McGill 2024 Summer Jazz Workshop

Are you a pre-university instrumentalist, 25 years old or younger, looking to improve your jazz skills? Are you looking to meet and play jazz with other musicians? Join us this summer for the 2024 McGill Summer Jazz Workshop!

Date: August 5-9, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Schulich School of Music of McGill University, 555 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC

All activities will be offered in French and in English.

Instructors:

• Frank Lozano, Saxophone
• Fraser Hollins, Bass
• Carlos Jiménez, Guitar
• Jim Doxas, Drums
• Jeff Johnston, Piano
   

By signing up for the week- long jazz workshop, students can learn about and develop skills, playing experience and insight into the materials and methods essential to a program such as Schulich's jazz performance programs.

• The focus will be on the small group jazz combo (four to six players per combo), the most direct vehicle for learning about improvisation, repertoire and most importantly, interaction among the participants.
• A ratio of one teacher to six students provides a stimulating and focused environment where students get personal one-on-one training from professional musicians.
• Morning masterclasses present essential basics about jazz materials, improvisation, jazz history, etc which serve to complement the combo sessions they have throughout the day.
• A daily teacher/student jam session gives the students a chance to gain real playing experience by applying their newly acquired skills, thus strengthening their confidence.

Workshop Fee ($600) includes:

• All daily masterclasses
• Jam sessions
• Combo coaching
• Special Masterclass by Prof. Rémi Bolduc: "How to prepare for jazz performance auditions"
• Special guest clinician Prof. Joe Sullivan

Application

To apply, fill out the application form
Applicants will receive an email with a link to make the payment once they are accepted.

When accepted, you must pay the full camp fee ($600) by May 31, 2024. If you cancel before July 8th, 2024 you will receive a 50% refund.

Questions or Inquiries: email jazzworkshop.music [at] mcgill.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend this camp?

Typically, a pre-university student 25 years old or younger, secondary 5 or CEGEP or equivalent, who is currently involved in playing jazz in ensembles like big bands, jazz combos, or the equivalent.

What musical level are participants expected to be at? 

Musicians attending the camp should be familiar and have some experience with the basics of jazz improvisation such as soloing using the chord symbols on a lead sheet, functional playing on your instrument (melody for horns, comping for guitar and piano, walking bass line for bass, keeping time with the ride cymbal for the drums, etc.), and of course, some knowledge of the jazz tradition (American Songbook Standards). You should have some experience playing on Bb blues, and tunes like Autumn Leaves, All the Things You Are, Blue Bossa, etc.
This is not a camp for complete beginners.

Which instruments are accepted to the camp?

Rhythm section instruments such as piano, guitar, bass (acoustic or electric), drum kit, as well as saxophones, trumpet, trombone, flute, and clarinet are accepted. We are not, at this time, accepting vocalists in the combos, however, we are examining the possibility of running a separate camp, at a later date, that will focus on the tradition of vocal-led combos.

How are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed and accepted on first-come-first-serve basis according to the considerations listed in previous sections (age, instrumentation, musical proficiency). Places are limited, so we can only accept up to 12 winds, 6 pianists, 6 bassists, 6 guitarists, and 6 drummers. After these spots have been filled, applicants are placed on a waiting list in the order their applications were received. An email will be sent to all applicants notifying them of their status.

If you have been accepted, your spot will only be confirmed once you have made a payment. If we have not received payment by May 31, 2024, your spot will not be secured and may be offered to those on the waiting list.

What is the goal of the camp?

To broaden and expand the students’ knowledge and playing experience via the small group jazz combo (4 to 6 players per combo), the most direct vehicle for learning about improvisation, repertoire and – most importantly – interaction among the participants. As well, Professor Rémi Bolduc will present a performance audition requirements workshop.

What is the daily schedule like?

Here is a sample schedule:

• 10:00 am - 11:00 am: Masterclass on jazz materials, improvisation, or ear training/listening, etc.
• 11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Combo session
• 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm: Lunch break
• 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm: Jam session
• 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Combo session

Can I use the practice rooms at McGill University?

Yes. Four combo rooms and several practice rooms are available to you during building hours from 7:00 am-10:30 pm.

Are accommodations available on campus?

If you require accommodations, McGill offers affordable summer rentals in our various residence buildings (one of which is attached to the music building - the Royal Victoria College). Unfortunately, minors travelling alone are unable to make use of the McGill residences. You can find details here: https://www.mcgill.ca/accommodations/summer

How much does the camp cost? How and where can I pay?

The workshop has a tuition fee of $600, which is paid by credit card on a secured site. Applicants will receive an email with a link to make the payment once they are accepted.
Registration will only be confirmed once the payment has been made. If we have not received payment by May 31, 2024, your spot will not be secured and may be offered to those on the waiting list.