Key of She Jazz

Key of She Jazz was founded in 2012 by (then) 11-year-old Olivia Hughart and a friend who realized they were among the only female players in their middle school jazz big band, despite nearly equal numbers of girls and guys in band and orchestra. Each year, Key of She Jazz continued to grow – bringing together girls across the school district to inspire and unite them with a love of jazz. From Olivia’s vision, the idea has now grown into a nonprofit venture, bringing together people in jazz across greater Philadelphia and well beyond, even attracting global interest during the pandemic and in our virtual events.

Our mission is to support and encourage girls and young women in jazz, from the middle school years through high school, college, and beyond so that we inspire change and ultimately help equalize the ratio of girls to guys in jazz, starting in schools. We also aim to grow an inclusive community of support including jazz students of all genders, jazz and music directors/educators, parents, and allies. We do this with free events that create conversation and build understanding of the obstacles to women in jazz, recognize jazz women whose contributions have been under-recognized, and create opportunities for connection among all, so that jazz girls and young women can feel supported and increase their participation in jazz.

Key of She hopes to make a more lasting impact, encouraging young girls to take up their instrument of choice, continue their jazz studies, and take their skills into the jazz and music industry.