Team | Music School | SoCal Jazz Academy | Online on Zoom | Group Improvisation Class | Private Music Lessons

Meet the Team

We pride ourselves on working with some of the best jazz educators in Southern California who bring their expertise and wisdom to our students. In addition to our regular Faculty, we also work closely with many incredible Guest Clinicians from all over Southern California who work with our students on specific technique. Past clinicians include pianists Ron Kobayashi, Mark Massey, bassist Baba Elefante, guitarist George Gilliam, drummers Alex Bailey, John Ferraro, John Rush.

Founder & Director

Karim Yengsep, DMA

In addition to his administrative duties, Dr. Yengsep runs the combos, Jazz Repertory Ensemble, SoCal Jazz Collective, and teaches beginning to advanced students on bass, guitar, and double bass.

Jazz Vocal Coach

Elena Gilliam

Mrs. Gilliam is a recipient of 2016 Living Legend of Jazz Award, 2020 OC Jazz Legend Award, and 2021California Jazz & Blues Museum Hall of Fame Inductee. She works with our vocal students on a regular basis.

Trombone, Combos

Wendell Kelly

Mr. Kelly is an Emmy Award winning and 8 time Grammy nominated, arranger, composer, and trombonist who coaches our combos on a regular basis.

Jazz Piano Pedagogy

Michael LeVan

Mr. LeVan is an in-demand jazz pianist and works with our youngest piano students on establishing their technique and advanced jazz students on jazz piano technique and repertoire.

Jazz Trumpet

Drew Ninmer

Drew maintains an active performance schedule locally and nationally, and teaches trumpet and coaches combos on a regular basis.

Jazz Saxophone

Wes Perry

In-demand multi-instrumentalist, Wes Perry, teaches beginning to advanced saxophone students and coaches the combos on a regular basis.