# Vail Jazz Workshop

Nine-day residency in Vail, CO for just 12 elite high school jazz musicians (piano, bass, drums, trumpet, sax, trombone), who perform at the Vail Jazz Festival over Labor Day weekend. Every student attends on scholarship.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Vail Jazz Foundation |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Vail, CO |
| Program dates | 2026-08-29 to 2026-09-06 |
| Apply | https://vailjazz.org/education/vj-workshop/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Vail Jazz Workshop?

Vail Jazz Workshop is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Vail Jazz Workshop online or in person?

Vail Jazz Workshop is an in-person program based in Vail, CO.

### How do I apply to Vail Jazz Workshop?

Apply directly through Vail Jazz Foundation's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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