Join us for the 2025 Mason Jazz Camp from Monday, June 23rd, 2025, to Friday, June 27th, 2025.
The Mason Jazz Camp, held on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus, is an inclusive, intensive program, for musicians (instrumental and vocal) of all levels, with a desire to advance their musical artistry and professionalism. The Mason Jazz Camp is generally open to participants age-14 and up, with separate tracks for under age-18 and over age-18.
The Mason Jazz Camp offers classes in improvisation, jazz theory, ear training, performance practice (big bands and combos), composition, arranging and jazz history. Students have the opportunity to study and participate in master classes and concerts with leading educators and performers in the Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland region.
Read Mason Jazz Camp Policies and Procedures
Mason Jazz Camp 2025:
Monday, June 23, 2025 to Friday, June 27, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The final student concert will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025 in the Center for Arts from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. No tickets are required. 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 Mason Jazz Faculty
- 2:00 pm - Combo rehearsal
- 3:30 pm - Concert by a professional jazz group
- 4:30 pm - Camp day ends
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
Commuter and Residential Options:
$490 - Commuter (staying off-campus, does not include meals)
$1,036 - Residential (Double Room, recommended for under age-18)
$1,091 - Residential (Single Room, recommended for over age-18)
Residential registration closes Friday, May 23rd, 2025. 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 22nd, 2025 at 3pm. Residents will check-out on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at 4pm.
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
Mason Jazz Intensive 2025
Educators seeking professional development may participate in the Mason Jazz Intensive and earn two college credits. Participants will have a chance to explore improvisation, expand their theory knowledge, and participate in ensembles while learning valuable pedagogical tools along the way. The Mason Jazz Intensive is ideal for K-12 educators and private instructors who wish to gain additional experience in jazz and grow professionally. This course runs concurrently with the Mason Jazz Camp.
Tuition is $1,178.00 for one week. More information about registration will be available in Spring 2025. For-credit courses are subject to CPE policies, in addition to Mason Jazz Camp policies.
Mason Jazz Camp Concerts (3:30pm - 4:30pm); Center for the Arts
All concerts are free and open to the public. No camp registration or tickets required to attend.
June 24: Mason Jazz Camp Faculty Showcase
June 25: Leigh Pilzer
June 26: Cyrus Chestnut
June 27: USAF Airmen of Note
June 28: Student Showcase (2:00pm - 4:00pm)