Watch a video from the 2025 George Mason Jazz Camp workshop.
Join us for the 2026 George Mason Jazz Camp from Monday, June 22nd, 2026, to Friday, June 26th, 2026.
The George Mason Jazz Camp, held on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus, is an inclusive, intensive program, for all musicians (instrumental and vocal) with basic proficiency and a desire to advance their musical artistry and professionalism. The George Mason Jazz Camp is generally open to participants age-14 and up, with separate tracks for under age-18 and over age-18.
The George Mason Jazz Camp offers classes in improvisation, jazz theory, ear training, performance practice (big bands and combos), composition, arranging and jazz history. Participants will enjoy classes, ensembles, and concerts with leading educators and performers in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland region.
Read George Mason Jazz Camp Policies and Procedures
Residential registration closes Friday, May 22nd, 2026. After that, only commuter registrations will be accepted.
George Mason Jazz Camp 2026
Monday, June 22, 2026 to Friday, June 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The final student concert will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the Center for Arts from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. No tickets are needed. All are welcome to attend.
- Sample Schedule:
- 8:00 am - Check-in begins
- 8:30 am - Improvisation
- 9:30 am - Theory
- 10:30 am - Large Ensemble rehearsal
- 12:00 noon - Lunch
- 1:00 pm - Instrument masterclasses with George Mason Jazz Faculty
- 2:00 pm - Combo rehearsal
- 3:30 pm - Concert by a professional jazz group
- 4:30 pm - Camp day ends
George Mason Jazz Camp Afternoon Concerts
3:30pm - 4:30pm; Center for the Arts
All concerts are free and open to the public. No camp registration or tickets needed to attend.
June 22: George Mason Jazz Camp Faculty Showcase
June 23: Steve Williams Little Big Band
June 24: Roxy Cross, guest artist
June 25: U.S.A.F. Airmen of Note jazz ensemble
June 26: Student Showcase (2:00pm - 4:00pm)
George Mason Jazz Camp Faculty have included:
- Darden Purcell, Director of Jazz, voice
- Jim Carroll: saxophone, improvisation, ensemble
- Shawn Purcell: guitar, theory, ensemble
- John Kocur: saxophone, improvisation, ensemble
- Graham Breedlove: trumpet, theory, ensemble
- Juan Megna: percussion, theory, combos
- Victor Provost: steelpan, improvisation, combos
- Wade Beach: piano, combos
- Aaron Eckert: trombone
- Ben Thomas: bass
- Kevin McDonald: drums
Previous guest artists have included world-renowned jazz musicians such as:
- Sean Jones, trumpet
- Warren Wolf, vibraphone
- Cyrus Chestnut, piano
- Altin Sencalar, trombone
Commuter and Residential Options:
$495 - Commuter (staying off-campus, does not include meals)
$1,063 - Residential (Double Room, recommended for under age-18)
$1,118 - Residential (Single Room, recommended for over age-18)
Residential registration closes Friday, May 22nd, 2026. After that, only commuter registrations will be accepted.
All accommodations are traditional dormitory-style rooms with shared bathroom in the hallway. The fee includes all camp activities, linens, Wi-Fi, and 15 meals.
Residents will check-in on Sunday, June 21st, 2026, at between 3pm and 4pm. Residents will clear their rooms Friday morning and check-out at 4pm in the Center for the Arts lobby.
After-camp activities may include movie night, video games at the Corner Pocket, jam sessions, and open gym time. Participants under age-18 staying on-campus overnight will remain under the supervision of camp workers.
Camp Coordinator: John Kocur
Grammy-winning musician, composer, educator and activist Roxy Coss is one of the most unique and innovative saxophonists on the jazz scene. She is the Founder and President of Women In Jazz Organization (WIJO), Director of Jazz Studies at Stony Brook University, and Co-Artistic Director of the Brubeck Jazz Summit.
Summer Jazz Intensive 2026
Educators seeking professional development may take part in the Summer Jazz Intensive and earn two college credits. Participants will have a chance to explore improvisation, expand their theory knowledge, and take part in ensembles while learning valuable pedagogical tools along the way. The Summer Jazz Intensive is ideal for K-12 educators and private instructors who wish to gain more experience in jazz and grow professionally. This course runs concurrently with the George Mason Jazz Camp and grants the participant access to all camp activities.
Tuition is $1,178.00 for one week. More information about registration will be available in Spring 2026. For-credit courses are subject to Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) policies, in addition to George Mason Jazz Camp policies.