California Jazz Conservatory - Berkeley

The CJC offers a Bachelor's degree program in jazz studies as well as a broad spectrum of music courses, workshops & concerts for the community.   

Our camp provides a supportive musical environment where girls have fun and develop self-confidence. Campers hone improvisational, technical and ensemble skills while meeting new friends and creating music with other young musicians from the Bay Area and beyond.

The Camp employs an all-women faculty from the Montclair Women’s Big Band, the Jazz school, and the Bay Area’s most respected performers and educators. Our internship program includes recent music college graduates who provide additional help and serve as young role models. Faculty and interns are available throughout the camp day for one-on-one help.

INSTRUMENTAL AND VOCAL

We welcome all vocalists and players of traditional and non-traditional instruments. The only prerequisite is some facility on your instrument (we do have some loaners and some storage for large instruments.)

Camp provides drums, congas, bongos, amps, pianos/keyboards, vibes, microphones and music stands. Scheduling permitting, we make our best effort to accommodate those who wish to play more than one instrument.

ENSEMBLES AND ELECTIVES

The day begins with a Master Class/Warmup by instrument or voice, followed by age- and ability–appropriate ensembles.  

Electives performing at the Friday evening Concert
Jazz Big Band
Blues/Soul Band (vocal and instrumental)
Pop Vocal Group
Rhythm & Blues Choir
Latin Ensemble (instrumental)
Jazz Combo (instrumental)
Percussion-joins Latin Ensemble

Electives performing at lunchtime
Songwriting
“My Life” (spoken word poetry)

Non- performing workshops
Vocal Skills
Theory & Improvisation

LUNCHTIME

Girls are welcome to bring their lunch. Food is available at the onsite Jazz caffe, either by pre-purchase or walk-in.  With parental permission, campers can also visit one of the many inexpensive eateries within a couple of blocks of the Jazz school.

PRIVATE LESSONS AND DAILY OPEN JAM

The lunchtime break features a daily faculty-facilitated open jam session and all campers are encouraged to participate.  Each musician receives one private lesson during the week on the instrument/voice of her choice.

TRANSPORTATION

We assist in forming carpools by sharing willing participants’ location information.  You can indicate your interest in carpooling on the online registration form. After registering, you will get specific camp info, including transportation and parking options.

HOUSING

Girls come from all over the San Francisco Bay Area and all over the world. We often have local camper families willing to host an out-of-town musician for the week. The online registration form enables you to request or offer housing, and we do our best to facilitate that.