Summer Jazz Improv Workshop: New York City

The NYU Steinhardt Summer Jazz Improvisation Workshop combines cutting-edge jazz education with master classes and workshops by the finest jazz musicians in New York City. This workshop offers courses covering a wide range of subjects and a diverse ensemble program tailored to the needs of intermediate to advanced students. Along with world-renowned jazz studies faculty, the workshop will include daily interaction with jazz musicians from around the world, making this a unique opportunity that could only be offered in Greenwich Village, the mecca for jazz.

Courses offer an in-depth look into the areas of jazz theory, improvisation and rhythm, geared towards the intermediate to advanced student. Ensembles concentrate on techniques for improvisation. A wide range of weekly master classes and performances are scheduled throughout the workshop. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, students have access to the world's greatest music scene and are surrounded by legendary jazz clubs including the Blue Note, the Village Vanguard, the Jazz Standard, Birdland and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

You will have over twenty-five music clubs within five blocks from your residence hall. Residence hall rooms are conveniently located within blocks of the jazz studies building and the beautiful and historic Washington Square Park. Below you will find more specific information on courses, ensembles, daily events, application and audition information, meals and housing, fees and age requirements.

Courses

Courses include jazz theory, jazz improvisation, rhythm classes, small group ensembles, and master classes by a wide variety of NYC jazz musicians. Individual private lessons can also be arranged for an additional fee.

Faculty

Summer Jazz Improvisation Workshop faculty will be selected from the current roster of NYU Steinhardt Jazz studies faculty. Last year's faculty included (this year's artists are TBA):

Previous year's master class artists included (this year's artists are TBA):

Bill Stewart, Nate Smith, Eddie Henderson, Joe Lovano, John Riley, Elliot Mason, Stefon Harris, Drew Gress, Kenny Werner, Dafnis Prieto, Sam Newsome, Wayne Krantz, Randy Johnston, Chris Potter, and Peter Bernstein.

View a complete list of current NYU Jazz faculty.

Audition Requirements

Submit a video recording with three contrasting jazz standards of your choice that demonstrate the breadth and range of your work and a command of the jazz language. You must be accompanied by a live rhythm section of piano or guitar, bass, and drums. If you are a rhythm section player, you must perform with at least a trio of piano or guitar, bass and drums.

Receiving Your Admission Decision

All communications and admission decisions are provided via email (email account used when application was created).

Many program directors make admission decisions on a rolling basis once a completed application is received. However, applicants can expect to receive a final admissions decision email no later than two weeks after the final application deadline date.