Kansas bankruptcy court will appoint a trustee to oversee all ongoing aspects of the association.... IAJE as it presently stands will no longer exist." Owen attributed its collapse to "years of dependence upon the conference as a primary (but unreliable) revenue stream and the launch of a well-intentioned capital campaign (the Campaign for Jazz), which generated a meager response but required considerable expenditures in advance of contributions.... Sadly, the attendance at the conference in Toronto (the lowest in 10 years) exacerbated an already critical situation.... The 2009 IAJE International Conference in Seattle has been cancelled." Jazz education has benefited profusely from IAJE's advocacy, initiatives, and conferences for many of its 40 years; and its downfall is a tragic blow to collective advocacy for jazz and its education.

 

"We acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Antonio García, whose indefatigable efforts raised the bar for quality and made the Journal an internationally respected periodical."
Bill McFarlin, IAJE Executive Director, International Association for Jazz Education

Antonio García served as Editor of the International Association for Jazz Education Jazz Education Journal from July 1993 through June 2003. This page is left on this site as a reference from that period.

"Tony García was editor of the International Association of Educators (IAJE) Journal, which under his stewardship became a first-class educational magazine."
David Liebman, jazz saxophonist, founder and artistic director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz, in "Virtual Clinic" within Intervals, Vol. 12, No. 1, January 2004

The JEJ is one of the primary resources for IAJE members (with an estimated readership of 28,000); and his ongoing goal was to maintain and improve the quality of its content and its pertinence to its readers. To that end, he had overseen the editoral review of hundreds of submitted manuscripts and directed those accepted through to their publication.

"...a bible for music teachers in North America..."
Chicago Tribune

The New Trier High School (IL) Jazz Ensemble I.

Photo credit: Phil Smith

As Editor, he served in a relay between the IAJE Resource Team and the readers at large: he relied on the Team to provide him with important topics, original potential articles, referrals to other member-authors, and evaluations of various manuscripts that were to be considered for publication. At the same time, he independently searched the membership for contributing authors and worthy topics, offered feedback as to potential manuscripts, and edited the material that was accepted for publication in the September, November, March, and May issues of the JEJ.

 

"I want to offer my sincerest congratulations on the superb job you and your staff are doing with the Jazz Educators Journal.... The JEJ is the main avenue of communication for those unlucky jazzers that are not able to get to the IAJE Convention. Keep up the superb work.... I look forward to many more superb journals
in the future."
Peter B. Stigings, Chair, Fine Arts Department, Magee Secondary School; Lecturer, Music Education Department, University of British Columbia, Canada;
Past Canadian Board Representative,
International Association of Jazz Educators

 

ARTICLE ARCHIVE

García has received permission over the years from individual authors and from IAJE to reproduce the content of a number of Jazz Education Journal articles here on his web site for the educational purposes of his visitors. A listing is shown below of past JEJ articles which eventually will be viewable on this site. Given the demise of IAJE and the importance of these articles, this online resource is uniquely available from this web page. This page will be under construction for some time, with gradual additions of article contents.

"Thank you for serving on the IAJE Resource Team during my term.... On behalf of the Executive Board and the International Staff, please accept my heartfelt thanks for a job well done. As IAJE continues to expand its mission as a leader in the preservation and promotion of jazz through education and outreach, please know that you have made a difference through your unselfish service."
David Baker, President,
International Association for Jazz Education

 

"Your article about New Orleans is breathtaking, heartbreaking and hope-making. So deep. I have a mailing list of friends who are specifically concerned with helping NOLA. Do you have an electronic version of it and if so, would you mind sending it to me so I can share it?"
Kitty Margolis, Jazz Vocalist

"Your interview with Wynton Marsalis was one of the most truthful, informative, and well-written interviews ever published."
Laura Johnson, Education Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center

"Antonio García's excellent article Thematic Dissonance offers several very basic approaches to melodic chromaticism."
David Liebman

 

Writing for the IAJE Jazz Education Journal

Each January Antonio García presented a workshop at the IAJE Conference for interested potential authors. This information may be a useful perspective even for authors looking to write for other periodicals.

The Journal is looking for prospective authors who will submit high-quality manuscripts for potential publication! Now may be the best time to send them: about 80% of recent JEJ authors were publishing their first IAJE Journal article, with most accepted articles published within a year. If you're interested, read on to find author guidelines, potential article topics, and the JEJ review process as it existed during García's tenure (with some revisions already noted below).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

—What is the typical turn-around time?

