Monk Jazz Institute leaving USC

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, a nonprofit educational organization created in 1986, is relocating its performance program from USC to New Orleans’ Loyola University.

Several factors led to the move, according to Elizabeth Dalferes, a spokeswoman for Loyola. Among them: New Orleans’ long-standing appreciation for jazz, its mission to preserve jazz music and heritage and the space and programs already available at Loyola.

The institute also recognizes that there is a need for music mentors in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, scattering many of the city’s musicians, Dalferes said. Hoping to help fill that void, the institute’s students will work with the city’s young musicians and promote jazz in schools.