FAQ’s

The exciting program week features masterclasses, concerts, instrumental breakout sessions, ensemble concentrations, improv workshops, and opportunities for students to jam! See our Itinerary page for more information

Yes! Students will have access to clinics, performances, and breakout sessions from our notable instructors, the Rutgers University Jazz faculty, the One More Once Big Band, and other exciting jazz industry guests.

The following students between grades 7-12 may apply:

• Rising 7th & 8th graders (as commuters only)
• Rising Grades 9 – 12 (as commuters or residents)
• Students who graduated High School the same year as summer program

All music is curated and arranged for appropriate school-age levels of playing. Please refer to our About page for more information.

Residential options are available to rising 9th to 12th graders (including new HS graduates).

Rising 7th and 8th-grade students are welcome to participate as commuters.

The RSJI does not currently request, require, or accept video submissions to register for the summer program. All playing assessments are made on the first day during the scheduled Placement Screenings.

Students must participate in the live placement screenings on Sunday, which allow instructors to evaluate students’ reading and improvisation proficiency to assess their overall playing ability and experience and help place them in the most appropriate classes and ensembles for the week. There is no pressure – Just do your best, and we’ll take care of the rest.

It’s essential to note that “Placement Screenings” differ from traditional auditions in that all registered students will be assigned to ensembles, regardless of their playing ability.

The only requirement is that applicants have at least two years of experience playing an instrument to apply. All students will be placed in classes that appropriately reflect their currently playing experience and abilities.

Our Itinerary page provides a complete listing of musical items to bring for the program week.

The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute and the university cannot be responsible for students’ personal belongings, so please keep your valuables safe. You cannot store personal instruments or gear in camp activity spaces such as rehearsal and performance areas. If you are a camp resident, you may bring your instruments and gear to and from your dorm rooms. Commuters, please remember to keep your gear with you at all times.

All non-musical information and questions regarding camp residency, including packing lists and bedding, are handled by the Rutgers Community Arts staff, who has posted details about these items on their website. Please contact them about any student-life topics or further non-musical questions.

Call: 848-932-1500
Email: communityarts@mgsa.rutgers.edu

All strictly music-related inquiries, including placement screenings, music curriculum, ensembles, and other music matters, are handled by the camp’s musical directors, who can be contacted here.