Jazz Camp July 13 – 18 & July 20 – 25

Join us this summer for a life-changing week of jazz.

Jazz Camp July 13 – 18 & July 20 – 25

Join us this summer for a life-changing week of jazz.

You belong here

Come to Jazz Camp, where you’ll be part of one of the best summer music camps in the world. Open to young musicians from ages 12 – 17, Jazz Camp welcomes all young instrumentalists and vocalists, whether you’re already on your way to mastering jazz improvisation or you’re completely new to jazz.

The core of the Jazz Camp experience is playing or singing in a small band, just like you hear on classic recordings by Miles Davis, Alice Coltrane, Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, and more modern artists like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Roy Hargrove. The daily curriculum supports you in your combo role, improving your key skills of listening, technique, vocabulary, improvisation, and leadership as you explore some of the most exciting music in the jazz repertoire.

Over the course of six days at Jazz Camp, you’ll improve and deepen your jazz skills, you’ll make lasting friendships, and you’ll have the best summer music experience ever. Whether you choose to stay on campus or commute, you’ll flourish as part of the SJW community of artists, educators, and young musicians.

Your six days at Jazz Camp include:

Intensive playing in a combo

Led by the world’s top jazz artists and educators, you’ll grow your musicianship as you play exciting music, apply your improvisational skills, and develop leadership abilities in intimate small band rehearsals and performance.

Extended time with the top jazz artists

Learn from renowned jazz artists and educators in your daily masterclasses, musicianship classes, music theory classes, and special presentations.

Instruction tailored to your needs

Your classes will be assigned to give you the optimal learning experience, whether you’ve never played jazz before or you’re already performing in your school jazz band.

A focus on developing your improvisation skills

Your classes and rehearsals are designed to provide a supportive, safe, and nurturing place for you to explore your musical creativity.

Cultural appreciation

Jazz musicians have played a significant role in American history, through their advocacy as well as with their music. You’ll learn about the important work your jazz heroes have contributed to American society.

Membership in a global community

You’ll form important relationships with the students and faculty at Jazz Camp, connections that will support you as you continue your development as a jazz artist, and as an adult.

The option to stay on campus

Being a Jazz Camp resident makes it easier to get the most out of your experience, giving you more time to access faculty artists and to attend Stanford Jazz Festival concerts.

A show for your family

Jazz Camp ends with a showcase for your new talent and skills, as you perform in your combo for your family and friends.

Whether you’re already an experienced player or just starting your journey, Jazz Camp provides the perfect environment to discover and develop your unique musical voice.

Join us for an unforgettable week of music, and elevate your skills as you immerse yourself in the rich tradition of jazz.

To learn more, watch the video and see the Program Details below.

Whether you’re already an experienced player or just starting your journey, Jazz Camp provides the perfect environment to discover and develop your unique musical voice.

Join us for an unforgettable week of music, and elevate your skills as you immerse yourself in the rich tradition of jazz.

To learn more, watch the video and see the Program Details below.

Program details

Who is Jazz Camp for? What are the dates and times?Where is Jazz Camp held?What is the cost of Jazz Camp?Is there an audition?What instruments are accepted?

Jazz Camp is for high school vocalists and instrumentalists ages 17 and under, and for current middle school students ages 12 and up who will be comfortable in a high-school environment. Students under the age of 12 are considered for the program on a case-by-case basis.

We require that students have at least 18 months of instruction on their instrument or voice, either in a school environment or in private lessons.

There are two weeks for Jazz Camp: July 13 – 18, or July 20 – 25, 2025.

Jazz Camp classes and programs occur during the following hours:
Sunday from check in (11:00 a.m. for residents, 12 noon for commuters) – 6:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Showcase 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Attendance is optional at the nightly Stanford Jazz Festival concerts, which run from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Click for a detailed schedule

All classes and performances are held at the Braun Music Center on the Stanford University campus, 541 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305.

Click for detailed directions

Tuition for six days of instruction: $1,650

Housing and meals: $1,100

Financial aid is available; you may apply for financial aid during the online registration process.

Click for details on financial aid

Click for details on program pricing

There is no audition to be accepted into Jazz Camp. We’ll ask you to submit a recording of your playing as well as to take an online music theory evaluation — both of which will help us place you in the classes and ensembles that are ideal for you. Once you register, we’ll email the instructions on how to create and submit your placement recording.

You can play just about any instrument at SJW, including:
All brass instruments (trumpet, F horn, trombone, baritone, tuba)
All woodwinds (flute, clarinet, saxophone)
All strings (violin, viola, cello)
All rhythm section instruments (guitar, piano, keyboards, vibraphone, bass, drums)
And many others — just ask us!