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

Program Requirements

Apply

Program Snapshot
Program Length
3 weeks
Program Dates
  • June 22, 2025 to July 12, 2025
Tuition
$6,985
Age Range
Intermediate (Grades 6-8)
Deadline
  • January 15, 2025

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

Chris Glassman

Chris Glassman

Director of Jazz

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler

Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects; Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

Jacob Kelberman headshot 400x600

Jacob Kelberman

Instructor of Jazz Guitar

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.

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

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

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