2024 is almost over. Take a moment to make a lasting difference in a young artist’s life. Inspire their journey. Make your gift today.
Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!
Jazz Performance & Improvisation Summer Program for Grades 6-8
Why Take Jazz Performance & Improvisation
Immerse yourself in the world of jazz. During this program, you will play alongside other passionate young musicians. Together, you'll learn from our experienced faculty of jazz performers and educators. Students in this program deepen their skills while exploring this unique, improvised art form.
What You'll Learn
You will have ample opportunity for practice, collaboration, and performance. Our jazz faculty designed a rich and challenging program that will help develop your improvisation skills. Our curriculum includes:
- Master classes with faculty and guest artists
- Jazz improvisation, theory, and musicianship
- Jazz history and creative concepts
- Sectionals, an opportunity for all jazz program students and faculty to make and discuss music together
- Informal jam sessions offer an opportunity for informal student performances
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 60,000 square-foot 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 with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.
Additional Opportunities
Ninth grade is a choice year for students. We also offer Jazz Performance & Improvisation for high school students. Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, where you can major in Jazz Performance within our Music Division.
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
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook
In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:
- Each of our seven arts areas
- Various programs
- Renowned faculty
- A day in the life of a student
- How to apply and financial aid information
- And more