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Giant Steps Package FAQ

July 7 – 11 and July 13 – 18, 2025

Click on any of the topics below for details and specific information about the Giant Steps Two-Week Package. Click on a topic again to hide its information.

Need more info fast? Call us at 650-736-0324, or email us at [email protected].

APRIL 15

DEADLINE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS TO ENROLL AND GET $50 OFF TUITION

Anyone who has enrolled in an SJW program in the past, whether in-person or online, will receive a $50 discount off tuition for any one 2025 summer program. Deadline to enroll in order to receive the discount is April 15, 2025.

APRIL 15

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINE FOR ALL SUMMER PROGRAMS

All financial aid materials must be received by this date.

Please note, once you apply for financial aid online when completing registration for one of our programs, it may take several days for us to send the financial aid application to you. In order to complete your application, you will be required to submit a student essay, letter of recommendation, and documentation of your financial situation.

MAY 1

FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE

Final payment deadline. Payments may be made online through your SJW online account. Click here to login.

MAY 15

CANCELLATION DEADLINE FOR FULL REFUND

This is the last date on which you may request a 100% refund (minus deposit) should you wish to cancel your enrollment.

JUNE 10

PLACEMENT RECORDING DEADLINE FOR ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS

All instrumentalists who have enrolled in Jazz Camp, Jazz Camp Package, Giant Steps Package, Advanced Package, or Jazz Institute must submit two audio recordings for placement evaluations to place students in appropriate combos and classes with students at their level. Click for details about creating and submitting your placement recordings.

JUNE 1

CANCELLATION DEADLINE FOR 50% REFUND

This is the last date on which you may request a 50% refund should you wish to cancel your enrollment.

INSTRUMENT RENTAL REQUEST DEADLINE

If you wish to rent an instrument please submit your request via e-mail to
by June 15. Rental fee is due one week after we confirm the availability of the requested instrument. Confirmation of availability may take several weeks, so please submit your request as soon as possible.

JULY 1

MUSIC THEORY EVALUATION DEADLINE

Theory evaluations are due by this date for Jazz Camp, Giant Steps Package, Jazz Camp Package, and Advanced Package programs.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:

TWO WEEKS BEFORE FIRST DAY OF YOUR PROGRAM

If you’re registering after June 10, evaluations, placement materials, and auditions must be submitted as soon as possible after registering.

Late registrations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Updated November 22, 2024

Drop-off

You can drop off your camper starting at 8:30 a.m. each day. SJW staff will be waiting for you at the end of the parking lot loop nearest Braun Music Center to check in and supervise students as they arrive. Giant Steps Day Camp begins promptly each day with an all-camp meeting at 9:00 a.m. in Campbell Recital Hall.

The parking lot loop for drop-off is located on Lagunita Drive, very near the corner of Mayfield Avenue, across the street from the Tresidder Parking Lot. The entrance to the loop will be indicated with SJW signs.

Use the address for the Tresidder Parking Lot for the location; just follow the SJW signs when you turn on to Lagunita Drive.

Tresidder Parking Lot
436 Mayfield Ave, Stanford, CA 94305

If your child will arrive later than 9:00 a.m. please call the SJW office at 650-736-0324 to let us know their anticipated time of arrival.

Pick-up

You can pick up your camper once Giant Steps Day Camp classes end at 3:00 p.m. each day, in the same location as the morning drop-off. You can stay in your car, tell the counselor the name of your camper, and your camper will be sent out to meet you.

If you can’t pick up your child by 3:00 p.m., you may opt for the late pick-up plan. SJW staff will supervise students from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday for a fee of $200 for the entire week. If you choose the late pick-up option, you may pick up your child by coming into the Braun Music Center.

If you’d like to walk in with your child, you may park in the Tresidder Parking Lot, but you will need to pay using the ParkMobile app, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Updated November 22, 2024

Monday – Thursday

9:00 – 9:15 a.m. – Morning meeting

9:20 – 10:10 a.m – Masterclass

10:15 – 11:40 a.m – Ensemble period 1

11:45 a.m – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch

12:30 – 1:00 p.m – Outdoor activity

1:00 – 1:25 p.m – Faculty mini-concert

1:30 – 2:55 p.m – Ensemble period 2

2:55 – 5:00 p.m. Late pickup aftercare (optional)

Friday

9:00 a.m. – 2:55 p.m. – same as other days

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Prepare for Showcase

4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Showcase

Updated November 22, 2024

Giant Steps Day Camp ends with an enjoyable Showcase on Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025. Campers will celebrate everything they’ve learned during the week by putting on a concert for friends, family, and other campers.

