2024 Jazz Academy “Coast To Coast” InstructorsJim Doxas, drums, Florian Hoefner, piano, Kelly Jefferson, saxophone and Jodi Proznick, bass.

July 29 – August 3, 2024

22 years of age and under

$750 (financial assistance available)

Location: The Avondale, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford (see venues page)

Questions can be directed to info@stratfordsummermusic.ca

The Stratford Summer Jazz Academy boasts a faculty consisting of the very best musicians and educators from coast to coast. Specializing in improvisation and group collaboration, students will have the opportunity to learn in both individual and group settings, culminating in a final performance alongside faculty members as part of Stratford Summer Music.

The Academy’s focus will be primarily on developing essential skills, but also on internalizing new concepts. Every young musician has a unique voice, and the faculty will focus on allowing that voice to develop, whether through articulation, balance of sound, listening, vocabulary, or by simplifying the many mechanical aspects of each student’s chosen instrument. This collective approach to teaching embodies all of these components, as students will be challenged to unlock the many facets of improvised music at this immersive and stimulating summer program.

If you are an emerging artist 22 years of age and under, and are wanting to improve your jazz knowledge, please join us for this exciting week of learning. This summer program will include daily workshops, combo sessions and guided practice sessions by some of the country’s most recognized and active jazz musicians.

Paid public performance opportunities in Stratford will occur at the end of the week for SSM’s famous MusicBarge Series.

Daily schedule:
10am            Orientation/Group Workshops/Masterclasses 
11:30am       Lunch (provided)
12:30pm      Instrument Masterclasses   
2pm              Small Ensembles/Coaching
3:40pm        Group Jam Session 
4pm              End of Session

Deadline for applications: May 15, 2024

Testimonials

“The entire jazz academy experience was incredible and it was amazing to meet like-minded jazz loving peers from all across Canada. The opportunity to spend an entire week with professional musicians who love mentoring and teaching, in a community and environment that is so supportive of the arts, brought my skills and confidence to the next level. I can’t wait to be back soon!”
ALLISON LEE – VSO School of Music, Vancouver, BC
 
“The Jazz Academy gave me an opportunity to work with an incredible group of musicians, both the faculty and the students. It pushed me to expand my musical abilities while keeping a fun and creative environment that was welcoming for everyone!”
BROOKE TESSMER – McGILL University, Montreal, QC

PROGRAM SPONSORS

Mark Fewer

Patricia O’Malley and Ron Hikel