June 28 – July 12, 2025

The Skidmore Jazz Institute has been called the “non-pareil destination for attentive and engaged instruction in the improviser’s art” by DOWNBEAT Magazine. For two weeks each summer, 65 or so aspiring young musicians have the opportunity to learn from a faculty of top jazz practitioners who are also gifted educators. Young musicians are brought to their next level of musicianship through an intense curriculum designed to communicate the traditions of jazz and continue to inspire even after the program ends. Students work closely with faculty in daily combo rehearsals, improvisational and special classes. Private and semi-private lessons distinguish this institute from other similar summer camps. Scholarship assistance is available.

The program kicks off with an inspirational jolt as students arrive just in time to catch the Saratoga Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, another aspect of this program that sets it apart. Our concert series presents the Skidmore Faculty All-Stars and invited guest artists in evening performances, and afternoon master classes offer additional opportunities to learn from these master musicians. Students perform in downtown Saratoga Springs at the historic Caffe Lena and twice on campus in the Ladd Concert Hall in the Arthur Zankel Music Center.

The Institute is led by Brian Carucci (Director) and Todd Coolman (Artistic Director). Previous students have successfully pursued jazz-related careers in the areas of performance, teaching and business and include Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, Richie Barshay, Jonathan Batiste, Courtney Bryan, Ryan Cohan, Sullivan Fortner, James Francies, Brandon Lee, Noah Preminger, Christian Scott, Kendrick Scott, Walter Smith, Burniss Earl Travis and Myron Walden, among others.

The Skidmore Jazz Institute would like to thank the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, The Howard Bayne Fund, Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family, and members of the Skidmore College and surrounding communities for their generous support.

I’m beyond grateful to have learned from jazz masters and create amazing music with such talented likeminded people. I’ve never had more fun playing music in my life.                                                                                                                                      –2023 Participant