The concert is in Dinkelspiel Auditorium in Braun Music Center from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Friends and family members are invited to attend this free concert. SJW does not provide recordings of the showcase; please feel free to photograph or video the performance.

Parking is free after 4:00 p.m. in the Tresidder Parking Lot, adjacent to the Braun Music Center.

Location:

Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305

Updated November 22, 2024

Jazz Camp registration day schedule

Sunday, July 13 

Your first day at Jazz Camp is packed with fun activities, performances, and classes. You’ll also get checked in, learn where to store your instrument, get a sense of the classrooms, performance venues, and dining options, and hang out and have dinner with approximately 200 other excited young jazz musicians from all around the world!

Parking is free in the Tresidder Parking Lot. Once you’ve parked, you’ll see signs and banners directing you to the registration area at Braun Music Center.

Location:

Tresidder Parking Lot, 436 Mayfield Ave, Stanford, CA 94305

Late arrival on registration day: If you are a dorm resident and will be arriving after 11:30 a.m. or a commuter and arriving after 1:00 p.m. on Registration Day, Sunday, July 14 or Sunday July 21, please call our office at 650-736-0324 or e-mail us at [email protected] as far in advance as possible so we can make late arrival arrangements for you.

TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
11:00 a.m Check-in for dorm residents Braun Music Center
12:00 p.m. Check-in for all commuter students and adults Braun Music Center
12:00 p.m. Dorm resident orientation meeting Dinkelspiel Auditorium
1:00 p.m Welcome Meeting for all participants Campbell Recital Hall
2:25 – 4:30 p.m. Classes, presentations, and jam sessions Braun Music Center classrooms – please see posted signs for details
4:30 – 4:45 p.m. Tour of facilities Braun Music Center
4:45 – 5:45 p.m. Welcome dinner Tresidder Union Courtyard
5:45 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Dorm check-in for residents
  • Jam session for commuters
 Braun Music Center
7:30 p.m. Stanford Jazz Festival Concert Dinkelspiel Auditorium
10:00 p.m. Dorm resident check-in after the concert Dormitories
Registration Day events

When you arrive, park in the Tresidder Parking Lot and follow the signs to check in at the Registration table in front of Braun Music Center, where you’ll pick up your welcome materials and camp info.

Dorm resident check-in: Please arrive at 11:00 a.m. for registration. Please bring with your instrument and luggage – keep your lock with you if you want to use a locker.

Commuter check-in: Please arrive at 12:00 p.m. for registration. Please bring with your instrument – bring a lock if you want to use a locker.

At the Dorm Resident Orientation Meeting at 12:00 p.m., dorm residents will meet the counselors, receive meal cards, and go over the nightly check-in procedures and dorm policies.

The Welcome Meeting for everyone at 1:00 p.m. will introduce you to the faculty members, and they’ll play for you. The Jazz Camp staff will tell you about the events that will take place during the week, and go over rules and policies.

You’ll then have a variety of classes, presentations, and jam sessions to attend for the rest of the afternoon — get ready to start playing!

Welcome Dinner for all Participants at 4:45 p.m.

At 4:45, everyone is invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner in the courtyard behind Tresidder Union Courtyard. If you’re a commuter, definitely plan to attend this fun event, and get to know some of your fellow jazz campers.

At 5:45 p.m., after dinner, counselors and staff will guide dorm residents to their dorms for check-in. Commuters can go to an open jam session led by the Mentor Fellow faculty members.

At 7:30, everyone heads to the Stanford Jazz Festival concert! These are open to the public, ticketed events — and you’ve already got a reserved seat! The Stanford Jazz Festival concerts will feature some of the best jazz artists in the world, many of whom will be your teachers during the week.

Parents and guardians who want to attend this Sunday evening concert or others during the week with their camper may purchase tickets in advance, or at the door. Parents wishing to sit next to their camper should email us at [email protected].

Find information about the Stanford Jazz Festival and purchase tickets on the Stanford Jazz Workshop website beginning in March, 2025.

Parents and families

If your parents bring you to Jazz Camp, they’re welcome to talk to staff and visit the information table in Campbell Courtyard, but there will not be room for them to attend your Sunday classes and activities. Once you’ve checked in at the registration table, confirmed that everything is in order with your account, and received your Welcome materials, your parents are free to leave.

