Jazz Camp West

 

2024 Class Schedule and Descriptions

2025 Class Information Coming in the Spring!

MUSIC

  • Instruction in piano, guitar, bass, drums, reeds, percussion, steel drums and specialty instruments. In addition to Combos; jazz and Latin big band; theory and ear training; and performance workshops.

    If you want to specialize in your discipline while at camp, we offer Advanced Instrumental Track, Advanced Piano Intensive, Guitar Intensive, and String Program.

  • Over 20 classes with instruction in broad range of subjects including: improvisation, (scatting), singing with a professional trio, jazz ensemble, repertoire and our All-Camp Gospel Choir. We also offer an advanced Vocal Intensive.

  • Jazz Camp offers specialty classes in performance anxiety, yoga, ukulele orchestra, steel pan, and songwriting.

  • Daily student and faculty performances are offered before a supportive live audience

  • Nightly jam sessions, both indoor and outdoor, happen into the late night. Each night, a different genre is called - Latin, Funk, Blues, Straight-Ahead, and Vocal.

Dance

  • Learn basics of Cuba’s treasured social art form - salsa dance done in a circle! Learn the basic “calls”, and rotate around the circle, dancing with every possible partner on the floor!

    Warning, spontaneous salsa dancing during mealtimes may occur..

    All classes culminate in final dance performance.

  • Explore jazz dance from absolute beginner to an advanced level - get your foundation in body coordination, rhythm, dynamic movement and gutsy self expression.

    All classes culminate in final dance performance.

  • Learn from the Bay Area’s finest hip-hop instructors, everything from basic steps, free-styling, groove sessions, and glowing up your performance.

    All classes culminate in final dance performance.

  • Jam sessions are not just for musicians. Jazz Camp provides a unique space to collaborate in real time with live musicians in a variety of spaces - whether that is during open mic, at an official nightly jam held in the main dining hall, or an unofficial jam happening somewhere in the trees…

  • The Friday night final dance performance is one of the most cherished and looked-forward to events during the whole week.

    In just 6 classes, each class will present what you’ve learned in an intimate performance environment, surrounded by the most supportive and encouraging audience: your fellow Jazz Campers.

    The show is an absolute spectacular that is fulfilling for all parties involved.

    **NOTE - Anyone who takes part in dance program is able to present their own personal work or piece for the final showcase!

"The one week experience was way beyond what I expected. The instructors were excellent, and the faculty concerts were, in my opinion, world-class performances. I was blown away by the musicianship and the beautiful sounding music."

– Eric Hoyer