Jazz Camp West

GUITAR INTENSIVE

AREAS OF FOCUS

General Daily Schedule

Vocal Intensive

Guitar Intensive

Piano Intensive

Advanced Instrumental

String Program

Schedule at a Glance

Class Descriptions

2025 Guitar Intensive with Adam Levy

The Jazz Camp Guitar Intensive specializes in the art of guitar performance and arranging. The class is reserved for a small group of 6-8 intermediate/advanced guitarists who will explore all specific details of jazz guitar playing; including technique, phrasing, various guitar styles, equipment, and the ideology necessary to enhance your understanding ones playing, especially with respect to a jazz guitar trio format.

Each guitarist will have an opportunity to play, listen, discuss musical concepts, and grow in an supportive and focused environment. The intensive will cover many areas of study, including: chord voicings, comping, solo playing, arranging, syncopation, swing feel, interactive/conversational trio playing, odd meters, phrasing, the blues, Brazilian styles, Afro-Cuban styles, guitar technique and more. The focus will be to play with more depth, fluidity, and musicality as the week progresses. Accompaniment will be provided for the 2nd part of the class.

Schedule: TBA

Note: If accepted into the Guitar Intensive you may also audition/join either a Combo OR the Advanced Instrumental Program.

About the Audition

During the audition guitarists will be asked to play 2 contrasting songs that show their creativity, and proficiency in playing jazz guitar with bass and drums. Be prepared to play the melody, solo, comp, trade 4s or 8s, and play in solo-guitar/chord-melody  style. 

About Adam Levy

Adam Levy is widely respected as a “musician’s musician” — with many featured turns to his credit. His memorable solos on Jones’ album Come Away with Me are shining examples of his handiwork. His blues lines on Tracy Chapman’s hit “Give Me One Reason” tell a juicy story, with not a single note wasted. He’s also showcased on recordings by Allen Toussaint, Vulfpeck, Anaïs Mitchell (composer of Hadestown), Meshell Ndegeocello, Ani DiFranco, and Amos Lee.

An imaginative tunesmith, Levy’s songs have been recorded by Norah Jones, Glen Phillips, Gaby Moreno, and others. Levy has also released several instrumental jazz albums — including Buttermilk Channel (with Larry Goldings & Kenny Wollesen), Town & Country (with Larry Goldings & Matt Chamberlain), and the recent Spry (with Larry Grenadier & Joey Baron).

https://www.adamlevy.com/