Check out Pictures from the 2007 School of Jazz Program - click here

Audio sample from SJS 2007
Straight Up by Alexander/Rotundi
.mp3 file

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. Hhighlights 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.

Application Process
You may audition for the School of Jazz Studies by submitting three items:
1) A completed Student Application Form;
2) An audio tape or compact disc demonstrating your musical abilities;
3) A letter of recommendation from your music teacher(s)

These must be sent to the NYSSSA office by February 1, 2008. Your selection to participate will be based on an evaluation of your submission.

The letter of recommendation from your music teacher should include information on your musical abilities, participation in your school music program, whether you are taking music lessons, and the books/materials you are using for study.

Your audio tape or CD must be clearly labeled with your name, instrument, and selected titles, and contain 10–15 minutes of material, including the following:
• 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;
• a demonstration of your knowledge of scales (optional). If you choose to do this, please play through the major scales you know in the following order: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, B, E, A, D, G (ascending and descending).

Bass Players Only — In addition to the previously listed materials, please include a walking bass line over two choruses of blues changes, quarter note = 120. Bass players are encouraged to perform on acoustic bass.

Drummers Only — 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

For 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.

We are aware that access to recording equipment will vary with each applicant. Tapes or 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

The School of Jazz Studies will hold its annual two-week program from June 28 to July 11, 2008. Total cost for tuition, room and board will be $1,100.

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.
For more information, please contact:

NYSSSA School of Jazz Studies
Room 866 EBA
State Education Department
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-8773
NYSSSA email: nysssa@mail.nysed.gov