Jazz may not be as popular as it once was, but the music continues to be studied as well as performed. In the old days, young musicians learned their lessons on the road as apprentices to experienced bandleaders — and to an extent, that's still the case. But in the 21st century, classrooms and conferences also play important roles in the education and development of jazz artists.

Advocating for the music is the mission of the Jazz Education Network, which will stage its first conference this week at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Founded in 2008, the organization is dedicated to advancing education, promoting performance and developing new audiences. The three-day event will include clinics and panels, as well as concerts showcasing such jazz luminaries as the Clayton Brothers Quintet, vibraphonist Stefon Harris and bassist Rufus Reid.

"It's for educators and professionals to come together and do what we've always done — exchange ideas, and observe clinics by master artists," said Jim Widner, director of the jazz studies program at UMSL and a JEN board member. "It's a true educational conference, and the frosting on the cake is that we have all these great headliners coming in to do concerts."