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.

Camp students must commit to a primary instrument they feel most proficient on for the week of camp. In some cases, however, there may be an opportunity to play an additional instrument alongside their primary, depending on the needs of certain ensembles and with instructor approval.

Students wishing to play multiple instruments should bring both instruments to their Sunday 7/5 Placement Screening for assessment and consideration. However, camp music directors cannot promise placement in ensembles for secondary instruments.

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 Sunday Placement Screenings.

Yes, students are to complete a live placement screening on Sunday, the first day of camp. This is a fun opportunity for instructors to assess your reading and improvisation skills, helping us gauge your overall playing ability and experience. We want to ensure you’re placed in the best classes and ensembles for the week!

Remember, there’s no pressure at all – just relax and do your best, and we’ll take care of the rest for you. Also, keep in mind that these “Placement Screenings” are different from traditional auditions; all registered students will be given a spot in an ensemble, regardless of their playing ability.

A minimum of two years of experience playing an instrument is all we ask for to apply. We’ll make sure to place all students in classes that are a perfect fit for their current experience and abilities.

Our Sunday Check-In and Placement Screenings page includes a “What to Bring” section outlining the musical items to bring for the camp week. Please scroll down to the second half of the page.

Unfortunately, the summer jazz program cannot store or be responsible for your personal belongings. Please do not leave instruments or gear unattended on campus. Students must transport instruments and gear to and from their homes or dorm rooms each day and ensure they are accounted for at all times.

Please note: due to the size of an Upright String Bass, an exception is being made to provide overnight storage for the respective bass students only. This does not include electric bass.

Family and friends of camp students are welcome to attend all free concerts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings! Please note, however, that this does not apply to the Tuesday evening BBQ/Jam session, which is strictly for registered camp students only.

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

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

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

Email: summer.jazz@mgsa.rutgers.edu