Chicago Jazz Workshop
A week long intensive music day camp for serious students of jazz, ages 13 - 20.
Spots are still available for Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass, and Drums. APPLY TODAY!
Registration is closed for Piano and Guitar.
“Thank you for the great week at Jazz Camp. My son, Cary, enjoyed the teachers, combos and master classes... What a treat! The music was fabulous! ”
The Chicago Jazz Workshop is designed with the aspiring creative jazz musician in mind. Students are placed in jazz combos of five to eight students, where the focus is ensemble interaction, accompaniment, and improvisation through the study of jazz standards. Students also attend daily theory classes and technique classes. Master classes are given throughout the week, allowing students to explore the unique aspects of their particular instrument. The ultimate goal of the workshop is to help students gain a better understanding of how to control and manipulate their musical environment.
About the Festival
- A First-rate Faculty
Work with outstanding, nationally known professional performers and musicians who love to teach and want to work with you this summer! - A Comprehensive Music Experience
While our summer program has a strong focus on performance, in addition classes are offered in theory, fundamentals, history, and instrumental technique. - A Nurturing, Supportive and Fun Environment
Our faculty are great musicians who love to teach. MYA's philosophy is based on creating an environment where every student feels comfortable and encouraged to learn, grow, make mistakes, and ultimately succeed. We strongly believe that if you aren't having fun, you won't be able to make great music. The Chicago Jazz Workshop strives to be a perfect balance between a challenging curriculum and a friendly, fun atmosphere. In addition to our faculty, there is a full-time staff on campus to ensure every student's comfort and safety.
Location
The Chicago Jazz Workshop takes place at the MYA Center at Fort Sheridan, an historically significant building that once housed the U.S. Army Stockade. The center is a beautifully restored building that offers students a comfortable and functional home away from home during the summer.
Faculty
Nic Meyer, Director, is a natural leader and educator. As Director of MYA’s Jazz Program, he directs the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, Big Band, Jazz Combos, and teaches the Jazz Theory and History classes. Director of MYA’s Summer Evening Big Bands, he is also a faculty member at MYA’s Chicago Jazz Workshop. He also teaches jazz improvisation courses at New Trier High School, where he maintains a private saxophone studio. Nic is formerly the Director of Instrumental Music at The Joseph Sears School in Kenilworth, and a former faculty member of the MERIT School of Music. He has also taught at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center. Nic is an active adjudicator for solo and ensemble festivals, and has directed ensembles for the IMEA all district jazz festival.
Nic attended DePaul University on a saxophone performance scholarship and received his B.M. in Music Education. Nic earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from Northwestern University in 2008. In addition to his busy teaching schedule, Nic performs regularly in the Chicago area, appearing at Pete Miller’s, Martyr’s, Park West, The Green Mill, The House of Blues, and other local venues.
Chicago Jazz Workshop Daily Schedule
MYA's Chicago Jazz Workshop offers students the opportunity to improve their improvisational skills, to perform in small combos, and to work with professional jazz musicians who are also great educators. Students will take part in a selected jazz combo, grouped by age and ability (pre-formed combos may participate as well).
Sunday Schedule (First day of workshop)
| 10:00a.m. | Registration |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Placement Auditions |
| 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Activity with TAs |
| 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. | All-Camp Meeting |
| 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 1&2 |
| 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 3&4 |
| 4:30 p.m. | End of Day |
Daily Schedule (Monday - Thursday)
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Theory |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 1&2 |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 3&4 |
| 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Instrumental master class |
| 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Technique Class |
| 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Individual Practice / Lessons |
| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 1&2 |
| 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 3&4 |
| 5:00 p.m. | End of Day |
Daily Schedule (Friday)
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Theory |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 1&2 |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Combo rehearsals for groups 3&4 |
| 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Free Time |
| 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. | All Camp Meeting |
| 2:00-3:30 | Final Concert |
| 4:00 p.m. | Check-out - end of camp |
Friday afternoon: Final Concert (TBD)
Faculty & Master Class Artists
Previous years' faculty have included:
Tim Coffman, Trombone: faculty, DePaul University and Oak Park-River Forest High School.
Mark Colby, Saxophone: faculty, DePaul University; Selmer and Vandoren clinician.
Brad Goode, Trumpet: faculty, University of Colorado-Boulder; recorded for Delmark, Sunlight, and SteepleChase labels.
Joan Hickey, Pianist: freelance artist in Chicago area; awarded two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ken Haebich, Bass: composer; faculty, Elmhurst College; member, Gephart/Long Quartet.
Nic Meyer, Saxophone: Jazz Director, Midwest Young Artists.
Frank Portolese, Guitar: faculty, Elmhurst and Triton College.
Bob Rummage, Percussion: Director of Percussion, Elmhurst College.
Comprehensive Faculty bios »
<-->Student Eligibility
Students must be between the ages of 13 and 20 as of Summer 2009. Students should have a solid background in music and be taking private lessons. The program is for students who are dedicated to learning jazz.
Tuition and Application
Students wishing to attend the Chicago Jazz Workshop must complete the Secure Online Application and submit the $75 non-refundable application fee. This application fee will be applied toward summer workshop tuition for students who enroll. Students will audition for placement in combos when they arrive at the workshop. Financial assistance is available.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled.
Secure Online Application »
Financial Aid Form »
The financial aid form must be submitted at the same time as the application.Upon receiving notification of your acceptance, you must remit a $250 deposit. Deposits are non refundable except in cases of medical necessity. This deposit will be applied toward your invoice, which must be paid in full by
June 10, 2009 Tuition
$700
