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Jazz Institute July 27 – August 1

Study and play with the top artists in jazz.

Register now!
PreviousNext
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Jazz Institute July 27 – August 1

Study and play with the top artists in jazz.

Register now!

Jazz Institute – Elevate Your Artistry

REGISTER NOW!

At Jazz Institute, you’ll spend six transformative days learning from jazz legends, top professionals, and gifted educators while connecting with passionate musicians from around the world. Customize your experience by selecting from a diverse curriculum, including instrumental and vocal masterclasses, jazz theory, improvisation, musicianship, arranging, music business, and more. This is your opportunity to refine your craft, expand your musical knowledge, and be part of an inspiring global jazz community.

At Jazz Institute, you’ll spend six transformative days learning from jazz legends, top professionals, and gifted educators while connecting with passionate musicians from around the world. Customize your experience by selecting from a diverse curriculum, including instrumental and vocal masterclasses, jazz theory, improvisation, musicianship, arranging, music business, and more. This is your opportunity to refine your craft, expand your musical knowledge, and be part of an inspiring global jazz community.

At Jazz Institute, the core of your experience is playing or singing in a small band led by the renowned SJW faculty—a lineup of world-class performers, recording artists, and educators. Under their guidance, you’ll gain insights, techniques, and inspiration straight from jazz masters, learning firsthand from the very artists shaping the future of the genre. This immersive experience will refine your musicianship, expand your artistic perspective, and elevate your approach to jazz.

At Jazz Institute, the core of your experience is playing or singing in a small band led by the renowned SJW faculty—a lineup of world-class performers, recording artists, and educators. Under their guidance, you’ll gain insights, techniques, and inspiration straight from jazz masters, learning firsthand from the very artists shaping the future of the genre. This immersive experience will refine your musicianship, expand your artistic perspective, and elevate your approach to jazz.

Participation in Jazz Institute is by audition, ensuring a high-level musical environment where you’ll be challenged and inspired to grow at an accelerated pace. Whether you stay on campus or commute, you’ll thrive as part of the SJW community—surrounded by world-class artists, dedicated educators, and passionate fellow musicians.

Participation in Jazz Institute is by audition, ensuring a high-level musical environment where you’ll be challenged and inspired to grow at an accelerated pace. Whether you stay on campus or commute, you’ll thrive as part of the SJW community—surrounded by world-class artists, dedicated educators, and passionate fellow musicians.

Your six days at Jazz Institute include:

Customized Learning Experience

As an advanced musician, you have the flexibility to select your own classes, masterclasses, and activities, allowing you to focus on the specific skills and techniques you wish to develop.

Instruction from Jazz Masters

Our faculty features legendary jazz artists whose recordings have shaped the genre, rising innovators redefining its future, and accomplished professionals at the pinnacle of their careers. This unparalleled gathering of talent offers an extraordinary educational experience.

Extensive Musical Opportunities

At the core of Jazz Institute is your combo, where you apply the concepts and techniques learned in theory and masterclasses. Evening activities include faculty-led jam sessions and exclusive access to Stanford Jazz Festival performances.

A Comprehensive and Specialized Curriculum

Engage in jazz theory, ear training, and improvisation at multiple levels, and gain insight from leading artists through specialized presentations on essential musical and professional topics.

Exclusive Access to Premier Jazz Events

Enjoy complimentary admission to Stanford Jazz Festival concerts and participate in after-hours jam sessions with fellow musicians and faculty.

Thriving Network of Jazz Musicians

The fellow musicians and esteemed instructors you meet will become valuable connections, supporting your growth in jazz and opening doors to new musical opportunities.

On-Campus Residential Experience

Living in Stanford’s campus housing enhances your immersion in the Jazz Institute, providing additional opportunities to interact with faculty artists and fully engage in festival performances and jam sessions.

Final Showcase Performance

Jazz Institute culminates in a live performance where you and your combo demonstrate your growth and artistry, sharing your progress with family and friends.

At Jazz Institute, you’ll find the expert guidance, supportive community, and immersive environment to help you grow as a jazz musician.

Join us for a week of music, mentorship, and collaboration, surrounded by world-class artists and passionate fellow musicians.

At Jazz Institute, you’ll find the expert guidance, supportive community, and immersive environment to help you grow as a jazz musician.

Join us for a week of music, mentorship, and collaboration, surrounded by world-class artists and passionate fellow musicians.

Program details

Who is Jazz Institute for? What are the dates and times?Where is Jazz Institute held?What is the cost of Jazz Camp?Is there an audition?What instruments are accepted?
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Jazz Institute is open to vocalists and instrumentalists of all ages, from 14 up, by audition only.

Jazz Institute classes and programs occur during the following hours:

July 27 – August 1, 2025

  • 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. – 3:30 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 for six days of instruction: $1,725
  • Housing for adults 18 and over, shared room only: $795
  • Housing and meals for minors: $1,100

Financial aid is available; you may apply for financial aid during the online registration process. Click for details on program pricing.

Yes, Jazz Institute is open by audition only. 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 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