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.

Elevate your jazz journey

If you’re an experienced jazz musician looking for a deeper challenge, the two-week Advanced Package will help you refine your technique, strengthen your improvisation, and expand your musical vocabulary. Designed for students ready to push their skills further, this program provides the training and inspiration to take your musicianship to the next level.

This unique program blends structured training with the freedom to explore your creativity, all while collaborating with talented students from around the world. With expert guidance and an inspiring environment, you’ll refine your technique, expand your musical vocabulary, and push your artistry further than ever before.

Our intergenerational approach immerses you in the world of jazz, connecting you with legendary musicians, touring artists, and outstanding educators. You’ll not only learn from and perform for these masters but also experience their incredible live performances at the Stanford Jazz Festival. The inspiration and insights you gain will elevate your playing and deepen your understanding of jazz.

In week one, you’ll immerse yourself in Jazz Camp, where a structured curriculum is tailored to your individual needs and skill level, providing a clear path for growth.

In week two, you’ll transition to the Jazz Institute, where you take control of your learning by selecting from a wide range of classes focused on improvisation, small ensemble playing, theory, musicianship, arranging, jazz history, and more.

This dynamic combination of structured guidance and personalized exploration ensures a comprehensive and inspiring jazz experience.

In week one, you’ll immerse yourself in Jazz Camp, where a structured curriculum is tailored to your individual needs and skill level, providing a clear path for growth.

This dynamic combination of structured guidance and personalized exploration ensures a comprehensive and inspiring jazz experience.

Your 13 days as part of the Advanced Package include:

Focused Small Ensemble Training

Under the direction of world-renowned jazz artists and educators, you will refine your musicianship, strengthen your improvisational skills, and develop leadership abilities through intensive small ensemble rehearsals and performances.

Extensive Engagement with Acclaimed Jazz Artists

Learn from leading jazz musicians and educators through daily masterclasses, musicianship training, music theory sessions, and specialized presentations. At Jazz Institute, additional opportunities include nightly jam sessions with faculty and fellow musicians.

Customized Instruction to Support Your Growth

At Jazz Camp, courses are carefully assigned to provide an optimal learning experience based on your skill level. At Jazz Institute, you have the flexibility to select courses that align with your musical interests and goals.

Emphasis on Improvisational Development

Improvisation is central to both weeks of the program. Classes and rehearsals provide a structured yet supportive environment where you will expand your creative expression and develop confidence as a soloist.

A Thriving Network of Jazz Musicians

Form meaningful connections with fellow students and esteemed faculty through the Advanced Package. These relationships will continue to support your artistic development long after the program ends.

On-Campus Residential Experience

Living on campus enhances your immersion in the program, offering additional opportunities to engage with faculty artists, attend Stanford Jazz Festival performances, and participate in late-night jam sessions.

Final Showcase Performance

Each week concludes with a live performance, where you will demonstrate your growth and musicianship in a small ensemble setting for an appreciative audience.

Exclusive Workshops and Special Events

Participate in a full day of specialized instruction on the Saturday between program weeks. Enjoy complimentary admission to nightly Stanford Jazz Festival performances and post-concert jam sessions, further enriching your experience.

Whether you’re an experienced player looking to push your skills further or an advancing musician ready for a new challenge, the Advanced Package offers the ideal environment to refine your technique, expand your knowledge, deepen your musicianship, and enhance your love for this vibrant art form.

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?

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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.

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 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.

Most instruments are welcome 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)
Vocalists are welcome