Instruments and Equipment

Updated: November 16, 2023

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. We’ll ask you to play this instrument for your Placement Evaluation, so we can place you in the combo and master class that’s perfect for you. 

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 woodwind instruments

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.

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. Contact us if you want to use your own pickup on a loaner instrument. If you have your own bow, please bring your bow, as well as any supplies you need to play well, such as an endpin rest and rosin. 

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. Practice opportunities will usually be in the evenings when there are no classes in session.

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. 

Instrument 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 a room on the second floor of Braun Music Center. Large instruments are stored in a room on the first floor. 

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 $125 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: