2010 School of Jazz Studies: June 26 - July 10
Listen to an excerpt from a School of Jazz Studies combo
You will find real jazz and real joy at the School of Jazz Studies in Saratoga Springs at Skidmore College. Some of the finest names in jazz and jazz education will teach, perform, and share with you and your fellow students their experiences in the rich heritage of jazz. The school will help you to improve your performing skills and increase your knowledge of improvisation and jazz styles. You'll have the opportunity to perform in small combos in addition to taking lessons and master classes on your major instrument. Other classes will include improvisational theory, jazz history, and special topics by guest artists. Highlights of the summer are the two-day Freihofer's Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the vening concerts by major jazz artists on campus. Past guest artists have included Ray Brown, Rufus Reid, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Clark Terry, Joe Lovano, Benny Green, Wallace Roney, Christian McBride, Robin Eubanks and Jackie McLean.
The school is co-sponsored by the New York State School Music Association, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Skidmore College and is administered by the New York State Education Department.
NOTE: The program is held in collaboration with the Skidmore
Jazz Institute. If you are not a New York State high school
student you should apply by contacting:
Don McCormack, Director, Skidmore Jazz Institute
Office of the Dean of Special Programs
Skidmore College
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632
Application Process
- Quick Links:
- [Application Form]
You may audition for the School of Jazz Studies by submitting three items:
- A completed Student Application Form
- Two (2) copies of a compact disc demonstrating your musical abilities
- A letter of recommendation from your music teacher(s)
Submission materials must be sent to the NYSSSA office by February 8, 2010. Your selection to participate will be based on an evaluation of your submission.
All Applicants – You may use prerecorded rhythm tracks as an accompaniment to the tunes. You also may use a performance of a live band or combo if you believe that best demonstrates your abilities. A solo performance is certainly acceptable.
Your audio CD must be clearly labeled with your name, instrument, and selected titles, and contain
- two different styles of jazz performance: swing and ballad
- for each tune, you should play the melody in its entirety followed by an improvised chorus
In addition to the previously listed materials, please include a walking bass line over two choruses of blues changes, quarter note = 120. Bass players must perform on acoustic bass.
Your tape or CD should include the following:
- medium swing (sticks), quarter note = 132
- up-tempo swing (sticks), quarter note = 244
- up-tempo swing (brushes), quarter note = 244
- Latin (sticks), half note = 120
- ballad (sticks), quarter note = 60
- ballad (brushes), quarter note = 60
- rock or funk (sticks), quarter note = 92
We are aware that access to recording equipment will vary with each applicant. CDs are not judged on the basis of their recorded quality. We do ask, though, that you use good quality microphone(s) and recording devices. Many students are assisted by their music teachers in developing their audition tape or CD. If your local teacher cannot help you and you need assistance in producing your recording, please call our office.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Quick Links:
- [Tuition Aid Form]
The School of Jazz Studies will hold its annual two-week program from June 26 through July 10. Total cost for tuition, room and board will be $1,300.
NYSSSA's summer programs are open to all New York State students currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12 who qualify through the audition process. Tuition, room, and board costs should not discourage any talented young artist from auditioning. A student who auditions is under no obligation to attend and every effort will be made to allocate suitable financial aid.
We want any talented young artist who is accepted through our audition process, regardless of his or her ability to pay for the school, to be able to attend, so tuition assistance is available. Tuition assistance forms are mailed to students after the audition process. NYSSSA awards financial assistance based upon individual need.
Program Photos
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