If you’re a commuter, you can arrange to meet up with your parents after the welcome dinner (which ends at 5:45 p.m.) or after the Stanford Jazz Festival concert (which ends around 9:00 p.m.)

Need lunch or coffee on Registration Day?

A short walk across White Plaza from the Braun Music Center is the Tresidder Memorial Union, where you’ll find popular eateries, including CoHo and Treehouse, as well as the Union Square Food Court, which features Subway, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and more.

Dates, times, and events are subject to change.

All participants

Each morning, Monday through Friday, you’ll join the mandatory Morning Meeting at 9:00 a.m. in Campbell Recital Hall, where you’ll receive your daily schedule, hear about the exciting things coming up during the day, and get to know the faculty and counselors.

Classes end by 5:00 p.m. each day. On Monday and Tuesday evenings, private lessons are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. You’ll have one 25-minute private lesson on one of those evenings with one of our amazing faculty artists.

If you’re a commuter, we’ll email you the time and date of your private lesson before Jazz Camp starts so you can arrange to be picked up following the lesson.

Commuters

If you’re a commuter, we encourage you to stay for the concerts and evening activities, as you’ll hear incredible artists at the concerts, as well as during the faculty jams at CoHo. Please note that we don’t provide any supervision for commuter participants after classes are over.

You can arrange to be picked up at the 5:00 p.m. Jam Session in Campbell Courtyard — it’s a great way for your parent or guardian to see how much fun it is at Jazz Camp. If you want to stay later for the optional evening activities, please arrange for your parent or guardian to meet you in the Braun Music Center lobby or in the Coffee House (CoHo) in Tresidder Union — there will be SJW staff nearby in those locations.

Dorm Residents

As a dorm resident, you’ll be supervised by our experienced and dedicated SJW counseling staff. Counselors will take roll at the daily morning meeting at 9:00 a.m., and they conduct a late wake-up check at 9:15 a.m. in the dorms. At 5:00 p.m., the counselors have a daily check-in meeting with you where they go over that evening’s activity options and take roll. You then have free time to join in on counselor-led activities or Stanford Jazz Festival events until bedtime.

At 10:00 p.m., you must either check in with the dorm duty counselor and go to bed, or check in at the general 10:00 p.m. meeting to attend the CoHo Jam. After 10:00 p.m,. all students must be in their dorms or at the CoHo with the counselor on duty. Participants who attend the counselor-supervised CoHo Jam will be led back to the dorm by midnight. Counselors will do a final check-in at the dorm and then monitor the halls throughout the night.

General daily schedule

Although each participant’s schedule is tailored to their individual experience and learning goals, the basic schedule is consistent each day.

TIME EVENT LOCATION
9:00 a.m. General Meeting Campbell Recital Hall
9:20 a.m. Theory or Musicianship classes Braun Music Center classrooms
10:30 a.m. Instrument-specific Masterclasses Braun Music Center classrooms
11:45 p.m. Lunch  
Noon concerts on Wednesday and Friday Tresidder Union  
1:00 p.m. Theory or Musicianship classes Braun Music Center classrooms
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Combo rehearsals and afternoon classes Braun Music Center 
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Dorm resident daily check-in Campbell Recital Hall
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Jam Session (optional) Campbell Courtyard
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Counselor-led sports (optional) Meet in Braun Music Center lobby
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Private lessons (Monday and Tuesday only) Braun Music Center classrooms
6:30 p.m. Counselor-led activities (optional) Braun Music Center, Levin Field, and dormitories
7:30 p.m. Stanford Jazz Festival concerts (Sunday – Thursday, free to Jazz Camp students) Campbell Recital Hall and Dinkelspiel Auditorium
10:00 p.m. Resident curfew and final dorm check. Residents must check in for the night with the dorm duty counselor by 10:00 p.m. or attend roll call at the dorm immediately after the Stanford Jazz Festival concert. Dormitories
10:00 p.m. Faculty Jam (optional – dorm residents may attend accompanied by counselors) Stanford Coffee House (CoHo) at Tresidder Union
Jazz Camp daytime events

Morning meeting: This is an inspiring way to start the day. You’ll get your daily schedule from your counselor. You’ll hear about special activities, classes, and performances. You’ll hear some great performances by counselors and faculty, too!

Jazz theory: In your theory class, you’ll study the basics of jazz harmony, song forms, scales, and other fundamental concepts. The levels of this class range from beginning to advanced, with special classes for drummers.

