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

Sheryl Bailey

Matt Brewer

Terrence Brewer

George Cables

Anat Cohen

Jayla Chee

Paul Cornish

Caroline Davis

Dena DeRose

Taylor Eigsti

Howard Wiley

Tomoko Funaki

Dr. David Hart

Natalie John

Rob Kohler

Maya Kronfeld

Hannah Marks

Jhoely Garay

Dan Wilson

Terell Stafford

Logan Richardson

Victor Lin

Patrice Rushen

Harold López-Nussa

Sasha Berliner

Dana Leong

Vincent De Jesus

Edward Simon

Ralph Moore

Alicyn Yaffee

Jaimeo Brown

Zach Adleman

Nasheet Waits

Andrew Stephens

Sylvia Cuenca

Anisha Rush

Kilan Thorns

Steven Lugerner

Adi Meyerson

Michael Mitchell

Bennett Paster

Randy Porter

Dafnis Prieto

Eric Revis

Michael Rodriguez

Daniel Rotem

Marcus Shelby

Naomi Siegel

Lynn Speakman

Carmen Staaf

Kristen Strom

John Sturino

Kushal Talele

Tiffany Austin

Valerie Troutt
