JAZZ
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EXPLORE OUR 2026 COURSES
Douglass Campus, 85 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute
July 5 – July 10 | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily with extended day options for Commuters
Commuter: $850* | open to rising 7th-12th graders and college first-years
Residential: $1350* | open to rising 9th-12th graders and college first-years
**This summer we will be offering extended day options for Commuters wishing to stay for special evening programming. Please note commuters will need to register for these sessions in addition to the commuter registration in the CampDoc portal. Extended day options are as follows:
- Monday July 6, 2026 | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM- Featured Guest Artist & Dinner: $35
- Tuesday July 7, 2026 | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM- Student Jam Session and BBQ: $35
- Wednesday July 8, 2026 | 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM- Featured Guest Artist & Dinner: $35
*Residential tuition includes the cost of living in the Rutgers dorms and three meals a day. Commuter tuition includes daily lunch.
The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute is perfect for middle and high school instrumentalists who want to improve their jazz improvisation, as well as their small group and large ensemble skills.
Students participate in daily activities, rehearsals, masterclasses, and special events led by our renowned, award-winning jazz camp faculty. We offer both commuter and residential options for students entering 9th to 12th grades, as well as college first-years. Rising 7th and 8th graders can join as commuters, and commuter lunch and dinner will be provided each day. The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute operates on an extended-day schedule, with exciting evening activities including special guest concerts, a BBQ jam session, and more.
Applicants should have a minimum of two years of experience playing an instrument. All necessary music and materials will be provided prior to the camp week.
The first day of camp, Sunday, July 6th, will begin with ensemble placement screenings. These screenings assist our faculty in placing students into the appropriate level ensembles and classes according to their individual experience levels. It’s important to note that these placement screenings are not auditions; all registered students will be assigned to ensembles, regardless of their playing ability. On Friday night, July 10th, we will showcase the final performances of all student combos and big bands from the camp week!
For detailed programming information, please visit the RSJI Website.
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Follow this link to CampDoc and create your account.
- Add your children to your account as participants.
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Select the participants you intend to register and click “registration.”
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Click the “register for a new session” button.
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REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS
Please review our policy carefully before registering. All refunds are subject to the terms and conditions outlined below.
- A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation. This deposit ensures your booking is confirmed and reserved exclusively for you. In the event of cancellation, this deposit will not be refunded, regardless of the circumstances.
- Cancellation on or before April 30: Reservation cancellation on or before April 30, will receive a full refund of any payments made, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellation between May 1 and May 30: Reservation cancellation between May 1 to May 30 will receive a refund of 50% of the total cost, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellation on or after June 1: Reservation cancellation on or after June 1 are permitted, however no refunds will be issued for any payments made.
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Packing for the Dormitory
- There WILL be air conditioning in the dorms. There is no need for students to bring a fan.
- Bring your own sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, wash cloths, soap, shampoo, hand soap, and other personal items. The beds in the dorms are extra-long twin size.
- We recommend against the use of perfumes and colognes, and some coaches may specifically prohibit students from wearing cologne or perfume during rehearsals and performances.
- The dorms at Perry Residence Hall have communal bathrooms and showers, separated by gender. Some students may want shower shoes and a small caddy to carry their personal belongings between their rooms and the bathroom.
- We will be walking 10-15 minutes at a time between the dorm, dining hall, and music buildings. Please bring appropriate footwear!
- Band-aids, aspirin, allergy medicine, sun screen, and other medical supplies you may deem necessary or desirable
- Bring your own utensils, paper or plastic cups, plates, napkins, etc. for dorm room snacking.
- Snacking is fine, but please be tidy. Rooms must be clean before students can check out.
- We would suggest that you clearly label any food items or utensils you bring to avoid confusion and accidental use by a roommate.
- Any major mishaps will be paid for by all the students in the dorm room, unless one student comes forward to claim responsibility.
- Spray cleaner and paper towels (Lysol Kitchen Cleaner, 409, etc…) for cleaning up dorm room messes
- An alarm clock is essential. Students will be largely responsible for getting themselves up and to their first session each morning!
- Fan for use in dorm room (the air conditioning is good but may not be cool enough for some).
- Rain gear (rain coats, umbrellas) just in case!
- Students may bring portable computers if they wish. Wireless internet access will be available only in the dorms.
- Money – student meals are provided (lunch only for commuters; all meals for residents) and trips to town are not allowed. Generally speaking, students have little need to be carrying significant amounts of money.
- Weather-Related Packing: Students are encouraged to bring rain gear, extra shoes, and any other necessary items to walk from the dorms to Nicholas Music Center.
Please Note:
- No alcohol, illegal drug use, or use of tobacco products of any kind
- ASTA/NJ CMI and RUTGERS UNIVERSITY have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for these activities.
- Students caught violating this rule will be sent home immediately without the possibility of any refund or credit, and will be disqualified from future sessions of the ASTA/NJ Chamber Music Institute.
- A mini-refrigerator and microwave are provided in each room. DO NOT bring hot plates, toasters, coffee makers, or candles.
Dormitory Checklist
Note: Be selective about what you choose to bring. Students will be responsible for packing, unpacking, and cleaning their rooms. We usually encourage the principle of “less is more!”
CLOTHING
- Seasonal clothing
- Black and White concert attire for Friday
- Casual “dressy” attire for Wednesday
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- Aspirin or pain relievers
- Band-aids
- Sun screen
BED ESSENTIALS
- Bedspread
- Blankets
- Pillow
- Sheets and pillowcases (extra-long twin)
STATIONARY
- Paper
- Music Manuscript Paper
- Pencils, pens, highlighter
- Ruler, scissors
ENTERTAINMENT
- Board games
- Card games
- Books
- Additional instruments
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
- Contacts, solution, and cases
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Soap/Body lotion
- Shaving supplies
- Kleenex
- Nail clippers
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Cosmetics and Cosmetic supplies
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Hand soap
- Hair brush
SNACKING
- Paper cups
- Paper plates
- Disposable utensils
- Napkins
- Light snacks
- Drinks
MISCELLANEOUS
- Alarm clock
- Fan
- Laundry Basket
MUSIC SUPPLIES
- Music stand
- Pencils
- Rock stop
- Rosin
- Extra set of strings

