The workshop will feature all the things I wish I knew when I was starting out as a professional jazz musician!
—Greg Wall, "The Jazz Rabbi" and Creative Director for JazzFC
The Jazz Society of Fairfield County (aka JazzFC), CT's premier Jazz performing, educational, and service nonprofit, will host a free Professional Development Day for professional and pre-professional Jazz performers and composers on Thursday, April 30, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399), 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT.
Designed to equip Jazz artists with practical tools for sustaining and advancing their careers, the afternoon will feature expert-led sessions on promotion and public relations, booking and self-management strategies, and financial planning tailored specifically for Jazz musicians. The day culminates with a keynote presentation by acclaimed saxophonist and educator Vincent Herring on developing and sustaining a life in Jazz.
This free program (registration required) is open to working Jazz artists and pre-professionals age 18 and older.
465 Riverside Ave
Westport, CT
11:45 AM- 5:00 PM
Free for professional and pre-professional Jazz artists
lunch available for purchase
Designed to equip Jazz artists with practical tools for sustaining and advancing their careers, the afternoon will feature expert-led sessions on promotion and public relations, booking and self-management strategies, and financial planning tailored specifically for Jazz musicians. The day culminates with a keynote presentation by acclaimed saxophonist and educator Vincent Herring on developing and sustaining a life in Jazz.
This free program (registration required) is open to working Jazz artists and pre-professionals age 18 and older.
Schedule
- Networking begins at 11:45 AM (lunch available for purchase).
- At 12:15 PM, JazzFC Artistic Director Greg Wall will offer opening remarks, followed by
- “Self-Promotion Basics and How to Work with a Publicist” with Jim Eigo of Jazz Promo Services (12:30 PM).
- “Booking Strategies for Self-Managed Jazz Artists” with music business consultant and bandleader Svetlana Shmulyian (1:45 PM).
- “In Harmony with Your Goals: Financial Planning for Jazz Artists” with Jonathan Brochstein of Weston Wealth Advisors (3:00 PM).
- Vincent Herring’s 4:00 PM keynote, “Keeping It All Together,” will close the day with insights from decades at the highest levels of the art form. JazzFC’s Professional Development Day offers a rare opportunity for Connecticut Jazz artists to gather, connect, and gain concrete strategies for building sustainable, creative careers.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Jazz at the Post @VFW Post 399465 Riverside Ave
Westport, CT
11:45 AM- 5:00 PM
Free for professional and pre-professional Jazz artists
lunch available for purchase
