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Jazz Performance & Improvisation Summer Program for High School Students


Why Take Jazz Performance & Improvisation

Jazz is a perfect opportunity for artistic expression. It's a chance for disciplined musicians to bend the rules and create something new. During your time at Interlochen, you'll spend your days immersed in the world of jazz alongside fellow students and our accomplished faculty. 

What You'll Learn

Our jazz curriculum will help you master this quintessential American art form. Your courses may include:

  • Master classes with faculty and guest artists
  • Jazz improvisation, theory, and musicianship skills
  • Jazz history and creative concepts
  • Sectionals, an opportunity for all jazz program students and faculty to make and discuss music together
  • Open mic sessions, an opportunity for informal student performances

Audition Requirements

Apply

Program Specialties

  • Jazz Orchestra
  • Small Combos
  • Improvisation
  • Sectionals
  • Culminating performance
Program Snapshot
Program Length
3 weeks
Program Dates
  • June 23, 2024 to July 13, 2024
Tuition
$6,765
Age Range
High School (Grades 9-12)
Deadline
  • Accepting applications

Meet the Faculty

Under the guidance of accomplished performers and educators, you will grow as an improviser and musician. Our faculty includes distinguished jazz instructors, composers, musicians, and guest artists from around the world.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Jacob Kelberman headshot 400x600

Jacob Kelberman

Instructor of Jazz Guitar

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Students perform during master classes, in the studio, and in small ensembles. Jazz students also have the opportunity to participate in open-mic style performances.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios—which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus—multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Additional Opportunities

Consider attending one of our instrumental intensives before this program. Intensives are a great way to focus entirely on honing your instrumentalist skills for an entire week. Use our program finder to see available intensives.

Interlochen is home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, where you can major in Jazz Performance within our Music discipline.

A man playing piano

I believe the jazz program here provides a strong foundation for what is going to be expected for anyone doing this music in the future.

Xavier Davis, Interlochen guest artist