Jazz Performance & Improvisation Summer Program for Grades 6-8

Why Take Jazz Performance & Improvisation

Immerse yourself in the world of jazz. During this program, you will play alongside other passionate young musicians. Together, you'll learn from our experienced faculty of jazz performers and educators. Students in this program deepen their skills while exploring this unique, improvised art form.

What You'll Learn

You will have ample opportunity for practice, collaboration, and performance. Our jazz faculty designed a rich and challenging program that will help develop your improvisation skills. Our curriculum includes:

Master classes with faculty and guest artists
Jazz improvisation, theory, and musicianship
Jazz history and creative concepts
Sectionals, an opportunity for all jazz program students and faculty to make and discuss music together
Informal jam sessions offer an opportunity for informal student performances

Program Requirements

Apply

Program Snapshot

Program Length

3 weeks

Program Dates

June 28, 2026 to July 18, 2026

Tuition

$7,265

Age Range

Intermediate (Grades 6-8)

Deadline

January 15, 2026

Chris Glassman

Director of Jazz

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler

Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects; Instructor of Singer-Songwriter

Jacob Kelberman

Instructor of Jazz Guitar

Performance Opportunities

Students perform during master classes, in the studio, and in small ensembles. Jazz students also have the opportunity to participate in open-mic style performances.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Additional Opportunities

Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, where you can major in Jazz Performance within our Music Division.

Infectious energy: The jazz program at Interlochen Arts Camp

Interlochen Arts Camp’s jazz program is more than just a summer camp: It’s a passionate community where students gain the tools they need to thrive as both solo and ensemble performers. Listen in as instructors and students share what makes this program unique—from improv classes and big band rehearsals to collaborative, student-led jam sessions.