IAJE is doing its very best to process your manuscripts as promptly as possible. Through the generous cooperation of many IAJE Resource Team members and other professionals who volunteer their time and expertise, potential articles are examined very promptly—at a response rate comparing quite favorably with publications with larger staff. IAJE can't guarantee a fast turn-around but often delivers one. In addition to the print version of the JEJ, IAJE now offers its online version as well—meaning some of the articles are also published speedily world-wide on the Internet.

 

—How many manuscripts actually become published articles?

Many people assume that their own manuscript will have little chance of being accepted—and other authors are sure that the article couldn't possibly be turned down. The truth lies in between: nearly half the submissions are currently being accepted for publication. Don't those odds sound reasonable? Give it your best shot—and IAJE will do the same.

 

—How long is the wait from submission to publication?

If your article is accepted, the Journal is likely to publish it sooner rather than later. That's because it needs material right now—good material of interest to JEJ readers. Sometimes IAJE solicits an article from someone, not just because there's space but because there's a hot topic or person on which it can focus. Such an article might become the cover feature of a particular issue. To keep a solicited article current, it often must be published very promptly.

But unsolicited articles may be published quickly, too. Take advantage of this avenue for publication!

 

—What might a good topic be?

IAJE is looking for material concerning all aspects of jazz education: improvisation, composition and arranging, pedagogy, history, theory... children's jazz, technology, artist profiles, overseas jazz education... resources, advocacy, viewpoints, transcribed solos, and so much more. Print interviews are welcome; but only on a limited basis (as IAJE attempts to publish only one per issue). Manuscripts from women, minority, and student members are especially welcome, as the Journal would like to provide proper exposure for the best works offered by the entire membership. If you have questions or concerns about JEJ interest in your potential topic, feel free to contact the current Editor in advance for an opinion.

 

—What if my article is not accepted?

(top) Darius Brubeck, left, with members of the Natal University Jazz Connection.

(middle) Students outside the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of Natal.

(bottom) The NU Voices, South Africa's first University vocal jazz ensemble.

Photo credit: Ted Brien

IAJE is aware of the time and effort that goes into creating a manuscript and wishes to assist you in any way it can. If a submitted article is not accepted, the Editor will offer any constructive suggestions detailed by the reviewers. (Often the reasons are among those described within the "Guidelines" below.) Should you wish to incorporate that advice and re-structure your article, you can do so. Such revision sometimes leads to publication of the revised manuscript. For best initial results you should proof-read your article carefully: read it aloud to yourself to find misspellings and poor sentence structures. These can interrupt a reviewer's understanding of your content, creating negative first impressions!

 

—Who actually assembles each issue of the Journal?

The new Editor, Dr. les Sabina, facilitates and edits all of the "lead articles" featured in the central portion of the JEJ plus final edits of the columns. Jon Metzger is Associate Editor, facilitating all regular columns. Sandy Nelson is Director of Publications, identifying the content of the "IAJE News" and "What's Going On" portions of the Journal, managing its day-to-day details, and serving as Guest Editor for all "lead articles" and Conference information in the January issue. Karen Mayse is Advertising Coordinator, handling all ad placements. Dana Smith serves as Art Director, effecting the layout and final "look" of the Journal at Ag Press.

"A special thanks and acknowledgement to Antonio García of Virginia Commonwealth University for his tireless efforts in getting us back and 'up and running.' He and several other IAJE-VA members got together at last year's convention in Long Beach, California and, with the support of other IAJE officers, revitalized the interest in our Unit. Tony officiated over the election of officers and set the plan in motion to get us going again. Thank you, Antonio!"
Dave Detwiler, IAJE–VA President

 

Guidelines for Contributing Authors

Approximately 80% of recent JEJ authors were publishing their first IAJE Journal article. How about YOU?

The Jazz Education Journal welcomes manuscripts concerning all aspects of jazz education. IAJE is not generally interested in articles simultaneously submitted to other publications; however, if you have authored appropriate material that has been released in a publication of limited distribution, you may submit it for reprint consideration. It is not IAJE's policy to pay JEJ authors.

