Advanced Package July 20 – August 1

Study and play with the top artists in jazz.

Advanced Package July 20 – August 1

Study and play with the top artists in jazz.

Supercharge your jazz journey

If you’re the musician who gets the solos and lead parts in your school band, and you’re serious about getting even better — or if you just want to become that musician — our two-week Advanced Package will give you the boost you need. The Advanced Package is a unique program that balances structure with the support to explore your creativity and interests alongside talented students from around the globe.

Our inter-generational approach connects you deeply with legendary jazz musicians, touring artists, and phenomenal educators. You’ll learn from and play for the masters, get to hear them play at the Stanford Jazz Festival, and take in enough inspiration to last you for years.

The first week you’ll be at Jazz Camp, where your structured curriculum is designed to meet your individual needs and skill level and give you a path for growth. In the second week, you’ll be at Jazz Institute, where you customize your learning experience with a variety of classes focusing on improvisation, small ensemble playing, theory, musicianship, arranging, jazz history, and much more.

Your 13 days as part of the Advanced Package 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, special presentations, and — at Jazz Institute — nightly jam sessions.

Instruction tailored to your needs

At Jazz Camp, your classes will be assigned to give you the optimal learning experience. At Jazz Institute, you get to choose your classes based on your interests.

A focus on your improvisation skills

During both weeks, your classes and rehearsals are designed to provide a supportive, safe, and nurturing place for you to explore your musical creativity by focusing on your improvisation skills.

Membership in a global community

You’ll form important relationships with the students and faculty at the Advanced Package, 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 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

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

Special events

You get a day of exclusive classes on the Saturday between weeks. You also get admission to the nightly performances of the Stanford Jazz Festival, and the jam sessions that follow the concerts.

No matter where you are along your jazz journey, our Advanced Package provides the perfect environment to elevate your technique, knowledge, musicianship, and enjoyment of this exciting music.

Program details

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

The Advanced Package is designed for high school musicians ages 17 and under, by audition only.

July 20 – August 1, 2025

Week 1, Jazz Camp

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.

Saturday classes 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Week 2, Jazz Institute

Sunday from check-in (11:00 a.m. for residents, 12 noon for commuters) – 6:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Showcase 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Click for a Week 1 schedule

Click for a Week 2 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 only: $3,275

Tuition, room, and board: $5,475

Financial aid is available for participants ages 17 and under; you may apply for financial aid during the online registration process.

Click for details on financial aid

Click for details on program pricing

All participants must submit an audition recording. We listen to recordings submitted by each musician in order to place them in the combo that matches their skill level and is optimal for their development. Once you register, we’ll send you information about the audition via email, and through your SJW dashboard — please submit your audition recording as soon as possible, as we reserve placement in Jazz Institute only for those who have submitted their recordings.

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!