Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal

GPO Box 25316, Sundhara, Kathmandu. Nepal

Diploma programs

Diploma. Offered at three levels - elementary, middle and higher. Studies include performance on jazz instruments, composition, improvisation, aural skills, jazz styles and analysis, MIDI, jazz theory and arranging, recording arts, sound engineering. There are programs in South Indian performance.

The Conservatory opened in 2007. Facilities include a 200-seat music hall, a music library, a listening lab, practice rooms and a state-of-the-art recording studio to enable students to record their own music. It invites leading musicians and DJs to tutor students. There are programs for both children and adults with no musical background, consisting of private instrumental lessons and classes in theory, rhythm and ear training. Those who complete the program are eligible for admission to the Diploma program. The Conservatory relies on student fees and donations to fund the teaching program and scholarships for needy students, though some assistance has recently been given from the Danish Embassy in Kathmandu. The Conservatory is home to the KatJazz recording label, giving students the opportunity to learn recording techniques and to record their own performances and compositions. It issues a magazine to promote music in the community, and organised the first Nepal Music Education Festival in 2012 which included concerts by students and a workshop for music teachers. A KJC Music for Schools Program assists schools to implement a curriculum covering music lessons, theory and ensemble groups. The Conservatory trains the Nepal Army Band to form a jazz big-band which can perform at community gatherings. It houses the Nepal Music Educators' Society. The disastrous earthquake of April 25, 2015 destroyed most of the facilities of the Conservatory, so donations to help rebuild and recommence the programs are welcome.

March 2022