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Mentor Program

Stanford Jazz Workshop Jazz Mentors for 2010 – 2011

Read what the Mentors are saying on the Jazz Mentor Blog to see what the Jazz Mentor experience is like!

Download the application for the 2012-2013 Jazz Mentor Program in the sidebar to the right.

Program summary

The Jazz Mentor Program is a two-year teacher internship program that provides on-the-job training and professional mentorship to a select group of aspiring jazz musicians between the ages of 18-25. Involving up to 10 interns, 450 students between the ages of 12 and 17, and 50 faculty members, the Jazz Mentors Program represents a multi-generational, community-oriented approach to teaching and learning about jazz. The participating interns will also receive ample opportunities for artistic development through public performance and coaching from select SJW faculty. The program takes place on the campus of Stanford University during Weeks 1 and 2 of Jazz Camp.

Highlights of the SJW Jazz Mentors teacher internship program:

  • Provides teacher training and teaching experience for emerging young jazz players
  • Offers a stipend of $1,000 plus food and housing for two weeks coinciding with Weeks 1 and 2 of Jazz Camp
  • Presents opportunities for interacting and playing with different world class artist-in-residence faculty members each week: 2010 artists-in-residence included Junior Mance, Charles McPherson, Tootie Heath, and Ndugu Chancler. Past residents have included Wycliffe Gordon, Regina Carter, Marcus Belgrave, Matt Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Donald Harrison, and Geoff Keezer.

 

Who is eligible

Successful candidates for the Jazz Mentors program will be emerging professional jazz musicians, between the ages of 18-25, with an interest in gaining teaching experience. The program is not designed for those who are in or have completed a degree program related to teaching or those with significant prior teaching experience. Candidates must be accomplished players who can demonstrate a functional knowledge of straight-ahead jazz performance and should have the experience and repertoire necessary for public performance.

In addition, Jazz Mentors candidates should:

  • Be able to take direction from program staff and faculty members
  • Be able to serve as positive role models to younger students
  • Have the stamina to work long hours teaching for a two-week period
  • Be prepared to perform in a variety of concert and jam session settings
  • Possess the communication skills and sensitivity to function well within a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff

 

Work schedule

Interns will need to commit to the full two-week program. During the first week, first-year interns will spend a significant amount of time team-teaching with more experienced faculty members, with some time devoted to leading their own classes and conducting private lessons. The second week of the program will see all interns taking on full teaching duties. These may include leading (or co-leading) a combo, conducting a master class, teaching ear-training, assisting in a theory class, and giving lessons. During the entire two weeks, interns will perform frequently at the Stanford Coffee House jam session and may also perform in Stanford Jazz Festival concerts. The program will also include opportunities for coaching and feedback on both teaching and playing from various SJW faculty members.

Multi-year participation

Stanford Jazz Workshop seeks to maintain a group of 6 -10 interns each summer. Those who are invited back for the second year of the program will have increased responsibility, acting as full faculty members. Participants should be prepared for a two-year commitment; eligibility for the second year will be decided by faculty review following the first summer.

Compensation

First-year interns will receive a $500 per week stipend, and second-year interns will receive a stipend of $750 per week. Food and housing in Stanford University dormitories will be provided both years. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from Stanford.

For more information

If you are interested in recommending a candidate, or would yourself like to be considered a candidate for the Jazz Mentors program, please contact Ivor Holloway by email at ivor@stanfordjazz.org.