A Two-Week Jazz Adventure
Ready to take your jazz skills to the next level? The Giant Steps Two-Week Program is designed for middle school musicians who are eager to explore and grow. Over two exciting weeks, you’ll build a strong foundation in jazz—developing essential skills, learning to improvise, and playing in your own ensemble with confidence. This immersive experience fast-tracks your musical growth and fuels a passion for jazz that lasts long after camp ends.
A Two-Week Jazz Adventure
Ready to take your jazz skills to the next level? The Giant Steps Two-Week Program is designed for middle school musicians who are eager to explore and grow. Over two exciting weeks, you’ll build a strong foundation in jazz—developing essential skills, learning to improvise, and playing in your own ensemble with confidence. This immersive experience fast-tracks your musical growth and fuels a passion for jazz that lasts long after camp ends.
Two Programs, One Path
Begin with five days at Giant Steps Day Camp, where you’ll establish the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and performance. Then continue with six days at Jazz Camp, refining your skills through daily masterclasses, small ensemble rehearsals, and musicianship classes—all in an inspiring, immersive environment.
Two Programs, One Path
Begin with five days at Giant Steps Day Camp, where you’ll establish the fundamentals of jazz improvisation and performance. Then continue with six days at Jazz Camp, refining your skills through daily masterclasses, small ensemble rehearsals, and musicianship classes—all in an inspiring, immersive environment.
From Foundation Building to the Stage
Your journey begins with developing and strengthening your jazz skills at Giant Steps, then takes you to Jazz Camp where you’ll apply them in rehearsals and performances. Along the way, you’ll refine your improvisation, play in ensembles, and be inspired by world-class performances at the Stanford Jazz Festival.
From Foundation Building to the Stage
Your journey begins with developing and strengthening your jazz skills at Giant Steps, then takes you to Jazz Camp where you’ll apply them in rehearsals and performances. Along the way, you’ll refine your improvisation, play in ensembles, and be inspired by world-class performances at the Stanford Jazz Festival.
Your 11 days as part of the Giant Steps Package include:
Expert-Led Master Classes
Develop instrumental technique and musicianship with guidance from our outstanding jazz faculty.
Tailored Instruction and Private Lessons
Receive personalized coaching in masterclasses and ensemble rehearsals, plus a private lesson during Jazz Camp to further support your growth.
Comprehensive Ensemble Training
Experience the power of big band playing and the close collaboration of small combos.
Improvisational Skills
Learn to create in the moment, building confidence and expressive freedom in a supportive environment.
A Supportive Community
Explore jazz alongside peers your age in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring setting.
Immersive Jazz Experience
Spend 11 days on the Stanford campus with music-filled days, fun activities, and nightly performances at the Stanford Jazz Festival.
A Thriving Community of Young Musicians
Connect with dedicated young musicians from across the Bay Area and beyond, building friendships and musical collaborations that extend beyond the camp experience.
Showcase Performances
Each week ends with a live concert where you’ll share your growth with family and friends.
Confidence That Lasts
With dedicated faculty and a supportive community, the Giant Steps Two-Week Program helps you grow as both a musician and a person. You’ll develop new skills, build lasting confidence, and gain an appreciation for jazz that will carry you into your high school music program and beyond.
Confidence That Lasts
With dedicated faculty and a supportive community, the Giant Steps Two-Week Program helps you grow as both a musician and a person. You’ll develop new skills, build lasting confidence, and gain an appreciation for jazz that will carry you into your high school music program and beyond.
Program details
Who Can Attend program dates and timesProgram LocationProgram TuitionProgram Placement AuditionProgram Accepted Instruments
The Giant Steps Two-Week Program is for students entering 6th grade in fall 2026 and current middle school students (grades 6–8). Experience reading music and at least one year of instruction on your instrument is required. (Resident program for ages 13 and older is available during Jazz Camp, the second week of this two-week program.)
Week 1, Giant Steps Day Camp
- July 6 – 10, 2026
- Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Showcase performance on Friday, July 10: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Supervision and late pickup option from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. is available.
Week 2, Jazz Camp
- July 12 – 17, 2026
- 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.
All classes and performances are held at the Braun Music Center on the Stanford University campus, 541 Lasuen Mall, Stanford, CA 94305.
- Tuition only $2,650
- Tuition (both weeks) plus room and board (Jazz Camp only) $3,900
- Catered lunch for five days (Giant Steps Day Camp only): $125
- Supervision and late pickup (Giant Steps Day Camp only): $250
Financial aid is available; you may apply for financial aid during the online registration process. Click for details on program pricing.
There is no audition required for the Jazz Camp Two-Week Program. When you register, you’ll receive instructions for submitting a short recording of your playing, along with an online music theory evaluation. These materials help us place you in the classes and ensembles that best match your experience and support your growth.
Accepted instruments for the Giant Steps Two-Week Program Include:
- Brass instruments including trumpet and trombone
- Woodwinds including clarinet and saxophone
- All rhythm section instruments (guitar, piano, keyboards, vibraphone, bass, drums)
Giant Steps Package Faculty
Download the 2026 Camp Brochure