Musicianship: This class focuses on ear training and rhythmic development. You’ll deepen your listening and musical communication skills by playing by ear and sharing musical ideas with the instructor and fellow participants.

Masterclasses: You’ll study your instrument with others who play the same instrument with a faculty artist, who will help you to improve your technique and tone, and to guide you to discover the vocabulary and jazz history that’s part of your instrument.

Afternoon classes: Alternating with combo rehearsals, special classes offer particular musical topics such as Latin jazz, funk jams, blues, and other topics.

Combos: In your combo, you’ll play really fun jazz tunes, work on improvising, learn the secrets of playing well as a group, and apply the lessons you learned in Jazz Theory, Musicianship, and Masterclass. During combo rehearsal times, vocalists will sing together as a group and also work on solo repertoire, accompanied by a professional rhythm section.

Jam sessions: Build your experience and confidence by sitting in on the optional, fun, no-pressure jam sessions.

Private lesson: You’ll have a 25-minute lesson with one of our amazing faculty artists on Monday or Tuesday evening. If you’re staying in the dorm, we’ll let you know your private lesson time when you arrive. If you’re a commuter, we’ll let you know via email in the weeks before Jazz Camp begins so you can schedule transportation.

Jazz Camp evening events

Stanford Jazz Festival concerts: During Jazz Camp, the Stanford Jazz Festival presents world-renowned jazz artists in concert, and you already have a reserved seat! This is an incredible opportunity to hear top jazz artists perform in quiet, comfortable settings. Additionally, many of the performers are themselves faculty members, and hearing your teachers perform is a great way to reinforce the experience of Jazz Camp.

CoHo Jam: After the Jazz Festival concerts on Monday through Thursday, there are faculty jam sessions at the Stanford Coffee House (CoHo) in Tresidder Union beginning around 10:00 p.m. Jazz Camp participants, their parents, and their guests are invited to come hear our faculty play. Dorm Residents will be able to attend this session with counselor supervision.

In addition to the Stanford Jazz Festival concerts and CoHo jams, Jazz Camp participants have a variety of evening activities from which to choose, including:

  • Informal jam sessions
  • Counselor-organized activities such as sports, movies, and games
  • Practicing (until the Braun Music Center closes at 10:00 p.m.)
  • Free time
Jazz Camp Showcase

At the Showcase, you’ll perform with your combo for your family and friends.

The performances take place in four locations that are all adjacent. A Concert Roster showing where and when each participant will be playing will be posted in the Braun Music Center lobby prior to the Showcase. SJW staff and volunteers will provide schedules to parents and audience members as they arrive at the venues.

The performances at the Outdoor Stage at Tresidder Union begin at 6:00 p.m., and the other three venues begin at 7:00 p.m. Following the concert, there will be an awards ceremony in Dinkelspiel Auditorium.

At the Showcase, you’ll perform with your combo or sing with your trio for your family and friends at the Braun Music Center. Here’s the address for your GPS or maps app:

471 Lagunita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305

Parking in the Tresidder Parking Lot adjacent to the Braun Music Center is free after 4:00 p.m.

The Showcase performances take place in four locations that are all adjacent to each other at the Braun Music Center.

The morning of the concert, we’ll email a Concert Roster and a Showcase Schedule showing where and when each participant will be playing to you. The rosters and schedules will also be posted in a variety of locations around the Braun Music Center prior to the Showcase. SJW staff and volunteers will hand out rosters and schedules as you arrive.

The performances at the Outdoor Stage at Tresidder Union begin at 6:00 p.m.

Performances Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Campbell Recital Hall, and Braun Rehearsal Hall begin at 7:00 p.m.

Following the Showcase, there will be an awards ceremony in Dinkelspiel Auditorium.

Dorm check-in times and procedures, and key deposits

For the second week of the Giant Steps Package, your check-in date is July 13, 2025.

If you’re a dorm resident, your check-in time is 11:00 a.m.

Counselors, check-ins, and curfews

As a dorm resident, you’ll be supervised by our experienced and dedicated SJW counseling staff. Counselors take roll at the morning meeting every day at 9:00 a.m., and conduct a late wake-up check at 9:15 a.m. in the dorms.

After classes end each day, the counselors host a check-in meeting where they go over the activity options for that evening and take attendance once more. At that time, you’ll be able to join in on counselor-led activities or attend Stanford Jazz Festival events.

