Eastman Experience: Summer Jazz Studies

Eastman Experience: Summer Jazz Studies               
July 2 – 14, 2023
Jeff Campbell, director

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.

“This is a truly top-tier program for any student passionate about jazz and/or considering pursuing music at the collegiate level.” –2022 Participant

Program Information

Faculty

Charles Pillow, saxophone; Clay Jenkins, trumpet; Mark Kellogg, trombone; Bob Sneider, guitar; Dariusz Terefenko, piano; Jeff Campbell, bass; Rich Thompson, drums; Dave Rivello, theory & composition

Program Dates

Arrival/Check-in for residents: Sunday, July 2 between 12:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.
Orientation for all participants: Sunday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Last Day: Friday July 14 (check out by 1p.m., depart after afternoon concert)

Please note that we do not offer shuttle services between the airport and campus, but we recommend hiring an Uber/Lyft or taxi. Many offer Eastman discounts, and the campus is about a 15 minute drive from the airport. Students can ask to be dropped off at the Student Living Center, 100 Gibbs St, Rochester, NY 14605. It is optional for parents to accompany and attend orientation, though we hope they can make it for the performances at the end of the program. 

Daily Schedule

Please click here to view the schedule. (Latest update: 6/28/23)

This is the general schedule for the duration of the program. Please note that students will choose their music theory class.

Tuition

Tuition: $1,465
Room & Board: $1,080*
Total: $2,545

*Students must be 14 years of age by the first day of the program in order to stay in the Student Living Center. Students who are 18 should arrange for off-campus housing.
– Partial merit and need-based scholarships available (see application)

10% tuition discount for ECMS students enrolled both semesters, 25% discount for children of qualifying University of Rochester employees. Partial scholarships may be requested on the application form. Employee discount must be applied for through employee’s HRMS page.

Application Fees and Deadlines

  • Application fee waived for current ECMS students
  • $50 nonrefundable if application is completed by March 15
  • $100 nonrefundable if application is completed after March 15, up until April 30. 
  • Final application deadline: April 30. Incomplete applications and those submitted after April 30  will not be reviewed.
  • Upon acceptance, students will be invoiced for a nonrefundable $300 deposit to secure their place. This is due by May 15.
  • Remaining tuition will be billed separately by mail and email in late May. Tuition due in full by June 27. 
  • Cancellations less than two weeks prior to the beginning of the program will not receive a refund except for a documented emergency.

Class Offerings

  • Instrumental Master Classes
  • Jazz Theory/Improvisation/Composition
  • Guest Artist Lectures and Master Classes
  • Jazz Forum
  • Combos
  • Large Ensembles

Notes

  • Each year Jazz Studies includes international students. International students need to be completely conversant in English to take full advantage of the program.
  • International students in the program can get information on travel documentation and insurance HERE.
  • Applications and audition recordings will be reviewed shortly after their receipt, and most students will know their status within several weeks. Current ECMS students may apply without submitting a recording but do need to have their ECMS teacher send a recommendation.

Click HERE to apply now!

FINAL APPLICATION DUE: April 30

Please be sure to add the following e-mail addresses to your address book so they are not filtered out as spam and so you don’t miss any important communications: pkodzas@esm.rochester.edu and sgreathouse@esm.rochester.edu.

Audition Requirements:
To be completed on the online application

  • Video links, no more than 10 minutes total
  • All submissions should be complete songs, and there should be at least three contrasting pieces, i.e. bebop tune, standard, ballad
  • Each piece should consist of the melody and up to three choruses of improvised solo (or when possible)
  • Either backing tracks or live accompaniment are acceptable
  • Bass and Drums: Accompanying skills: walking bass, comping, etc.
  • Drums: pieces should show variations in skills, such as medium tempo swing with trading fours; ballad with brushes; up-tempo swing; Latin; with at least one example of soloing.

In the News!

Visit Summer@Eastman’s blog for some great articles on the Eastman Experience, interviews with faculty, helpful tips, and much more!