First Annual International Jazz Day Held April 30
The Institute was proud to partner with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to present the first annual International Jazz Day, with jazz celebrated around the world in 195 UNESCO member nations. The Institute coordinated major programming for the 2012 International Jazz Day, including a sunrise concert in New Orleans' Congo Square - the birthplace of jazz - and a sunset concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York. Both concerts featured some of the world's most accomplished artists showcasing the beauty, spirit and principles of jazz.

2012 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums and Composers Competitions Announced
On September 22 -23, 2012, the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition and the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Composers Competition, sponsored by BMI, will take place in Washington, DC. Applications for both competitions are due by July 16, 2012.

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance to Open at UCLA
In September 2012, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance will open at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in Los Angeles. Six to eight talented young musicians from around the world will be selected to study and perform together in an ensemble during a two-year, graduate-level college program. Through this program, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music will offer its first graduate degrees in jazz. Applications were accepted through December 1, 2011.