At 10:00 p.m. each evening, you must either check in with the dorm duty counselor and go to bed, or check in at the general 10:00 p.m. meeting to attend the CoHo Faculty Jam. After 10:00 p.m., all dorm residents must either be in their dorms or at the CoHo with the counselor on duty. If you attend the counselor-supervised CoHo Jam, you will be escorted back to the dorm by midnight. Counselors will do a final check-in at the dorm and then monitor the halls throughout the night.

Key deposit accepted two weeks prior to the first day of your program

Stanford University requires a key deposit of $250 of all dorm residents. The deposit is a credit card authorization only – your credit card will not be charged unless we notify you that your key has been reported missing by Stanford Housing after check-out at the end of camp.

We’ll contact you at least one week prior to your arrival at SJW with instructions on how to submit your deposit through your SJW online account. You must submit your key deposit before you arrive, but we will not be able to take credit card deposits before July 6, as credit card authorizations only stay active for a limited amount of time. The authorization on your card will automatically expire after our programs end. Please note that you may see a pending hold on your bank statement until the authorization automatically expires.

Dorm check-out and key return

As a dorm resident at the Giant Steps Package, you have two options for dorm check-out times:
Friday, July 18, 2025, between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19, 2025, between 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Check-out procedure

You can return your key and check-out with Stanford Housing staff, who will have a table outside Braun Music Center Friday evening and Saturday morning. The times listed here are subject to change.

At Jazz Camp, you can check out on Friday evening between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. after classes and before the Showcase, or on Saturday morning before 9:00 a.m.

If you choose to stay over on Friday night, you will need to have all your belongings out of your room and in the dorm lobby by 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. You must return your keys to Stanford Housing by 9:00 a.m., or the room will need to be re-keyed and the key deposit will be charged to your credit card.

Key return policy

At the end of your week, return your keys directly to Stanford Housing, as detailed in the Dorm Check-Out Information page. We’ll provide instructions and directions to make it easy to return your keys. When you return your key to Stanford Housing, you will receive a key return receipt. Please hold on to this, as you will need to refer to it if there is any discrepancy concerning your key. All keys must be returned upon checkout: We’ll send specific times and locations for key return to you directly. If keys are not returned by that time, Stanford will re-key the room and the $250 key deposit will be charged to your credit card.

SJW counselors and staff cannot accept dorm key returns, and are not responsible for any lost keys.

Meal Cards for residents

As a dorm resident age 17 or under, you’ll receive meal cards that will cover food costs at specific Tresidder Student Union vendors and Stanford Dining cafeterias for the entire week. Please use your meal cards responsibly in order to make the funds last throughout the week.

If you’re staying for multiple weeks, your meal cards will have sufficient funds to cover weekend meals.

Keep your cards secure, and report lost cards immediately to a counselor or to SJW staff, since they are as valuable as cash. New meal cards must be ordered and processed through University Dining.

We’ll share a complete list of dining vendors who accept SJW meal cards by May, 2025.

Commuters ages 17 and under

If  you’re not staying in the dorms, we want to encourage you to take advantage of the amazing evening events at SJW, such as the Stanford Jazz Festival concerts and the CoHo jams.

Pick-up locations and times

Taking part in these events may mean that your parents will need to meet you at different locations and times near the Braun Music Center.

The good news is that all of our venues are nearly adjacent, and if your parents arrange to pick you up on Lagunita Drive or in Tresidder Parking Lot, you’ll be able to find each other easily.

Parking is free in the Tresidder Parking Lot in the evenings.

Use this address for GPS and navigation apps for evening pick up:

Tresidder Memorial Union
459 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

Here are common times to ask for parental pick-up in the evenings:

5:00 p.m. This is the time that regular classes end at Jazz Camp, Monday – Thursday.
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Private lesson pick up times on Monday or Tuesday may be anytime between 6 and 8:30 p.m. Ask your parents to meet you in the Braun Music Center lobby, next to Campbell Recital Hall. You’ll find out when your private lesson will be scheduled when you arrive at Jazz Camp.
9:00 p.m. If you go to the Stanford Jazz Festival concerts, ask your parents to meet you in the Braun Music Center lobby or in the Tresidder Parking Lot at 9:00 p.m.
12:00 midnight If you go to the CoHo jam, ask your parents to pick you up at midnight.

A note on supervision

All Jazz Camp commuters are supervised during classes, until 5:00 p.m. After that time, counseling staff will focus on supervising dorm residents. There is no official supervision of commuter students in the evenings.

