Vail Jazz Workshop

# Vail Jazz Workshop Now past its 31st year, the Vail Jazz Workshop is the Vail Jazz Foundation's intensive late-summer residency for a dozen of the country's most dedicated high school jazz musicians. Held in Vail, Colorado from August 29 to September 6 in 2026, the workshop has mentored over 300 high-school-aged musicians since its inception, and every participant attends on scholarship. ## What You'll Do - Train in a 12-student cohort - two each on piano, bass, drums, trumpet, saxophone, and trombone - Work daily in combo settings with the workshop's professional artist-mentors - Learn by ear and on the bandstand, the way working jazz musicians do - Perform alongside legendary professional musicians at the Vail Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend ## Who Should Apply Advanced jazz players of the six rhythm and horn instruments who are 15-19 years old (as of August 30) and full-time high school students in grades 9-12 or home-schooled. Applications require a nominator such as a band director who can speak to your musicianship and commitment. Applications for 2026 closed April 30; the next cycle typically opens in winter. ## Outcomes Alumni of this tiny, high-touch program regularly move on to the nation's top jazz conservatories and professional careers. Every accepted student receives a scholarship to participate - the foundation's published policy has provided at least half tuition to all students and full support, including travel, based on demonstrated need - plus a festival mainstage credit most high schoolers can only dream of.