Jazz education

Alex Thomas-French leading a rehearsal with young musicians in a big-band workshop

Sharing the roots, spirit, and joy of jazz

For me, jazz is more than just a style of music – it’s a living tradition that thrives on connection, creativity, and the blues at its core.

As Programme Manager at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy and co-founder of the 51st State Big Band at World Heart Beat Music Academy, I work with young musicians every week, guiding them through the fundamentals of swing, improvisation, ensemble playing, and the history of this incredible music.

My teaching is rooted in the belief that jazz is for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner or working at professional level, there’s always more to discover – from your first 12-bar blues to interpreting the great works of Duke Ellington. I create an environment where students can take risks, support one another, and develop both as musicians and as people.

For me there is such a multitude of attractive qualities to jazz. The swing feel that makes you want to shake your foot; that real, gut wrenching feel of the blues that permeates the air; the language itself which can be as simple or as complex as your imagination. It really has an abundance of treasures and all are worth exploring exponentially.

Alex Thomas-French on stage with Julian Joseph OBE during a jazz academy event

An important asset in the UK’s jazz pedagogical arena

Alex Thomas-French is a pianist and educator who resonates his passion for music with a deep sense of care, detail and support. His deep love of jazz from all eras inspires that same love in his students at JJJA and makes him an important asset in the UK’s jazz pedagogical arena.

His bright, warm and enthusiastic personality allows Alex to fuel a sensitive wonderful humanity into his gifts as an educator nourishing the reality of young people as he steers them towards excellence and the discovery of their own personal greatness through jazz music.

— Julian Joseph OBE
British jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and broadcaster.

How I teach jazz

  • Respect for tradition – learning from the greats, from Louis Armstrong to Herbie Hancock.

  • Practical skills – improvisation, comping, rhythm section work, and small/large ensemble playing.

  • Collaborative learning – encouraging students to mentor and inspire each other.

  • Performance opportunities – from informal jam sessions to fully staged concerts.

Jazz education is at its best when it brings people together – and that’s what I aim to do in every workshop, rehearsal, and lesson.

Student playing piano on stage, side-lit, sheet music on the stand

I carry the things that I was taught at the academy wherever I go

I draw from them on a daily basis – lessons of diligence, patience, dedication, compassion, and of course initiative. These qualities that make us good musicians also make us good people. Following your examples I strive to meet these standards wherever I can, whilst knowing that mistakes are also a part of this process. I’m sure that these lessons might have come to me in their own ways outside of the academy, but they certainly wouldn’t have come so swiftly and with such expert guidance.

All that is to say thank you, I’m extremely grateful to you all – Alex, Julian, James, Byron, Tony, Trevor, all of the other instructors, staff, students and friends, parents, and musicians who are a part of JJJA. I hope the Academy and its methods can continue to inspire, and spread love and music to all.

— Isla
Former JJJA student

Who I learn from

I’m grateful to Julian, James and everyone at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, and to Sahana and the World Heart Beat Music Academy. Their support and musicianship have shaped how I teach. Above all, Julian’s steady guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support has shaped my path. I’m also inspired daily by the young musicians I work with – their talent, determination and love for the music. Many have gone on to do brilliant things on and off the bandstand.

In their own words

  • “The Julian Joseph Jazz Academy is a cornerstone of young people’s music education in London. Alex Thomas-French gives students the vital foundation to progress – building confidence while instilling the discipline needed to honour and play jazz. Young players leave with a rigorous grasp of the fundamentals and a real hunger to grow”.

    – Miranda

  • “Alex met me when I was 11 and helped me discover my true potential. He took me under his wing and, together with Angharad, helped me secure a grant that accelerated my musicianship. JJJA became family and helped shape me into the musician I am today”.

    – Sam Sesay

  • “When my son and I first met Alex, we knew we were lucky. His passion is contagious: before you know it, you’re in love with jazz and motivated to play. He encourages expression and opens a path to creativity and improvisation – skills for life. Thank you, Alex and JJJA”.

    – Lena

Further reading

Blog
Inside JJJA: a teacher’s-eye peek at how we learn
Inside JJJA: a teacher’s-eye peek at how we learn

What makes the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy special
(4 minute read)

Read More →
Alex Thomas-French, piano teacher

Jazz tuition for all ages

Whether it’s your first 12-bar blues, or preparing for conservatoire, I offer ear-led coaching for children, teens, and adults. We’ll build feel, confidence and musicianship at your pace and suited to your level.

In-person in Biggleswade (SG18) • Online worldwide