Written by Summer jazz workshops have become a popular destination for both amateur and professional musicians looking to up their skills in an inspiring environment with like-minded people. Recently we’ve been receiving quite a few inquiries from our readers asking if we can publish information on where to find the best Summer Jazz Workshops. So, never one to disappoint here is part one of our 2019 Jazz Workshop Round-up.
Samba Meets Jazz
Where: Conservatorio de Bellini, Palermo Italy.
When: April 23rd to the 28th, 2019
The Samba Meets Jazz Workshop offers a 5-day vocal and instrumental workshop for adults of all levels and musical backgrounds and will be held at Conservatorio de Bellini in Palermo Italy. Head of the faculty is Brazilian-born, multi-Grammy Nominee Nilson Matta (bassist for, Trio da Paz and Luis Bonfa). Joining Matta as part of the faculty will be the renown jazz guitarist and pedagogue Dave Stryker. Dave was recently voted into the 2017 Downbeat Critics and Readers Poll for the 10th time. Also joining the team is New England Conservatory vocal faculty member, Dominique Eade.
Samba Meet Jazz Workshops, based in the U.S, is one of the very few programs worldwide that specializes in integrating Brazilian music studies with jazz. Instrumental and vocal participants will learn authentic rhythms, harmonies and phrasing of the various styles of Brazilian music. Participants will have the opportunity to work with each member of the faculty. Curricula will include Jazz & Brazilian ensembles, Improvisation & Harmony, Brazilian Rhythms, Styles & Phrasing, Rhythm Section Lab, Arranging and Brazilian Percussion. Vocalists will be coached (group and individually) with focus on song interpretation, phrasing, intonation & technique, scat singing, as well as singing in Portuguese. The week will culminate with a student performance at Tatum Art Jazz Club, on Sunday evening, April 28.
Samba Meets Jazz Workshops, currently in its 9th year, is committed to making its programs accessible to all who have a passion for the music. Special rates have been set for European participants and college students, educators and working musicians are eligible for discounts.
For more information and to register: visit the Samba Meets Jazz Workshop website.
Siena International Summer Workshop
Where: Siena, Italy
When: July 24th to the 7th of August, 2019
Now in its 49th year the Siena International Summer Workshop features an international faculty of renowned musicians and educators and is focused toward conservatory graduates and students and musicians without a music degree but with documented study and performance experience in jazz for at least four years.
The Workshop is devoted to making music, to sharing experience, to exchanging personal musical languages and harmonizing cultures from different countries. Students from all five continents have for years now gathered at the Siena Jazz Seminars and have discovered their affinities while getting to know each other, playing music together, sharing their passion and love for jazz. During the two weeks of courses students take part in 6 hours of instruction each day and each evening there are events including faculty performances, student jam sessions, and ensemble music group recitals. Jam sessions are held in the gardens of several of Siena’s historic contrade, a unique way to combine Sienese hospitality with the city’s medieval charm.
Each of the ensembles is led by one of the faculty who, while instructing students also play in the group as ensemble leaders, thus creating a stimulating learning environment, rich in the empathy and sense of sharing that have always characterized the Siena courses. Participants will study throughout the two weeks enjoying the experience of working with 34 top-quality international teachers, all great artists in their own right. This years faculty features Ambrose Akinmusire, Donny McCaslin, Aaron Parks and Kenny Werner to name just a few.
The complete faculty list and information on registering can be found on the Siena Jazz Website.
Jazz Camp
Where: Hotel Barone Di Sassj, Milan, Italy.
When: July 14th to the 19th 2019
Jazz Camp is a US-based organisation now in their 35th year. The organization will hold a 6-day workshop in July in Milan. The faculty is led by renowned tenor saxophonist and Jerry Bergonzi. Bergonzi’s discography includes more than 60 recordings, notably Standard Gonz with the Jerry Bergonzi Quartet on the Blue Note label and nine albums with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. As a clinician, Bergonzi has taught at conservatories and music schools throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is the author of a series of instructional books with play-along CDs and videos, entitled Inside Improvisation. Other faculty members include Charlie Sarling, Glendon Ingalls, Ben Sher, Byron Siegal and a number of European Guest Artists.
The workshop is open to adults of all levels and musical backgrounds however you must be able to read music at an intermediate level (ability to improvise not required). Participants receive both individual instrumental instruction as well as ensemble performances. Jazz Camp will be held at the Grand Hotel Barone Di Sassj in Sesto San Giovani, Milan, Italy.
For more Information and registration visit the Jazz Camp Website.
International Singing and Songwriting Retreat
Where: SolHenge Retreat centre, South West of France
When: August 18th to the 23rd, 2019
For Vocalists, this retreat held in the Dordogne region in South West France is a good option. Led by Pete Churchill, Professor of Jazz Composition Royal Academy of Music London and Paola Vera Professor of Pop and Jazz Voice, Bordeaux Conservatoire. This workshop not only focuses on vocal performance but also on songwriting and the creative process. While Jazz is up-front the program is open for all styles and genres.
The workshop offers performance opportunities and professional recording facilities are onsite. The course also has plenty of space provided for encouraged breaks, walks, naps, meals and more…whatever is necessary to stay freshly engaged with the joy of the creative process.
More information can be found on their website.
Conservatory Amsterdam – Keep an Eye Summer Jazz Workshop
Where: Conservatory Amsterdam – The Netherlands
When: June 24th to the 28th, 2019
Are you a jazz professional or student? Serious about improving your skills? the conservatory in Amsterdam will once again hold an advanced level Jazz Workshop for professionals and students from around the world. Participants will have the opportunity for networking and developing your skills by following an advanced jazz course in one of Europe’s most prominent jazz scenes.
The workshop will be held on the premises of the Amsterdam Conservatory with students from around the world, under the guidance of the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music New York and the Conservatory van Amsterdam. The faculty includes Dick Oatts, Jay Anderson, Jesse van Ruller, John Riley, Justin DiCioccio and Yaniv Nachum with the rest of the faculty members to be announced soon.
The program includes a full program of individual lessons, workshops, masterclasses, lectures and concerts at Europe’s largest jazz department. The conservatory does not provide board and lodging however the conservatory building is located near Amsterdam Central Station and a list of suitable hotels and hostels are listed on the website.
More information can be found at the Conservatory Amsterdam website.
Last modified: April 8, 2019
