This is a qualitative study which explores contemporary issues in jazz pedagogy and performance. Those issues include the incorporation of jazz programs into post-secondary institutions and the declining role of soulfulness. This study also evaluates the presence of the cultural essence in jazz pedagogy and performance. Preliminary analysis of the data from exploring contemporary issues in jazz pedagogy and performance we disclosed two thematic discoveries: the conflict between culture and academia; and the struggle to maintain the values of origin. The former is best noted as the culture of Jazz has being discarded and replaced with the goals of the academic/intellectual institution. The latter is the missing values from jazz education due to lack of African American influence given that African American culture is at the core of African American music. The purpose of answering these questions is to accentuate their greater significance to larger cultural issues. To collect data, semi-structured interviews with several jazz musicians and educators across race, gender, and musical foundation.