Help Shape What Comes Next at the American Jazz Museum
Meet Houston Gonzales, our new Education Programs Manager, and tell us what you want to learn, hear, and experience at 18th & Vine
Help Shape What Comes Next at the American Jazz Museum
Houston Gonzales, the American Jazz Museum’s new Education Programs Manager.
Jazz is a conversation. Education should be, too.
At the American Jazz Museum, education is not an extra—it is one of the pillars of our mission. As Houston Gonzales steps into his new role as Education Programs Manager, he is beginning with a simple idea: the best programs are built by listening to the people they are meant to serve.
That is why we are asking for your voice.
Tell Us What You Want to Learn
Our new American Jazz Museum Programming Survey asks what would bring you deeper into the music and its history. Would you join us for a workshop on improvisation? A conversation about Kansas City musicians? A family program, a hands-on experience, or a session on songwriting and composition?
The survey also asks how you like to learn, when programs fit your schedule, and where you would most like to see the museum grow. Most questions are simple selections, with space to tell us something we may not have thought to ask.
Whether you visit often, come once a year, or have never made it to the museum in person, your perspective belongs in the conversation. The form does not automatically collect your name or email address; sharing an email for future program updates is optional.
Meet Houston Gonzales
Houston Gonzales performing on tenor sax.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Jazz Museum Announces Houston Gonzales as New Education Manager
Kansas City, MO — The American Jazz Museum is proud to announce the appointment of Houston Gonzales as its new Education Manager. Gonzales joined the team on Monday, June 1. An accomplished music educator, jazz scholar, performer, and composer, Gonzales brings a strong background in music education, leadership, and community engagement to the role.
Gonzales served as an Instrumental Music Teacher at Blue Valley Southwest High School and completed a Master’s in Music in Jazz Studies degree at the University of Northern Colorado. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in Leadership Studies, magna cum laude, from Washburn University in 2023.
Throughout his career, Gonzales has demonstrated a deep commitment to student development and jazz education. His experience includes teaching instrumental music at the secondary level, leading jazz ensembles, mentoring student musicians, and working with organizations such as the KC Jazz Academy. During his internship with the academy, Gonzales provided individualized instruction, directed rehearsals, collaborated with faculty, and led an ensemble performance at the organization’s final concert.
In addition to his classroom and ensemble leadership experience, Gonzales has worked extensively as a private saxophone instructor and marching band technician, helping students develop both technical musicianship and leadership skills. His passion for jazz education and accessibility aligns closely with the American Jazz Museum’s core pillars to educate, exhibit, perform, research, and celebrate jazz through innovative programming, exhibitions, and community engagement.
“We are thrilled to welcome Houston Gonzales to the American Jazz Museum team,” said Jill Johnson, AJM Interim Executive Director. “His energy, educational experience, and dedication to inspiring young musicians make him an outstanding addition to our organization and our community.”
As Education Manager, Gonzales will oversee educational programming, student engagement initiatives, workshops, and community outreach efforts designed to connect audiences of all ages with the rich history and evolving future of jazz.
“I am honored to join the American Jazz Museum and contribute to an institution that plays such an important role in preserving and promoting jazz culture,” Gonzales said. “I look forward to creating meaningful educational experiences that inspire students and strengthen connections within our community.”
Gonzales will be releasing an EP soon entitled Contemplations.
For more information about the American Jazz Museum and its educational programs, visit the museum’s official website at americanjazzmuseum.org.
Help Us Build the Next Program
This survey is an opening note, not the whole tune. Your answers will help Houston and the AJM team choose subjects, formats, and schedules based on what the community is ready to explore—not on guesswork.
Tell us what would bring you through the doors. Tell us what you have always wanted to know about jazz. Tell us what the American Jazz Museum could become for you.
Share your ideas in the American Jazz Museum Programming Survey
The American Jazz Museum is located at 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. Learn more at americanjazzmuseum.org.