July 7 – 11, 2025
Click on any of the topics below for details and specific information about Giant Steps Day Camp. 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].
Deadlines
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
Pick-up and drop-off
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
Schedule for the week
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
Showcase on Friday 7/11
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
Safety and conduct policies
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
Instrument storage and borrowing
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
What to bring
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
Transportation and lodging
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
Sheraton Palo Alto
625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-328-2800
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
