Written by The Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop, now in its 54th year, continues to be a cornerstone of jazz education in Europe. Set against the backdrop of Siena’s historic Fortezza Medicea, this annual event brings together aspiring musicians from around the world for an intensive two-week program of study and performance.
Established in 1977, the workshop has evolved from its Italian roots to become a truly international affair. Since the 1990s, the program has embraced a global outlook, attracting students and faculty from across the globe. This international focus has been a key factor in the workshop’s enduring success and relevance in the jazz education landscape.
The 2024 edition, scheduled from July 24th to August 6th, promises to continue this tradition of excellence. This year’s event is dedicated to Franco Caroni, the Academy’s historic founder who passed away in January 2024. The faculty roster reads like a who’s who of contemporary jazz, featuring renowned artists such as Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Miguel Zenon (saxophone), Aaron Parks (piano), and Theo Bleckmann ( vocals). These faculty members, along with their equally accomplished colleagues, bring a wealth of performance experience and pedagogical expertise to the workshop.
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Each day, students participate in two different ensemble music groups, working with various instructors and peers. This approach encourages versatility and exposes students to diverse playing styles and concepts. Additionally, students attend two lessons on instrumental improvisation technique daily, in small groups of no more than eight, allowing for personalized instruction and focused skill development.
One of the unique aspects of the Siena Jazz workshop is the active involvement of the faculty in ensemble sessions. By leading these groups, the instructors create a dynamic learning environment that bridges the gap between classroom instruction and real-world performance scenarios. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among students and teachers alike.
The workshop’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Evening events, including faculty performances, student jam sessions, and ensemble recitals, provide valuable opportunities for students to apply their learning in live settings. These performances take place in various venues around Siena, including the historic contrade gardens, offering a unique blend of jazz and local culture.
The 2024 edition has already set a new record for enrollment, with all 14 instrument and ensemble music classes filled within six weeks of opening registration. This year, the workshop will welcome 90 students from around the world, along with 28 internationally renowned instructors. The high demand underscores the workshop’s reputation as a premier destination for serious jazz students aiming for in-depth training and a musical career.
The Siena Jazz workshop’s influence on the Italian jazz scene has been significant. In 2008, the organization launched the International Jazz Master Program in Improvisation Techniques, a pilot project that ran until 2011 and had a substantial impact on jazz education in Italy. This initiative paved the way for Siena Jazz to become the first institution in Italy to offer state-recognized jazz courses in 2011.
Today, Siena Jazz operates year-round, offering regular courses in addition to the summer and winter workshops. The faculty of the Siena Jazz University includes a significant number of international instructors, reflecting the organization’s commitment to global perspectives in jazz education.
The workshop’s research arm, the Centro Nazionale Studi sul Jazz Arrigo Polillo, houses an extensive collection of jazz-related materials, including books, magazines, dissertations, sound and video recordings, and promotional materials. This resource serves as a valuable tool for students and researchers alike, contributing to the preservation and study of jazz history.
The facilities at the Fortezza Medicea are state-of-the-art, spanning over 1,000 square meters and including teaching spaces, a sound archive, library, and workshop areas. During the summer program, the City of Siena provides additional facilities, bringing the total number of available classrooms to 27. This expansion allows the workshop to accommodate its large and diverse student body effectively.
The international character of the Siena Jazz workshop is one of its defining features. With students coming from all over the world and half of the summer faculty being international, the workshop creates a truly global community of jazz musicians. This diversity enriches the learning experience, exposing participants to a wide range of musical traditions and approaches.
The workshop’s structure encourages collaboration and cultural exchange. With 90 students from different nationalities working alongside 28 international instructors, the program fosters an environment where musical friendships are formed, and creative partnerships are forged. This aspect of the workshop often leads to ongoing collaborations and connections that extend well beyond the two-week program.
For many participants, the Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop represents more than just a learning opportunity; it’s a chance to immerse themselves in a vibrant jazz community. The daily schedule of classes, rehearsals, and performances creates an intensive but rewarding experience that many describe as transformative.
The workshop’s location in Siena adds another dimension to the experience. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage provide a unique backdrop for the study of jazz. The evening jam sessions in the contrade gardens, in particular, offer a memorable fusion of jazz improvisation and Sienese tradition.
The 2024 edition will feature a series of 10 main concerts, showcasing the talents of both faculty and students. The opening concert will be performed by the SJU orchestra, a 23-piece ensemble conducted by Maestro Roberto Spadoni and featuring international guests as soloists. The Siena Jazz Masters concerts on July 26th and 27th, and August 1st and 2nd, will present a wide range of ensembles, from duos to quintets, featuring faculty members in unique collaborations.
New partnerships and initiatives have been introduced for the 2024 edition. The workshop has established a collaboration with the Villa Flora Foundation, which will provide two scholarships to support students facing economic difficulties. Additionally, the Franco Caroni Prize, established by ANCE Siena, will be awarded annually to two teachers of the academic courses. Siena Jazz will also introduce a scholarship for bass and double bass students, dedicated to the memory of Franco Caroni.
The workshop has expanded its reach through collaborations with other jazz festivals and events across Italy. In addition to its ongoing partnership with Pisa Jazz, where the SJU Orchestra will perform a tribute to saxophonist Wayne Shorter, Siena Jazz will be an artistic partner of the new Riccione Summer Jazz event. The workshop will also collaborate with the Municipality of Ferrara for two concerts as part of the “Giardino per Tutti” event.
With the start of the 54th edition fast approaching it’s clear that the Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop continues to adapt and evolve while maintaining its core mission of jazz education and cultural exchange. The workshop’s longevity and reputation attest to its success in creating a meaningful and impactful experience for both jazz students and educators alike. In conclusion, the Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop stands as an example to the power of music to bring people together and let’s face it, what better location to do this than the Tuscan city of Siena.
For more information please visit the Siena Jazz website.
Last modified: July 20, 2024
