20 - 24 July 2026
Booking is now open for this year’s jazz summer school and we welcome musicians (from aged 14 with no upper limit) to join us for five days of immersive music making, culminating in a public performance as part of the festival on the final day of the course.
Over the course of the week we will explore a wide range of repertoire with particular focus on gaining confidence in improvisational strategies and nurturing the individual musical voice. The ethos of the school is to provide a safe and welcoming space for adventurous musical enquiry and expression within respectful and supportive group settings.
You will be guided by leading figures from the Scottish jazz scene who will bring rich experience from their practice to sessions that aim to foster collective empathy and musical storytelling through jazz. Each day will include warm-up sessions and ensemble workshops. There will be additional ad hoc classes on theory and critical aspects of jazz.
To get the most from the Summer School, we strongly recommend that participants have instrumental capability at or above ABRSM/Trinity Grade V or equivalent (though no previous experience of jazz is necessary). We ask that you come with open ears, minds and hearts to join us in creating a transformative community that prizes the individual contributions of all within the collective voice.
As part of the experience, you will also be given complimentary access to a number of selected EJBF concerts during the week.
Course fee - £430 (non-concession) / £387 (previous attendee) / £340 (concession)
To register, please email Sue Mckenzie at s.mckenzie2@napier.ac.uk