However, commuter students are always welcome to hang out with the counselors on duty outside of Dinkelspiel Auditorium or CoHo, and to stay with them until parents arrive for pick-up.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

The safety and comfort of participants are of the utmost importance to Stanford Jazz Workshop. To help ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, please observe the following guidelines:

  • Safety first: If you sense a threat to your safety or the safety of others, notify a staff or faculty member immediately. In an emergency, call 911.
  • If you have any problems, let your teacher know, or come to the SJW office and talk to an SJW staff member.
  • After dark, walk in groups on well-lighted pathways. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid talking on cell phones or listening to headphones while walking.
  • Participants ages 17 and under are expected to remain on the Stanford University campus while SJW classes are in session.
  • Stanford Jazz Workshop will not be responsible for minor participants who are not dorm residents after the end of daily classes.
COMMUNITY CONDUCT GUIDELINES

The following conduct guidelines must be observed in order to maintain an environment conducive to learning and enjoyment:

  • Conflicts must be resolved in a peaceful and orderly manner; fighting is grounds for immediate dismissal from SJW programs.
  • Non-emergency cell phone use is not permitted in class; all devices must be set to silent mode or turned off while participants are in classes and performances.
  • Faculty and staff are to be respected, just as participants are to respect each other.
POLICIES FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

Any participant may be dismissed for any of the following reasons:

  • Stealing or vandalizing property
  • Possessing weapons or illicit drugs of any kind
  • Bullying, hazing, or sexual harassment
  • Viewing pornography or any inappropriate material on the internet
  • Using inappropriate language: swearing, slurs, insults, etc.
  • Undermining or threatening the safety or well-being of themselves or others
  • Possessing or use of tobacco or alcohol

SJW has the right to dismiss any individual from a program if their actions or attitudes are deemed detrimental as set forth in the guidelines above. There shall be no refunds issued in the case of such dismissal.

Updated November 22, 2024

Storage

You may store your instrument in a locker or in supervised storage rooms. Lockers provide the most convenient way for you to get access to your instrument.

If you’d like to use a locker, bring a padlock with you to the registration table on registration day; don’t leave it in your luggage or instrument case — this will let you find a locker quickly and easily.

If you choose not to use a locker, supervised instrument storage is provided at all times in locations in Braun Music Center. Large instruments are stored in a specific room on the first floor.

Primary instrument

When you register, we ask you to designate your primary instrument. This is the instrument you’ll play in your combo and master classes. If you’re signed up for Jazz Camp, this is the instrument you’ll play in your private lesson.

Multiple instruments

We encourage you to focus on your primary instrument, so that you get the most out of your time at SJW. If you’re a multi-instrumentalist, however, you may play instruments other than your primary instrument in your musicianship and theory classes, during special presentations, and at jam sessions. If you want to have a private lesson on an instrument other than your primary instrument, please email us at [email protected] to let us know as soon as possible.

Brass and woodwinds

Plan to bring your instrument in its case, with your name and contact information clearly marked on a luggage tag or name tag. Bring everything you need to be able to play your instrument well, such as extra reeds, valve oil, slide cream, tuning slide grease, cork grease, neck straps, mouthpieces, or other instrument supplies. We highly recommend that you take your instrument in for a check-up before coming to SJW. SJW does not have an instrument repair technician available during the workshop, so take care of any pad problems, air leaks, sticky valves, bridge adjustments, or any other potential instrument problems before you come.

If you play a large brass instrument or woodwind instrument and you can’t travel with it — such as a tuba or bari sax — we have a limited number available, which we may be able to loan you during your time at SJW. A deposit and usage fee will be charged — see details in the Loaner Instrument section below. Please email us at [email protected] to let us know as soon as possible if you need to borrow an instrument.

Violins, violas, and small string instruments

We are not able to provide violins or violas. Plan to bring your instrument in its case, with your name and contact information clearly marked on a luggage tag or name tag. Bring everything you need to be able to play your instrument well, such as rosin, extra strings, neck rest, peg dope, or other supplies.

Electric guitars and electric bass guitars

We are not able to provide electric guitars or electric bass guitars. Plan to bring your instrument in its hard shell or soft case, with your name and contact information clearly marked on a luggage tag or name tag. Bring everything you need to be able to play well, such as a neck strap, 1 / 4” cable, extra strings, a tuner, and picks.

You don’t need to bring an amp; we provide amps in all of your classes and for your performance at the Showcase.

Acoustic basses and cellos

We encourage you to bring your own acoustic bass or cello. If you have a pickup for your acoustic bass or cello, please make sure it’s installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and that it’s working properly before you travel to camp.

