Ten Ways to Maximize Your Summer Music Program

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If you happen to be attending — or think of attending — a music camp this summer, here are some tips to maximize your success and fun!

1. Don’t bring drugs/alcohol. Just don’t do it guys. I have seen so many excellent players get kicked out of camps for doing this, and it is just so not worth it. Most of these programs have absolutely zero tolerance for using drugs or drinking, and you will probably not get any of your money back if you are asked to leave. It sucks for you, and it sucks for your parents who are most likely paying.
2. If you are vegan, gluten free, or have other dietary issues, bring your own snacks. I know it sucks, especially since you’re probably paying for a meal plan already, but it’s not worth starving or eating something that makes you feel bad.
3. Take your instrument everywhere (sorry bass players!) At these types of programs, there are jams happening pretty much constantly, whether it’s fellow students or faculty. Sometimes you’ll stumble upon one during some free time, and you’ll kick yourself when they ask you to sit in and you have to run back and grab your horn, axe, etc.
4. Arrive early if possible. I have been in situations where my flight is scheduled to get in one or two hours before orientation, and it gets delayed! Getting there after orientation has already happened is not a good feeling. That’s when people start meeting each other, the tone for the program is set, and you’re introduced to all of the rules, regulations, and faculty. It’s way better to get there several hours or even a full day early and have time to get situated than to freak out about being late and missing the beginning.
5. Stay in the dorms/provided housing if at all possible. For adults and even some college aged students, this isn’t as important, but for high school students it can really make or break your experience. Dorms are where you meet people outside of your ensembles, and in a lot of the classes it’s difficult to socialize as you’re listening and learning. There are often jams and small events within the dorms, and a lot of times you will be rooming with one or more people. For the shy ones out there, having a roommate is basically an instant friend, and it’s way easier to break the ice when you see people around the dorms. If you can’t stay in the provided, just make sure you spend as much time on the campus as possible, try and make friends with some kids that are staying in the dorms so you can hang out there too. Try not to go home or wherever you’re staying until late in the evening so you can participate in jams, dinners, and other activities.
6. Never feel pressured to jam. Obviously jam sessions are bound to happen with so many jazz players in one place, and it’s a really great way to meet people, to learn from your peers, and to show off your skills. But a lot of people at these types of programs are always pushing playing, and it can feel like if you don’t play at every possible opportunity you’re not making the most of your experience. Everyone has different opinions on this, but I think sometimes it’s great just to listen and observe, especially if the players are way beyond your level. Yes, the best way to improve is playing with people better than you, but it can also be a bad idea to sit in with players that you just can’t remotely keep up with. There’s a fine line between stepping outside of your comfort zone, which is exactly what you want to do, and getting yourself into something way over your head. So just use your judgment and never feel bad about sitting it out.
7. Admit to your weaknesses. These programs can feel very competitive and you may want to “prove yourself” to everyone there. Don’t get too crazy with this stuff! Everyone has an opportunity to play, and your playing should speak for itself. There’s no need to try and keep up with other players that have certain strengths that you lack. Everyone has weaknesses in their playing, and everyone has strengths, so try and build up your weaknesses through your studies and admit to them. No one likes a player who says they can do something and then can’t in practice. People respect musicians that ask for help!
8. Be NICE! This one ties in with the last tip. I’ve heard many artists at the various programs I’ve attended talking about this topic. Being a great player will only get you so far in the contemporary jazz scene; you have to be a great person too. Taylor Eigsti once told me that he is way more likely to hire a really nice guy who plays pretty well than a jerk who is killing, and I think this is true of most jazz artists. Be kind to people, and don’t judge other players based on what they can and can’t do or what they do or do not listen to. You can learn something from everyone, and you’re more likely to be called for a gig if you’re easy to work with and humble.
9. Ask for lessons. Sometimes at these programs, your heroes are part of the faculty, and you can get a little star struck. This happened to me when I was standing between Gretchen Parlato and Ethan Iverson in line for coffee one morning at Stanford. Yes, the artists teaching at these programs are the best of the best, but they are there because they love to teach and want to pass on the tradition of jazz to you. This is why I suggest asking for lessons whenever you can! Sometimes during the program the artists are too busy to do a private lesson, but sometimes they will! They may also offer up a lesson whenever they are in your hometown next during a tour, especially if you live in a major city. If the artist you want a lesson from is a contemporary player, it’s more than likely that they live in NYC, so if you live close enough and are willing to make the trip, they will agree to teach you there. Never ask for their phone number unless they offer it, but asking for email is perfectly acceptable. No matter how big the artist is or if you think they will say no, there is no harm in asking. In my experience, most of the time they will say yes. They know you are serious about jazz because you are at a serious program, and it’s always great to put on your resume took private lessons from insertyourfavoriteartist.
10. Apply! Audition! Many of the programs I listed are audition only, and some are very selective. It’s really easy to believe that you’re not advanced enough in your playing or aren’t as good as the other kids applying, but you really never know. There are so many players I know that tell me, “I never in a million years thought I would get into __________! I just auditioned on a whim and I was accepted!” People awarding scholarships and judging applications aren’t always looking for players with the most experience or the most impressive resumes; they also looks for well rounded players and players that learn quickly and show promise. So just try! What do you have to lose?