Charleston Jazz summer combo camps

Three weeks: June 1-5, June 22-26, July 20-24

Charleston Jazz is proud to present three unique weeks of Summer programs: Summer Combo Camps, including Camp Coltrane from June 1-5, It’s Electric from June 22-26, and All Blues from July 20-24.

Each week is something new; students have the opportunity to choose which style suits them best.  Camp Coltrane focuses on the music of John Coltrane, celebrating 100 years since his birth.  It’s Electric will venture into the electric era of jazz, introducing electric instruments into the already established jazz language. All Blues will range from the birth of the blues to the development of blues as we know it now.

Each week will include guided rehearsals, group ensemble playing and improvisation workshops in each respective style.  Seventh graders and up are welcome no matter their skill level or experience; there is something for everyone to learn.  Tuition per week is $275 and each each day will run from 9 AM – 3:30 PM.

The Charleston Jazz Academy Summer Combo Camps project is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

2026 Summer Jazz Combo Camp Schedule: A Closer Look

Week 1: Camp Coltrane 
This year marks 100 years of John Coltrane!  Week 1 of our Summer Combo Camps is designed to honor his legacy, encouraging learning inspired by Coltrane’s music.  This camp offers and immersive experience in improvisation, jazz combo playing, and ensemble collaboration.  This week will offer masterclasses with Spoleto Festival USA performers Chico Pinheiro (guitar) and Pedrito Martinez (percussion) who bring global perspectives. This week in particular is brought to you in partnership with Spoleto Festival USA. 
Week 2: It’s Electric
Electric instruments changed the voice of jazz as we knew it; week 2 of our Summer Combo Camps celebrates the introduction of electric instruments into Jazz Fusion, teaching students how to incorporate an electric sound into their music.  Students will work closely with instructors guiding them, but also in collaboration with peers as an ensemble style group.
Week 3: All Blues
The blues are the roots of jazz music; week 3 of our Summer Combo Camps aims to honor the birth of jazz and the influence of a blues sound.  All Blues will explore the blues from its earliest form, all the way to its development as it traveled along the Mississippi Delta, teaching students the collaborative and improvisational nature of its growth.
About the Charleston Jazz Academy

The Charleston Jazz Academy, the educational arm of Charleston Jazz, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians through comprehensive jazz education and community engagement. Established in 2017, the Academy builds on Charleston’s rich musical heritage by providing students of all ages and backgrounds with access to high-quality instruction in jazz performance, improvisation, and music theory.

Music education is fostered through private lessons, workshops, summer camps, and other programs catering to musicians of all ages and skill levels.  The Charleston Jazz Academy aims to provide jazz education accessibly by offering scholarships and outreach initiatives, nurturing talent while preserving the cultural legacy of jazz in Charleston. 

Register Today!