If you can’t bring your own acoustic bass or cello, a limited number of good quality instruments may be available to borrow. If you have your own bow, please bring your bow, as well as any supplies you need to play well.

A deposit and usage fee will be charged for borrowed instruments — see details in the Loaner Instrument section below. Please email us at [email protected] to let us know as soon as possible if you need to borrow an instrument.

You don’t need to bring an amp; we provide amps in all of your classes and for your performance at the Showcase.

Pianos and keyboards

Pianos and/or keyboards are provided in all rehearsal rooms, classrooms, practice rooms, and performance areas. Amplifiers are also provided for keyboards.

Vibraphones

We have a limited number of vibraphones available for use. Let us know as soon as possible if you need to use an instrument, or if you’d like to bring your own set of vibes. Please email us at [email protected] either way.

Drums

Drummers should plan to use the drums we provide. There are drum kits and cymbals in all rehearsal rooms, classrooms, practice rooms, and performance areas. There is a $40 usage fee due at the time of registration for all drum participants to use SJW drum sets.

If you have your own cymbals, you’re welcome to bring them in a cymbal bag that is clearly marked with your name and contact information on a luggage tag or name tag. Bring anything else you need to play well, such as sticks, brushes, and mallets.

Loaner instruments

If you choose to borrow an acoustic bass, cello, large brass instrument, or large saxophone as outlined in the sections above, a deposit of $500 and a usage fee of $150 will be required. Borrowers will be responsible for any damage that occurs to these instruments. Usage fees and deposit will be due one week after confirmation of availability. Financial aid recipients are exempt from the usage fee, but still need to submit the deposit. To reserve an instrument, please e-mail us at [email protected] or call 650-736-0324.

You can also rent instruments from the following local music stores:

Music Village
Union Store
2971 Union Ave
(at Foxworthy Ave)
San Jose, CA 95124
408-377-2504

Music Village
Santa Teresa Store
5885 Santa Teresa Blvd
(at Snell Ave)
San Jose, CA 95123
408-629-1812

Gelb Music
722 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063
650-365-8878

Peninsula Music & Repair
4335 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
https://www.peninsulamusicandrepair.com/
650-948-5000

Kamimoto Strings
609 North 4th St.
San Jose, CA 95112
http://kamimotostrings.com/
408-298-8168

Note: Gelb Music rents only to local residents. They do not rent acoustic basses.

Amplifiers

For rehearsals, we provide a Peavey KBA100 in every combo room. These amps have four channels, no effects, and limited equalization. Bass and guitar players may both plug into the KBA100, which is sufficient for combo rehearsals. For performances, separate bass and guitar amps are provided. For your combo rehearsals, you may bring your own small amp — but we can’t guarantee that there will be room for it in your particular combo rehearsal room. Our facilities cannot accommodate large combo amps or stacks. Our amps stay put where they are; participants may not move SJW’s amps to other rooms.

Updated November 22, 2024

Instrumentalists

Bring your instrument in its case, with your name and contact information clearly marked on a luggage tag or name tag.

Bring everything you need to be able to play your instrument well, such as extra reeds, valve oil, slide cream, tuning slide grease, cork grease, neck straps, mouthpieces, strings, picks, rosin, or other instrument supplies.

You may store your instrument in a locker or in supervised storage rooms. Lockers provide the most convenient way for you to get access to your instrument. If you’d like to use a locker, bring a padlock with you to the registration table on registration day; don’t leave it in your luggage or instrument case — this will let you find a locker quickly and easily. If you choose not to use a locker, supervised instrument storage is provided at all times in a room on the second floor of Braun Music Center. Large instruments are stored in a room on the first floor.

All participants

If you’re staying in the dorms, bring an alarm clock or an app to wake you up, a small fan as the rooms are not air-conditioned, toiletries, and a washcloth. Sheets, towels, a blanket, and a pillow will be provided.

Bring a note pad, music paper, pens, and pencils.

If you’re a commuter at Jazz Camp or Jazz Institute, bring money for lunch. You can find lunch options at Tresidder Union from $10 – $25.

Bring casual clothing suitable for warm days and cool nights. Dress at camp is casual; shorts and tee shirts are fine. At the Showcase at the end of the week, plan to wear something nicer, if you like.

Bring $60–$80 for optional books, t-shirts, CDs, and snacks. There is no requirement to purchase books for your rehearsals and classes — we provide all class materials. If you need cash, there are ATMs for Stanford Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo Bank at Tresidder Memorial Union.

