2026 Adult Jazz Camp

COLAJAZZ ADULT JAZZ CAMP

Our ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp is an exciting weekend of jazz for 18+ years old:

– jazz combos (sorted by ability)
– jazz theory and improvisation
– cool workshops
– personalized instruction
– faculty & camp concerts
– free t-shirt & lunches
– grand finale concert by YOU!

With small combos, theory, improv, incredible masterclasses and performances, our premier adult summer jazz camp is a blast for all-levels and instruments. If you want to deep dive John Coltrane, we got you; if you’re learning the basic blues form, we got you!

Tuition includes lunch, all daytime activities, masterclasses, and an open-to-the-public grand finale concert for your family & friends to celebrate what you've accomplished.

LOCATION
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
5637 Bush River Rd
Columbia, SC 29212

*Wonderful facilities to practice, learn, hang and play JAZZ.
*Convenient and FREE parking, easily accessible.


GENERAL SCHEDULE
Thursday – Sunday, July 16 – 19

THURSDAY, JULY 24

THURSDAY
2:00pm Check-in
2:30pm Camp welcome announcements & information
2:45pm Combo session 1: let’s play!
4:00pm Jazz theory
5:00pm Combo session 2: gettin’ it together
6:00pm Done for the day

FRIDAY, JULY 25

FRIDAY
10:00am Check-in, announcements
10:30am Jazz theory
11:45am Jazz Improv: apply it in your combo
12:30pm Lunch
1:15pm Combo session 3: diggin’ in
2:30pm All-Camp Masterclass (interactive)
3:45pm Sectionals
4:30pm Done for the day

*6:30pm – 9:30p All-camp hang (The Joint at 1710 Main Street)

SATURDAY, JULY 26

SATURDAY
10:00am Check-in, announcements
10:15am Jazz theory
11:30am Combo session 4: now you’re talkin’
12:30pm Lunch
1:15pm All-Camp Masterclass (interactive)
2:30pm Combo session 5: in the pocket
4:00pm Done for the day

*6:30pm – 9:30p All-camp hang (The Joint at 1710 Main Street)

SUNDAY, JULY 27
SUNDAY
2:00pm Combos Soundcheck
4:00pm Doors open
4:30p – 5:30p Grande Finale Concert

Grand Finale Public Performance
Koger Center for the Arts
1051 Greene St
Columbia, SC 29201

Why this adult summer jazz camp?

The ColaJazz 18+ Summer Jazz Camp is designed for adults who want an exceptional, weekend jazz intensive. You’ll play in combos, learn to improvise, explore jazz theory and American jazz history, grow your creativity, and connect socially with fellow jazzers.

Our faculty consists of highly accomplished educators and performers. For example, Dr. Mitch Butler, Director of Jazz Education for the ColaJazz Foundation, holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Performance from East Carolina University, as well as a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

The ColaJazz Foundation is a 2021 Governor’s Award–winning nonprofit with a proven history of producing world-class jazz events and outreach across South Carolina. Drawing from formal evaluations of the renowned Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camps — and decades of jazz education experience — Executive Director Mark Rapp launched Columbia’s first annual summer jazz camp in 2017. Since then, we’ve refined our programs to offer one of the most engaging and fun jazz camps in the Midlands.

The ColaJazz 18+ Summer Jazz Camp will leave you invigorated, accomplished, and excited about your next musical steps — plus you’ll walk away with new friends.

What will I get out of it?

You’ll play in small-group jazz ensembles, learn jazz theory, develop improvisation skills, explore elective topics, perform publicly, learn jazz history and its role in America, hear world-class faculty concerts, make friends, grow as a musician, grow as a person — and much more.

How do I know if I’m good enough?

The camp is open to all singers and instrumentalists. Our goal is to help move you to your personal “next level,” whatever that may be. Campers of all ability levels have learned a lot and had a great time. Combos are grouped by ability, and instructors teach through a mix of charts and by-ear methods.

Short answer: If you can play 12 major and minor scales and read music, you’ll do well. Anything beyond that, you’ll thrive.
Longer answer: You should have basic competency on your instrument — knowing your notes, reading sheet music, playing a few blues scales from memory, playing all 12 major scales, and understanding basic song structures (counting measures, recognizing 12-bar blues or 32-bar AABA forms, knowing what an A-section is, etc.).

