It is a timely and synergistic mix of Western (Jazz) and Eastern (Zen) traditions. When combined within a single philosophy, they provide a foundation for personal meditation through the practice of improvised, freeform artistic creation ... based on music, drawing, painting, choreography, writing, acting, sculpture, architecture, photography — virtually any form of physical art.

And this inclusive practice is intended for, and works for, every level of creative — from curious beginner and amateur artisan, to part-time enthusiast and accomplished professional. But to be clear, when it comes to music (or any other art form), JazzZen does not teach you how to be an artist — you already are one, even if you don't know it yet.

Instead — it teaches you how your inherent artistic perspective, mind-set, and imagination (as well as your spirit) can be enriched by blending meditation and a progressive Zen discipline — into the routine of your creative pursuits.

Ultimately, JazzZen (in its broadest context) nurtures a process that brings us a clear break from the common, everyday challenges of our modern lives, while linking us — as enlightened artists — with the very real world around us.

Let me start by wishing you peace, joy and happiness wherever and whoever you are at this moment in time. Speaking of time — all of us struggle at one time or another to attain harmony with our ever-changing, often-demanding, and increasingly-artificial world.

If you're a creative spirit (and I believe we all are), please join us at one of our Jazz Festival Seminars or Global Retreats where you'll be inspired by fellow creatives — who wish to struggle a little less, and treasure life a great deal more — through the practice of JazzZen.

Daniel Dante
Zen Arts Master

JazzZen Seminars are held at seven major jazz festivals each year. Venues change from year to year. Pending dates and locations for the coming year are listed below in the 2028 Jazz Festivals section.

Each seminar typically lasts for 3 to 4 hours — and the number of participants in every seminar is limited to 20 to allow for individual attention to be given to each participant throughout the seminar, especially during Workshop and Personal Counselling sessions.

DAILY SCHEDULE

  9:00am   Introductory Presentation with JazzZen Demo

  10:00am   Group Coffee/Tea Break plus Q&A Session

  11:00am   JazzZen Meditation Workshop

  12:00pm   Personal Counselling with Seminar Host

  1:00pm   Closing Remarks

Registration for each seminar opens 3 months before the festival begins. Go to the 2028 Jazz Festivals section (below) and click on the relevant green button to begin the registration process. Red buttons (below festival descriptions) indicate that the JazzZen Seminar on that particular date is full. The admission fee is US$40, which can be paid online during registration.

As mentioned in the host's Closing Remarks, registration can also be made online for the week-long Global Retreats at JazzZen Centers in Japan, India, Morocco, and Canada — which run between October and February each year.

For more information about Global Retreats, visit www.jazzzen.life

Your seminar host, Daniel Dante says that ''Teaching should be centered on the belief that every student is different and follows a unique pathway to enlightened learning''. This is the core, fundamental premise of Dante's philosophy — used for more than four decades, while living (and mentoring his students) in virtually every corner of the world. And this approach applies just as much to his Zen Arts teaching as it applies to the guidance he offers at each JazzZen Festival Seminar.

Dante's personal artistic path has been dedicated to jazz guitar, writing, photography and craftsmanship enhanced by a long-time, devout following of Zen-influenced artists like Frederick Franck (drawing), Masatoshi Izumi (sculpture), David Ulrich (photography), Victor Wooten (music), and Tōta Kaneko (writing).

MARCH 7 - 29

Lion City Jazz Festival, Singapore
Launched in 2017, the Lion City Jazz Festival (LCJF) was created to give young local musicians a real stage to grow and elevate their jazz journey. It's where fresh talent meets serious artistry - welcoming new musicians into Singapore's vibrant jazz scene and building a community that's bold, creative and constantly evolving! Uniquely Singaporean concerts spotlighting beloved local artists.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

APRIL 25 - MAY 5

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans, USA
It only makes sense that the birthplace of jazz would be home to one of the most exciting music festivals in the world. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has made its mission to blend a wide mix of artists and genres, attracting some of the biggest names in modern music to its legendary stages.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

MAY 1 - 6

Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham, England
With over 20,000 music-fans getting in the festival swing every year, Cheltenham Jazz Festival has become one England's most beloved jazz celebrations. Taking place amid the stunning Marseille Gardens at the heart of Cheltenham, this fest is the perfect place to soak up the sounds of today's biggest jazz stars — and to catch a glimpse of the jazz stars of tomorrow.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

JUNE 27 - JULY 6

International Fest de Jazz de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
Ranked as the world's largest jazz festival in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is among the very best celebrations of jazz anywhere on the planet. Every year for 10 days, the French-speaking metropolis of North America becomes a living, breathing jazz venue, where fans of all types rub shoulders with aficionados of jazz in its purest form.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

JULY 5 - 14

Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has played an important role in the history of jazz, serving as home to American expatriates and Danish innovators alike. And since 1979, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival has been shining a spotlight on the city's vibrant music scene. Lasting 10 days, the festival envelops the Danish capital, offering a sumptuous musical feast to its 250,000 guests.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

AUGUST 2 - 4

Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, Rhode Island, USA
The granddaddy of American jazz festivals, the Newport Jazz Festival was founded in 1954. The first edition, organized by jazz impresario George Wein, featured performances by the likes of Billie Holiday and Stan Kenton. In the years since, the festival has played home to some of the most iconic live performances in jazz. Live music by the biggest names in jazz make this a festival that should be on any serious jazz fan's bucket list.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

SEPTEMBER 27 - 29

Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey, California, USA
Monterey Jazz Festival is much more than a series of concerts. It's a full-blown jazz experience. Now in its sixth decade, the festival offers 20 acres of magnificent oak-studded grounds for fans to enjoy, featuring films, and 8 stages of live jazz entertainment. With stellar musical programming, a stunning natural landscape and an inclusive social outlook, Monterey is leading the way in a new jazz fest culture.

Seminar Registration Dates
   

Contact us by using the e-mail address: evil.nezzzaj@ofni or use the following e-mail form for General Inquiries, Seminar Registration, and Global Retreat Enrollment.