Updated November 22, 2024

SJW summer programs are held in Braun Music Center near Tresidder Union on the Stanford University Campus. Stanford, California is about 35 miles south of San Francisco and 20 miles north of San Jose. The campus is accessible from two major highways between San Francisco and San Jose: U.S. 101 and I-280.

Googling SJW: The directions given by Google and other online mapping sites may not take you to the correct location. We recommend you enter the following address into your map search window in order to get to the Tresidder Union Parking Lot, which is closest to our facilities:

459 Lagunita Dr. Tresidder Union, Stanford, CA 94305

Driving from Highway 101

Take the University Ave exit traveling WEST through downtown Palo Alto.
University Ave turns into Palm Drive as you approach the Stanford Campus.
From Palm Drive, turn LEFT on Campus Drive.
Circle the campus and turn RIGHT on Mayfield Ave.
Travel about one block to the stop sign, and follow the road to the left.
Take the first RIGHT turn into the Tresidder Parking lot.

Driving from Highway 280


Take the Page Mill Road exit EAST.
Turn LEFT on Junipero Serra Blvd.
Turn RIGHT onto Campus Drive.
Turn Left on Mayfield Ave.
Travel about one block to the stop sign, and follow the road to the left.
Take the first RIGHT turn into the Tresidder Parking lot.

ON-CAMPUS PARKING

Parking in the Tresidder parking lot is free on weekends and after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Between 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, hourly paid parking is available through the ParkMobile app (https://parkmobile.io or available through the Apple App store and Google Play) at the Tresidder Parking Lot, and in other parking lots. You must have the ParkMobile app in order to pay for parking when necessary. Stanford University strictly enforces their parking rules and their parking citations are expensive.

For multiple day or week-long parking permits, please contact us at [email protected].

Click below for a parking map of the area:

https://transportation.stanford.edu/parking/about-parking-permits/view-parking-and-circulation-map

Click here for a map of our facilities and the campus around them:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BSvMZBCE2cb6FPhA7

Click here to view the official Stanford Visitor Parking web page, which indicates current hourly parking rates:

https://transportation.stanford.edu/visitor-parking-rates

GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORTS

Participants arriving by air should fly into either the San Francisco airport (SFO) or San Jose airport (SJC). Stanford Jazz Workshop cannot arrange transportation for participants arriving at or departing from local airports.

Traveling to Stanford from the airport by Uber or Lyft is the most practical method of travel.

The following services also provide ground transportation.

Super Shuttle: 800-258-3826

www.supershuttle.com

Reservations are required. Runs 24 hours a day. 16 is the minimum age for unaccompanied minors, which is a policy that is strictly enforced.

Mosaic Global Transportation: 800-398-7881 or 650-864-9701

www.mosaicglobaltransportation.com/

This is a private car service. Your Mosaic driver will meet you at the baggage claim area.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Caltrain

Caltrain is a commuter railway that runs near the San Francisco airport (SFO) and the San Jose airport (SJC). It stops at the Palo Alto station, which is the nearest station to Stanford. For more information on Caltrain’s schedule, visit www.caltrain.com or call 800-660-4287.

To get to Caltrain from SFO, take the BART train from the airport to the Millbrae station, where you can catch Caltrain south to Palo Alto.

To get to Caltrain from SJC, take the free Airport Flyer shuttle to the Santa Clara station, where you can catch Caltrain north to Palo Alto.

From the Palo Alto Caltrain station on weekends, we recommend using Uber or Lyft.

Buses

Stanford University is served by public transit agencies AC Transit, SamTrans, and Santa Clara VTA. Visit www.511.org and use the 511TakeTransit Trip Planner for information on bus options and schedules.

LOCAL LODGING

We recommend the following hotel partners to participants, friends, and family members wishing to stay off-campus during SJW programs. Discounted rates are offered to patrons if you book through the in-house reservations department and mention the Stanford Jazz special rate — or use the discount code D3Q if you’re booking online. The best way to get in touch with them is to email them, but you can also call them using the following contact information.

The Westin Palo Alto

675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

650-321-4422

[email protected]

Sheraton Palo Alto

625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301

650-328-2800

[email protected]

In addition, more options can be found through Stanford’s local lodging guide; access by clicking here.

https://www.destinationpaloalto.com/lodging

You can find information about activities around the Bay Area here:

www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

Updated November 22, 2024

Updated November 22, 2024