Preview: Inside the New "Digital Lab" Coming to SFJAZZ This Winter
Pablo Quintero. Courtesy photo provided.
While the main stage often grabs the headlines, a quiet revolution is happening in the SFJAZZ education wing this winter. In a major new collaboration, SFJAZZ is teaming up with the San Francisco Community Music Center (SFCMC) to launch a tuition-free, hands-on music production course for youth, kicking off in January 2026.
For our readers who follow the future of Bay Area music, here is a preview of this inaugural program and the talent leading it.
The "Show": A 12-Week Production Deep Dive
Think of this as a masterclass for the next generation of producers. Part of the SFJAZZ Digital Lab series, this new initiative is designed to be a boutique, small-group experience. Over the course of 12 weeks, students won’t just be sitting in lectures; they will be in the studio.
The curriculum is built around real-world output. Students will create original beats, deconstruct professional tracks in "sound-alike" projects, and contribute to a shared sound library. The semester culminates in arguably the most exciting feature: participation in two live recording sessions, giving young artists a taste of the professional pressure and creativity of the studio environment.
The "Headliner": Producer Pablo Quintero
Just as a concert preview highlights the bandleader, the success of a class often rests on the instructor. Leading this program is Pablo Quintero, a producer and engineer with a resume that bridges the academic and commercial music worlds.
Quintero brings a global perspective to the lab. A graduate of Berklee College of Music Ecuador, he previously directed the music production program at Universidad de Las Américas in Quito and worked as a session guitarist for multi-Latin GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives. Since moving to California in 2020, he has worked with New Vintage Artists and Wow Music Studios, making him uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between technical engineering and creative mentorship.
The Collaboration
This partnership marks a meeting of minds between two San Francisco institutions. "SFJAZZ is overjoyed to partner with the SFCMC," says Rebeca Mauleón, SFJAZZ Director of Education & Community Engagement. "Our goal is to foster a community-centered approach to the digital arts while providing youth with important skills in the music industry that they can take with them in their career journeys."
Sylvia Sherman, Program Director at SFCMC, adds that the program brings a "dynamic new dimension" to their existing tuition-free offerings in jazz, Latin, and classical music.
LEARN MORE & ENROLL
The program runs from January through March 2026. Funding is provided by the Miranda Lux Foundation, ensuring the program remains accessible to students regardless of financial means.
For more information on the Digital Lab Series and enrollment details, visit sfjazz.org/education/classes-and-workshops/.
