ABOUT ISJAC

Who we Are

Founded in 2016, The International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC) is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to serving and advocating on behalf of the international community of jazz composers and arrangers.

Scroll down to learn more about our history.

Our Community

The ISJAC member community consists of a diverse spectrum of jazz composers, from students to GRAMMY-winning artists and producers, all of whom are united through ISJAC's efforts to harness resources, opportunities, and to share knowledge with both our members and the jazz community at large.

What we Offer

Being an ISJAC member means belonging to a community of creators from all corners of our art form. Our members benefit from a host of opportunities including: 

  • Over $20,000 in prize eligibility

  • Online programming, including webinars on writing, music business and more

  • Our Launchpad Program - Members submit charts for our professional reading band to play and get a high-quality recording and video of their piece

  • A profile in the member directory 

  • Access to our Jazz Composers Symposium (set for May, 2026)

Our History

Established in 2016 by composer Chuck Owen and trumpeter Brian Coyle, ISJAC came about based on a need to address issues unique to the community of jazz composers & arrangers while providing our members with targeted resources and new opportunities.

ISJAC was created with a goal of tying the jazz composition and arranging world together and to create more visibility for the incredible artists that make up the backbone of our industry.

In its eight-year history, ISJAC has engaged over 1300 members, many of whom are students in the beginning of their careers, produced four (CHECK ON THIS) Jazz Composers Symposiums and awarded over $75,000 (CHECK ON THIS) is prizes for talented composers, resulting in the commissioning of eight (CHECK ON THIS) original new jazz works from both mid-career and established composers.

As we stretch into 2025 we’re expanding both our virtual and in-person programming, creating more opportunities for our members to share their music with others, and establishing more ways for our community to create deep and meaningful connections. Read more about what we offer under “Programming”.

Meet our Team

Our Board

ISJAC is grateful to have an active and supportive Board of Directors, representing the brightest and most inspirational members of our jazz community.

John Beasley

Gail Boyd

Claire Brantley

David Caffey

Terri Lyne Carrington

Billy Childs

John Clayton

Mike Conrad

Brian Coyle

Kevin Harris

Miho Hazama

Christine Jensen

Jeff Levenson

James Miley

Chuck Owen

Rufus Reid

Ellen Rowe

Patrice Rushen

Rio Sakairi

Sunny Sumter

Ryan Truesdell

Miguel Zenón