April 28, 2025
When Roni Ben-Hur launched Lucy Moses School’s Jazz Program, he never imagined what the program would grow into, or that he’d still be at the helm 30 years later. “The time flew by,” he reflects. The beloved program began in the 1990s with one class on jazz improvisation and harmony, and quickly grew. Today, adult jazz enthusiasts at all levels can participate in six ensembles and choose from guitar, piano and vocal workshops; theory, improvisation, Blues Jam, private lessons and more.
A celebrated jazz guitarist who’s recorded more than a dozen albums as leader or co-leader and performs all over the world, Ben-Hur aspired to create a community where people can express themselves while learning about jazz. He more than succeeded. Today, students describe the Jazz Program experience as much more than just attending a class or playing in an ensemble: It’s all about the music they love, but it’s also a social outlet, a comforting refuge from the stress of the outside world, a joyful home away from home.
“It’s like a family, a jazz family,” explains saxophonist and longtime ensemble member Jen Ehrenberg. “There’s a sense of community here, of feeling comfortable and belonging with likeminded people who share your interests.” Whatever may be going on in your life, “This is a wonderful place to put all your worries aside for a while and let music lift you up and make you happy,” says vocalist Terry Edmonds.
The students are an eclectic group of passionate jazz aficionados who range in age from their 20s to their mid-80s and represent a wide variety of backgrounds and levels of musical experience. “No matter what your skill level, Roni makes room for you,” notes Edmonds. Ehrenberg loves that “Roni knows how to challenge everyone individually. He really brings out the best of you.” New students can expect a warm welcome. “It’s inspiring to see how the students support and help each other to overcome challenges,” says Ben-Hur. “People feel very comfortable and secure with each other. They feel that their band members have their back.”
The Jazz Program’s repertoire ranges from film soundtracks and Broadway shows to classic jazz like Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Thelonius Monk as well as music from Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean and other parts of the world. “What I love most is that it’s improvisational,” says ukulele player and tap dancer Wendy Levine, “and that Roni really helps us understand how to make our way through a music chart. And to do it in such a joyful way is everything.”
Ben-Hur loves seeing how the students incorporate what they learn into their own artistic development. He notes that there’s something very special about teaching and playing jazz, an art form that’s incorporated influences from cultures and immigrants all over the world, in a place like New York City. “This melting pot that created jazz is a fascinating phenomenon, and that is welcoming to everyone. I think it reflects on the better part of this country, the better part of our culture and our tradition.”
In addition to leading Lucy Moses School’s Jazz Program, Ben-Hur leads popular jazz camps for adults in Vermont and France. This spring and summer you can catch him performing around NYC, or playing in Paris, Brussels, San Francisco, Havana and more. Visit his website.
Learn more about the Jazz Program. See Lucy Moses School Jazz musicians in action at recitals on May 15, 18, 19 and 21.