ASSISTANCE
The JEJ Editor is willing to assist your developing a manuscript. Seek input via any or all of the following by mail or fax to the JEJ Editor:

Any of these steps may allow you to proceed with greater confidence toward publication. Or you may simply send in your completed manuscript for consideration; please review the following editorial guidelines and policies.

STYLE AND LENGTH
Carefully constructing and tightly editing your manuscript prior to submission will ensure the best possibility for publication. Use sub-headings to organize your article. Avoid wordiness and write with clarity and purpose. Write in a comfortable, conversational style; but do not stray into tangents.

Feature-article manuscripts typically range from 7 to 10 double-spaced pages, while "Take Note" entries are usually 3 to 7 pages. Articles can be in-depth philosophical, historical, or interview subjects; a briefer "how-to" article might focus on a single pedagogical issue and relative solutions.

SUBMITTING YOUR MATERIAL
Submit three, single-sided copies of all written materials, along with a disk and pertinent photos, if possible. Transcribed-solo contributors should also include a recording of the solo on audio cassette. Include a cover letter stating your name, address, home and work phone number, fax number, and e-mail address (if available). As indicated above, the JEJ is not generally interested in articles submitted to or already printed by other publications; be sure to acknowledge your understanding of this in your letter as well. Send your materials via traditional mail to:

Editor
Jazz Education Journal

While unsolicited authors may e-mail preliminary materials to the Editor, the completed manuscript must be submitted via traditional mail with all required materials.

FORMAT
Computer word-processing software is the norm; forward a copy of the diskette (typically 3.5"). The disk should contain only the submitted article, with the hard copy printed from that disk. Label the disk with the format (PC or Macintosh), word-processing software (i.e., "Microsoft Word 6.0"), article title, and your name. To assist editing, your article should be saved in single-spacing on the disk. (Generate the double-spaced hard-copy via a command before printing.)

If your article contains musical examples created via notation software, please submit them as separate files on your disk (not interspersed within text) or on a separate disk prepared and labeled according to the above guidelines. Since IAJE cannot publish copyrighted music without permission, either seek and forward written consent or include as much copyright information as you have.

Manuscript hard-copies must be typewritten (preferably via computer) and double-spaced, with one-inch margins, printed on white 8.5" x 11" paper (or 21cm x 30cm international). Each musical example or other graphic should be clean, camera-ready, and also submitted within following sheets of 8.5" x 11" paper, not interspersed throughout the text. You should refer to examples in your text, and each should be clearly labeled. Endnotes and quotations from other authors should be kept to a minimum but should be cited accurately at the ends of articles. Suggested captions and photo credits for images should also follow in typed, double-spaced format, numbered correlating to markings on the images (and included on the disk-file). You should also submit a brief biographical statement, usually one paragraph, on a separate, final sheet of your manuscript. Due to a solo's potential rhythmic intensity, solo transcribers are encouraged to submit their written music in lines of a maximum of 4 measures each, numbering each measure below it.

Authors are encouraged to send photographs/slides pertinent to their article's content. Black-and-white, glossy photos are preferred; exceptional color images are usable for cover features. IAJE cannot publish copyrighted photos without permission. There is no need to include your own photo with your initial mailing.

THE DECISION PROCESS
The JEJ is a refereed journal. You will receive an "IAJE Publication Release Form" acknowledging receipt of your manuscript; your signature authorizes IAJE's use of your material in print and/or Internet publication. Submitted articles are then referred without the author's name or bio to IAJE Resource Team members and other professionals for "blind" review (though text content may make identification possible). Every effort will be made to determine the article's status promptly, but this process can take several months. If your article is accepted, IAJE will request your photo; and your manuscript may be edited. This usually entails condensing the material, refining the language, resequencing portions of the article for continuity, and tightening the focus. Therefore, final decisions such as grammar, style, content, artwork, lay-out, title of the article, and deleted material are determined and remain in the domain of JEJ. Because there are only 6 issues per year, the actual publication date generally follows submission by a year or more. However, care will be taken to preserve the timeliness of article content as best is possible.

If your article is rejected, IAJE will return your material as quickly as possible with the specific reasons for rejection, which may include the following: (a) poorly written or prepared, (b) a restatement of material already published by the JEJ or others, (c) so research-oriented as to be more appropriate for IAJE's Jazz Research Proceedings Yearbook, (d) too narrow or too general in scope, (e) too regional in nature, (f) promotes personal or commercial interests, (g) covers material that is dated or no longer relevant, and (h) reflects a philosophy that is too personal. Even if your article is not accepted, if you persevere and pay attention to the information provided above, your chances will improve for the publication of one of your articles.

