Chetham's School of Music Jazz and Improvisation Course
Create a free account to applyImprovise in small groups, join jam sessions and explore jazz with guest tutors, building your ensemble skills in a supportive setting. The course welcomes instrumentalists and vocalists, and ends with a performance in Carole Nash Hall.
Led by Dominic Ingham and guest tutors, Chetham's Jazz and Improvisation Course is part of the school's Summer School and has been running as a regular feature since 2025. The course focuses on small-group improvisation, jam sessions and musical exploration, giving young musicians the chance to build confidence, creativity and ensemble skills in a supportive environment.
The programme welcomes rhythm section players and front-line solo instrumentalists with an interest in jazz and improvisation, as well as vocalists. Formal grades are not required, although applicants should be around Grade 4 standard or above and have the relevant playing or singing experience for their instrument.
Participants also take part in wider summer school activities such as singing and musicianship, and the course concludes with a final performance in Carole Nash Hall. Residential and non-residential places are available, and bursary information is offered during the application process.
Dominic Ingham
Location
- No auditions required.
- Formal grades are not necessary.
- Applicants should have the ability to play at Grade 4 standard or above.
- The course welcomes rhythm section players and front-line solo instruments with an interest in jazz and improvisation.
- Drums applicants should be able to play a swing beat and bossa nova, with experience playing in a small band or big band.
- Bass players should be able to read chord changes and play a walking bass line, with experience playing in a small band or big band.
- Guitar players should be able to read chord changes, with experience playing in a small band or big band.
- Piano players should be able to read chord changes, with experience playing in a small band or big band.
- Front-line instrumentalists such as saxophone, trumpet, trombone, clarinet and violin players should have experience playing solos and improvising in a jazz context.
- Vocalists should have experience singing jazz standards.
Residential: £1,300. Non-residential: £1,200. Information on bursaries and financial support is provided at the next stage of the application.
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