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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 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
Program Specialties
- Jazz Orchestra
- Small Combos
- Improvisation
- Sectionals
- Culminating performance
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.
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