“Simply put, Stanford Jazz Workshop changed my life that first summer.
~ Jaz Sawyer, drummer & jazz educator
azz Camp immerses participants in a fun, focused, and supportive environment. The program offers instrumentalists and vocalists an opportunity play with motivated peers and study with a prestigious faculty of professional musicians and educators.
Our highly-structured curriculum is tailored to the needs and level of each individual student. Improving your improvisation is the goal, and in every class and rehearsal, faculty will help you to hear the sounds of jazz, understand what those sounds are, and play them when you want to. Get ready to play the best jazz of your life.
Families and friends of Jazz Camp students are invited to attend the free Jazz Camp Showcase, held on Friday of each week of Jazz Camp. Tickets for the pre-concert Friends and Family Dinner will be available for purchase online. Families and friends are also invited to purchase tickets to nightly Stanford Jazz Festival concerts.
Jazz Camp 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
- Afternoon free time – relax, practice or take part in the talent show, dorm dance, ice cream social, sports, arts and crafts, and jam sessions.