ONCE IN PRINT

(top) Trombone master class members at the Stanford Jazz Workshop.

(middle) Private piano instruction at the SJW.

(bottom) Students and faculty jam in the courtyard.

Photo credit: courtesy Stanford Jazz Workshop

Diskettes, visual images, and other materials submitted that lead to JEJ articles are typically returned to the author after publication.

The JEJ is copyrighted: its edited version of the article remains the property of IAJE unless specified otherwise in advance. The authors are free to make reprints available for their own, non-commercial use (such as within a workshop handout); however, copyright law requires that the JEJ edition be identified as the source. It is not IAJE's policy to grant permission for later commercial use by others unless the author provides consent. If you wish to reprint your article in another publication (for instance, a newsletter), you must seek written permission from the IAJE office in Manhattan, Kansas.

 

Supplemental Information

The information below is intended to supplement that within the "Guidelines for Contributing Authors" found above and in most issues of the IAJE Jazz Education Journal. If you have not yet read that document, please do so above.

IAJE must of necessity assume that material presented at its Conference or submitted to its publications is properly available for general dissemination to the audiences these activities are organized to serve. It is the responsibility of the authors, not of IAJE, to determine whether disclosure of their material requires the prior consent of other parties and, if so, to obtain it.

THE REVIEW PROCESS

A manuscript is read first by the Editor, who determines if it is of sufficient interest to proceed further. If not, the Editor notifies the author that this is the case—possibly with a referral to a more appropriate periodical.

If the manuscript is of sufficient interest, it is sent without the author's name to outside "blind" referees (though text content may make identification possible). These individuals—who have experience in the area of the subject matter of the manuscript—send written evaluations and recommendations, sometimes with suggestions for revision, to the Editor. It shall be clearly stated by the Editor when the Editor submits the manuscript to the referee that the recipient is a formal reviewer and that his or her comments and opinions (with those of other formal reviewers) will form the basis upon which the Editor will decide whether or not to publish the paper—and with what changes. The Editor shall state that the referee is expected to return comments and opinions within a specified time or else request that the manuscript be returned immediately for submission to another referee. A standard review form is used.

IAJE policy requires that referees treat the contents of papers under review as privileged information not to be disclosed to others before publication; no one with access to a manuscript under review is to make any inappropriate use of the special knowledge that access provides. The Editor shall ensure that referees are aware of this policy.

THE DECISION

The Editor examines the comments of the referees and exercises his own best judgment, in the light of the referees' recommendations, on whether or not to publish. The Editor's decision is always based on all the reviews received, but mixed reviews present the need for the exercise of editorial judgment. He may reject the manuscript, delay a decision while encouraging revisions, or accept it substantially as is. He can project acceptance if certain mandatory changes are made, or he can recommend that the manuscript be resubmitted for review after changes are made if the reviewers believe that the changes must be examined prior to acceptance. The Editor has the option of sending a manuscript to additional referees who comment on the manuscript as well as on the original referees' reports to provide additional information for the interpretation of a set of mixed reviews. Ordinarily, the Editor will forward the referees' evaluations (anonymously) along with his decision. It is essential that the Editor ensure that the anonymity of the referees is protected during this process.

Occasionally an author may disagree with the referees' recommendations and with the editorial decision based on those comments. In such a case, the author may present a suitably worded rebuttal to the referees' criticism where the author believes it is unfounded and would submit the rebuttal to the Editor. The Editor forwards the rebuttals to the referees for their comments, acting as an intermediary to continue to preserve the referees' anonymity. This process provides the Editor with additional information on which to base a decision.

MISCELLANEOUS

Authors of published articles will receive multiple copies of the JEJ after publication. The Editor's office shall maintain all records pertinent to submitted papers for a period of two years from the date of final disposition.

The JEJ publishes other types of articles, such as perhaps those devoted to news, a conference, and other communications which, because they are more time-sensitive, require and permit a speedier and less extensive review than stipulated above.

All statistics shown within this page were current for the year of 1994, reflecting data on approximately one hundred article submissions received from July 1993 through December 1994. Since more recent patterns remain relatively consistent, they did not merit a revision of the illustrations documented herein.

| Top |

| Return to Educator Menu |