Eastman Experience: Summer Jazz Studies

INS 489-1

NOW ACCEPTING JAZZ VOICE!

Eastman Experience: Summer Jazz Studies

June 29-July 11, 2025 / Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-9:00 PM plus weekend activities| Move out of Eastman School of Music housing on July 12th, 2025

       
Jeff Campbell, director

Faculty:  Charles Pillow Saxophone, Clay Jenkins Trumpet, Bob Sneider Guitar, Dariusz Terefenko Piano, Jeff Campbell Bass, Rich Thompson Drums, Dave Rivello Composition, Mark Kellogg Trombone, Sara Gazarek Voice

This rigorous two-week program provides an intensive, performance-based experience for highly motivated students currently in grades 9–12 (ages 14-18 only–student must turn 14 and not be beyond 18 years of age before the first day of the program) and is ideally suited for those considering jazz studies at the collegiate level. Students work directly with the renowned Eastman School of Music jazz faculty in a program designed to enhance improvisational and ensemble skills.

HOW TO APPLY: 

  • To apply please submit your application materials through the online portal. APPLY HERE
  • Upload your audition files or links on the Audition tab in the online portal.
  • Request one letter of recommendation from your current ensemble director or private teacher. Online submission is preferred.
  • Upload a musical résumé including recent solo and ensemble music, and any honors or awards.

Audition Video Requirements for Instrumental

  • 10 minutes maximum
  • Three contrasting pieces, i.e. bebop tune, standard, ballad
  • Recorded examples to include improvised solos
  • Accompanying skills: walking bass, comping, etc.
  • Drums: four recorded examples, including medium tempo swing with trading fours; ballad with brushes; up-tempo swing; Latin

Audition Video Requirements for Voice

One (1) video recording that includes the following:

  • A short introduction (30-60 seconds) in which you state your name, the recording date (or dates), and the selections you’ll be performing. Optional: you may also share your favorite musician, how you would define jazz, or why music is important to you.
  • One selection of your choosing from the traditional swing or jazz standard repertoire songbooks (Summertime, All of Me, Fly Me to the Moon, etc)–one to three choruses.
  • One C major scale, and one C major 7 arpeggio

Note:  Your selections should be recorded with accompaniment—acceptable accompaniment options include an in-person accompanist, a high-quality piano accompanying app (iReal Pro, etc)/pre-recorded accompaniment tracks (ideally from an accompanist you have worked with), or self-accompaniment. Be sure that the audio in your recording is well-balanced, and that you (the auditioning musician) can be heard clearly above any other accompaniment. Repertoire ideas can be found at jazzstandards.com/compositions

The institute opens with a Faculty Concert on Sunday, June 29th at 6:00 PM in Ray Wright Room (EMS 120), followed by an orientation session.

Participant Small Ensemble Concert: Thursday, July 10th at 3:30 PM in Kilbourn Hall

Participant Large Ensemble Concert: Friday, July 11th at 2:30 PM in Kilbourn Hall

Tuition:

$1,500/ noncredit only (without housing and dining)

$2,620.50/ tuition with housing and dining