About

Stanford Jazz Workshop’s High School Programs are a suite of immersive summer jazz experiences for instrumentalists and vocalists, blending ensemble performance, improvisation, theory, and stylistic studies on the Stanford University campus. The core offerings include Jazz Camp (July 12–17 or July 19–24) for musicians ages 12–17, focusing on small-ensemble playing and jazz fundamentals, and the Jazz Institute (July 26–31) for advanced musicians ages 14–18, which pairs rigorous study with mentorship from world-class artists. A continuous 13-day Advanced Two-Week Program (July 19–31) combines the second week of Jazz Camp with the Jazz Institute, providing an intensive bridge between foundational learning and professional-level artistry.

Admission to Jazz Camp does not require an audition, though placement recordings are required for ensemble grouping. The Jazz Institute and Advanced Two-Week Program require auditions for first-time vocalists and first-time instrumentalists aged 17 or younger. For 2026, tuition for the Jazz Camp Two-Week Program is $3,400 (commuter) or $5,900 (residential), while the Jazz Institute is $1,850 (commuter) or $3,100 (residential). The Advanced Two-Week Program is $3,500 (commuter) or $6,000 (residential). Residential options are available to students aged 13 and older. Financial aid materials and the $50 returning student discount are due by April 15, 2026, with final payments due by May 1, 2026.

Instruction is led by professional jazz educators and performing artists, emphasizing daily ensemble rehearsal, improvisation, and theory. Participants receive free admission to nightly Stanford Jazz Festival concerts and participate in student jam sessions. Founded in 1972, the nonprofit Stanford Jazz Workshop creates a self-contained "jazz village" environment that fosters intergenerational musical exchange. Participants leave with stronger improvisational instincts and a deeper musical vocabulary; however, the programs do not confer academic credit.