Instrumental Jazz

Audition Info (first time applicants) Register

Open to musicians on all instruments. This track is designed to give participants tools to develop their musical vocabulary. It also emphasizes respect for the tradition while developing one’s own creativity. Participants receive well-rounded training that includes:

5 Theory-based classes to choose from:
- Intermediate Theory (chords/scales and tools for improv)
- Advanced Theory (reharmonization and analysis)
- Rhythm theory
- Ear training
- Composition
Daily master classes for guitar, piano, bass, drums saxophone, flute, trombone, trumpet (see schedule for detailed information)
Nightly, supervised Zoom sessions
Hot Topics – conversations about jazz and its place in history, race and culture
Final concert with Helen Sung and Marcus McLaurine

“The VJC summer program is the highlight of my year and it is always musically uplifting as well as healing on a physical and spiritual level.”
—Summer Workshop 2017 Participant

“This program is an incredible opportunity to work with living legends, learn from some of the best working musicians out there, and be inspired by one’s peers.”

—Elijah Taylor, multi-year participant

2020 Summer Workshop Instrumental Program Faculty

Jason Palmer, Rachel Therrien, Ray Vega (trumpet)
Jennifer Wharton and John Fedchock (trombone)
Stacy Dillard, Michael Zsoldos, Felipe Salles (saxophones)
Camille Thurman (flute)
Helen Sung, Miro Sprague, Shamie Royston, Maya Keren, Ray Gallon, (piano)
Freddie Bryant (guitar)
Cameron Brown, Linda Oh, Marcus McLaurine, David Picchi, Malik McLaurine (bass)
Francisco Mela, Clarence Penn, Corey Fonville, Claire Arenius, Brian Shankar Adler (drums)
Eugene Uman (theory)
Julian Gerstin (rhythm theory)