About / Registration
About The Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute (RSJI)
Join us at the Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute, where aspiring middle and high school instrumentalists can take their jazz skills to the next level! This program is perfect for those eager to improve their jazz improvisation, as well as their small group and large ensemble performances. You’ll have the chance to participate in daily activities, engaging rehearsals, enlightening masterclasses, and exciting special events, all led by our exceptional, award-winning jazz faculty. Whether you choose to be a commuter or stay with us residentially, we cater to students entering 9th to 12th grades and even rising college freshmen. Plus, rising 7th and 8th graders are welcome as commuters!
To join us, you just need a minimum of two years of experience playing an instrument. And don’t worry—we’ll provide all the necessary music and materials ahead of the program week. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your musical talents and connect with fellow young musicians!
Examples of Repertoire:
Sunday begins with mandatory placement screenings. These screenings are a wonderful opportunity for our faculty to ensure that each student is placed in the ensemble and classes that best match their unique experience levels. Every registered student will belong to an ensemble, allowing for a supportive and collaborative environment. Don’t miss out on the grand finale on Friday, where we’ll showcase the incredible talent of all student combos and big bands in their final performances!
We can’t wait to see you there and watch everyone shine!
Registration Ended Tue 7/1. Currently Closed
About the Jazz Faculty
Lead Directors
Joseph J. Verderese, Jr (Trombone) of Norwood, NJ, has been an instrumental music teacher in the Cresskill School District since 2005. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from West Chester University in 2003 and a Master’s in Jazz Studies from the Manhattan School of Music in 2005. Verderese conducts the 7th and 8th Grade Bands, the High School Band, Marching Band, Jazz Bands, and various ensembles in Cresskill. He co-advises the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Ski Club. He has conducted the Bergen County Middle School Band, Region I Junior Jazz Band, and Bergen County High School Band. In 2024, he became co-director of the Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute and has taught at multiple summer music festivals. Verderese is the treasurer of the NJ Association for Jazz Educators and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Jersey Band Festival. He also co-founded the big band “One More Once,” collaborating with renowned artists such as Wycliffe Gordon and Rufus Reid.
Timothy Hayward (Saxes) was born and raised in Paris, France, graduated from the Paris Regional Conservatoire, Paris University, and the Paris National Conservatoire. He began his professional music career at 18, performing in classical, jazz, and contemporary music for ballet and theater in Europe and the United States. Hayward now splits his time between teaching and performing. He has been the Band Director in the Clifton School District in New Jersey since 2012 and joined The Juilliard School as a saxophone instructor in 2021. Since 2024, he has also been the co-director of the Rutgers Summer Jazz Institute. He is an active composer and arranger in both classical and jazz music.
New York jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig (Trombone) He has recorded 25 albums as a leader and received four Grammy nominations. Voted the #1 Jazz Trombonist three times in the DownBeat “Jazz Critic’s Poll,” he has also been nominated for “Trombonist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association. As a sideman, Herwig has performed with prominent artists like Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Tito Puente, and he is a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, serving as musical director and arranger for the Grammy-winning “Live at the Jazz Standard.” With over 40 years in the industry, he has appeared on more than 200 albums and exclusively plays Michael Rath Trombones. Herwig is also the chair of jazz studies at Mason Gross.
Instrumental Instructors
Robby Ameen, Drums
Abraham Burton, Saxes
Kenny Davis, Bass
Jon DiFiore, Drums
Will Gorman, Piano
Ben Hankle, Trumpet
Henry Heinitsh, Guitar
Victor Lewis, Drums
Alex Norris, Trumpet
Bill O’Connell, Piano
Bob Sabin, Bass
Marc Stasio, Piano
Dave Stryker, Guitar