Chicago Jazz Workshop
A week long intensive music day camp for serious students of jazz.
“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 Workshop
- 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
Jarrard Harris, Saxophone is Director of Midwest Young Artists’ Jazz Combo Program and MYA’s Jazz Ensemble. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Jarrard attended the Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville Youth Orchestra and the All-State Symphonic band and Jazz band before moving onto The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music to further his jazz studies. There he studied with Rick VanMatre, Pat Harbison, and Marc Fields. Upon graduating from UC and a brief stint as educational intern for Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jarrard moved to Chicago to further his studies at DePaul University where in 2003 he obtained his Masters in Jazz Studies.
Jarrard currently lives in Chicago where he is on the jazz faculty at Columbia College of Chicago and serving as artist instructor with the Thelonious Monk/Gallery 37 jazz performance program. He maintains an active teaching studio, in addition to adjudicating college and high school jazz festivals, giving masterclasses, lectures and performing in the U.S. and abroad. Jarrard is also a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jon Faddis. He has been privileged to have performed with but not limited to such musicians as Claudio Roditi, Joe Lovano, Jimmy Heath, Nicholas Payton, Gerald Wilson, Marcus Belgrave, Eric Alexander, Ira Sullivan and Kenny Werner.
Joan Hickey, Jazz Piano, teaches and performs as a free-lance artist in the Chicago area. A graduate of University of Illinois, she has been recording and leading her own groups since 1980. Venues include The Jazz Showcase,The Green Mill, Pete Miller’s, and the Chicago Jazz Festival. Cab Calloway, Joe Williams, Milt Hinton, Nat Adderly,Von Freeman, and Buster Williams are among the artists she has worked with. Tours have included Italy, Sweden, and Denmark with the Jazz Members Big Band. She has been awarded 2 National Endowment for the Arts grants, and her quintet was a finalist in the Hennessy Jazz Competition. The latest CD, Soulmates, was nominated for Best Jazz CD at the Chicago Awards. Her teaching experience includes jazz piano at the University of Illinois, Verhoog Music Institute, ISYM and University of Arkansas music camps. The Chicago Tribune has stated that “Hickey happens to be one of the best jazz pianists in the city, even if her soft spoken art has won her less attention than she deserves. Some pianists such as the exceptional Chicago musician Joan Hickey, prefer to engage an audience with sheer beauty of sound, lushness of color and understatement of gesture.”
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).
Typical Daily Schedule
| 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. | Private Lessons |
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Theory |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Combo rehearsals with Faculty |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Combo rehearsals with TA |
| 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (Bring your own) |
| 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Jazz Technique |
| 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Private Lessons and Individual Practice Time |
| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Combo rehearsals with Faculty |
| 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Combo rehearsals with TA |
| 5:00 p.m. | End of Day |
Daily Schedule is subject to change
Friday, July 23 2:00pm: Final Concert at the MYA Center
Past Faculty & Master Class Artists
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.
Ken Haebich, Bass: composer; faculty, Elmhurst College; member, Gephart/Long Quartet.
Nic Meyer, Saxophone: Former Jazz Director, Midwest Young Artists; Director of Jazz Programs, New Trier High School.
Frank Portolese, Guitar: faculty, Elmhurst and Triton College.
Bob Rummage, Percussion: Director of Percussion, Elmhurst College.
Student Eligibility
Students must be between in at least 6th grade by fall 2010. 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. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled.
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, 2010. Tuition for this workshop includes participation in Evening Orchestras, Evening Wind Symphony, or Evening Big Bands.
Secure Online Application »
$75 Application Fee»
Financial Aid Form
The financial aid form must be submitted at the same time as the application.Tuition
Chicago Jazz Workshop: $900
