The American Jazz Museum is proud to present the 2025 Kansas City Jazz Academy Instrumental Combo Camp. This summer program provides excellent jazz instruction for middle and high school students interested in improving their skills beyond what they’d normally receive in a traditional public/private school music program. Its instrumental combos are led by a faculty of esteemed artist and educators with a focus on style, history, theory, ear training, song forms, repertoire, and musicianship. Additional clinics and masterclasses are presented by national and international jazz musicians and educators.
Highlights of the program include:
- Students will get to learn from various distinguished jazz artists and educators in the Kansas City Metropolitan area
- Students will be immersed in and get to build upon their jazz theory and jazz history knowledge and skills
- This setting of instruction will help students better prepare for All-State Auditions
Auditions will be held in the Gem Theater from 1 PM - 3 PM on Sunday, July 13th. Summer camp check in starts Monday, July 15th at 9:00 am inside the Gem Theater. Sessions conclude with this year's Summer Showcase on July 18th from 2:30 PM - 4 PM.
Scholarships available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out our scholarship form here. Once your student has registered, via scholarship form or eventbrite registration, you will receive more information from Clarence Smith, Manager of the Kansas City Jazz Academy. Questions? Email csmith@kcjazz.org
This beginner-level combo is for students new to performing jazz. It focuses on basic ensemble playing, improvisation, and an introduction to jazz theory and history. Directed by Aaron Linscheid.
An intermediate-level combo for students with some experience in jazz. This class
emphasizes group performance, improvisation, and a deeper understanding of jazz theory and repertoire. Directed by MusicMan Thomas.
For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts. Directed by Matt Baldwin.
An advanced-level combo for experienced students. This class develops high-level skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and jazz theory, with a focus on more challenging repertoire. Directed by Stan Kessler and Charles Williams.
For middle and high school students interested in learning vocal jazz techniques, this class explores jazz history, improvisation, and vocal performance. Students will focus on building musical skills and understanding jazz as an art form. Directed by Lisa Henry. Maximum enrollment: 10 students.
Designed for beginning piano students, this class introduces the basics of jazz
improvisation, theory, and ear training. Students will learn foundational skills to develop their creativity and confidence at the keyboard. Directed by Roger Wilder.
1. Required Tune and Improvisation
- "Now's The Time" by Charlie Parker. Play head once, solo for two choruses, play head once and out. MM = 100 BPM or faster
2. Sight Reading
1. Required Tune and Improvisation
2. "Now's The Time" by Charlie Parker. Play the melody, then comp for one chorus, solo for two choruses, then end by playing the melody once. MM = 100 BPM or faster
3. Sightread
1. Prepared Piece: Now’s The Time (Parker). Comp one chorus, improvise for one chorus, or trade 4s over two choruses.
- Backing track to Now’s The Time. Drums are included, as well as an example of trading 4’s
2. Prepare the following grooves — Swing, Bossa Nova or Samba, Rock/Funk.
3. Rudiments – Be prepared to play any rudiments you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on a steady tempo and accuracy.
Click on link for rudiments: https://ae.vicfirth.com/education/40-essential-rudiments
4. Sightread
You may register and pay online, or if you prefer, register in the museum gift store, The Swing Shop, at the museum.
For more information about the academy, contact Clarence Smith, Manager of Kansas City Jazz Academy, at csmith@kcjazz.org.
