It’s an amazing opportunity to study from the greats, in a place where inspiration and electricity abound.
~ Jazz Institute participant

Ages 12 – 17, by Audition

Prerequisite: 18 months instruction

July 23 – August 4, 2023

Stanford University Campus

On-campus housing with included meal plan available, or commute from off-campus

Program Highlights

Curriculum advances as students advance, no repeated content
Classes led by world-class jazz artists and marquee faculty

Program Focus

Jazz Camp structure in first week; Jazz Institute professional focus in second week
Exclusive content during first week and on Saturday
Small combo, one-on-a-part improvisation and performance
Instrument-specific and vocal masterclasses
Jazz theory, applied theory and many other classes
One private lesson during first week
Daily combo rehearsals led by some of the best jazz artists and educators in the world
Free admission to nightly Stanford Jazz Festival concerts
Showcase performances on first Friday and second Thursday nights

Tuition: $3,065
Housing and meals for two weeks: $1,980

Vocal Programs Available

Advanced Package

For young musicians with advanced jazz experience, SJW’s 2-week Advanced Package program features a 13-day immersion with motivated students from around the world. SJW’s inter-generational approach gives unparalleled access to some of the greatest jazz musicians performing today, so young players can learn directly from living legends, touring artists, and recording pros. During the first week, the curriculum is structured and participants follow a special schedule based on their needs and skill as a jazz musician. During the second week, students choose their own classes from a curriculum that focuses on improvisation and includes small ensemble playing, master classes, and performance opportunities, as well as classes in theory, musicianship, arranging, Afro-Latin jazz, jazz history, and more. Admission to nightly Stanford Jazz Festival performances is included, and there are several jam sessions each evening.

Click for details about the Advanced Package

Advanced Package Classes and Activities:

Jazz theory – focuses on harmony, song forms, scales, and advanced concepts
Musicianship – focuses on ear training and rhythm exercises
Masterclass – virtuoso faculty members teach advanced techniques
Special presentations and demonstrations – SJW faculty relate their experiences as leading artists in jazz, perform live demonstrations, and answer questions about what it’s like to study, perform, compose, and live a life in jazz
Small ensembles / combos – daily rehearsals in small combos directed by faculty artists
Private lessons – every student receives a private lesson with SJW faculty
Jam sessions – fun, optional playing sessions with other students and faculty
Afternoon free time – relax, practice or take part in the talent show, dorm dance, ice cream social, sports, arts and crafts, and jam sessions.

Special events from previous years:

The art of creativity, with Chick Corea (2014)
The art of the trio, with Chris Potter, Eric Harland, and Larry Grenadier (2013)
Afro-Caribbean concepts for jazz players, with Brian Lynch (2013)
Wow, it is so much fun playing with you! with Matt Wilson (2012)
Zen and the art of jazz improvisation with Charles McPherson (2012)
Now that we can play jazz, what do we do? with the Bad Plus (2011)
52nd Street themes: an open rehearsal and discussion featuring Joe Lovano (2011)
Narrative flow in jazz improv with Joshua Redman (2010)
Anatomy of a composition with Dave Douglas (2010)