Where and when does it take place?

The 2026 18+ Summer Jazz Camp runs Thursday–Sunday, July 16–19, at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC.

Arrival and departure times

Please refer to the schedule listed above.

Do we allow refunds?

Yes. Payment is required in full at registration. Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to July 16 are fully refundable. After that date, payments are non-refundable.

ColaJazz 18+ Summer Jazz Camp reserves the right to refuse registration due to limited availability, and may decline, accept, cancel, or withdraw any participant before or during camp if necessary.

Are scholarships or discounts available?

Yes. Limited financial assistance is available thanks to our generous donors and sponsors. Contact us to inquire.

What should I prepare before camp?

Short answer: Nothing. The purpose of camp is to meet you where you are and help you grow.
Longer answer: Before camp, we may request a simple video of you playing to help place you in the proper combo. This is low-pressure and easy.

What should I bring?

Bring your instrument and all gear needed to play it — amps, cables, power cords, reeds, mouthpieces, valve oil, etc. We will provide some pianos, amps, and drum kits, but you may bring your own keyboard, amp, or drum kit if preferred. We will notify you in advance if any special items are needed.

Helpful extras:
– Snacks/drinks (lunch is provided)
– A recording device
– Pencils
– Manuscript paper
– Chargers for your devices
– Comfortable shoes
– Any required personal medication

What instruments are appropriate for jazz?

We welcome saxophonists/flutists, trumpeters, trombonists, pianists, guitarists, bassists, drummers, and vocalists. Violinists and harmonica players have also enjoyed the camp. Bagpipes… might not be ideal.

What kind of jazz will I be learning and playing?

We focus primarily on straight-ahead jazz and blues from the Great American Songbook — Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and more. We also accommodate traditional jazz, fusion, funk, and avant-garde styles and occasionally use pop tunes as a starting point for improvisation.

How can I get more information?

Contact us anytime.

These terms apply to the 2026 ColaJazz Adult Jazz Camp.

Bookings

All bookings are subject to the terms below. Registration and payment indicate your acceptance of all terms. You acknowledge and accept these terms on your own behalf and on behalf of the camper attending. You agree to release ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp, the ColaJazz Foundation, and all camp staff from any claim or liability arising from camp activities.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp and the ColaJazz Foundation against any accident, loss, or injury suffered by you (or your child) during camp activities.

Medical and hospital treatment

If camp staff determine that medical treatment is necessary, you consent to them obtaining such treatment at your expense.

Fees

All fees are in U.S. dollars. Full payment is required at the time of registration unless otherwise stated. Payments are securely processed through Humanitix.

Refunds and due dates

Payments are fully refundable up to 14 days prior to July 24. After that, payments become non-refundable. Camp reserves the right to refuse registration or to withdraw a participant before or during camp for any reason, including limited availability or behavior concerns.

Medical conditions, allergies, and dietary needs

Please email contact@colajazz.com with any medical conditions, allergies, or special dietary requirements.

Damage to property

You agree to pay for any damage — intentional or accidental — caused by you (or your child) to camp property, equipment, vehicles, or property belonging to other participants. All repair or replacement costs are the responsibility of the individual(s) involved.

Personal property

ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp and the ColaJazz Foundation are not responsible for personal musical instruments or belongings. We recommend insuring valuable instruments.

Students must remain on site

Students must stay on-site for the duration of camp unless written permission is provided and approved by camp administrators. Only administrators may authorize a student to leave.

Student misbehavior

The following may result in dismissal from camp at the participant’s expense:
– Bullying, threatening, or intimidating behavior
– Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol
– Refusal to follow staff instructions
– Deliberate disruption of camp activities
– Dangerous, illegal, or inappropriate behavior
– Smoking on premises (this is a smoke-free venue)

Waiver and Release of Liability

By participating, you agree to release and hold harmless the ColaJazz Foundation, its board, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, agents, and affiliates from all claims or liabilities arising from your participation, including injury, illness, property damage, or associated expenses. You affirm you are the participant and are 18 years or older.

Photo Release

You grant ColaJazz Foundation permission to record your image, voice, and likeness in any medium and to use these recordings for educational, promotional, or advertising purposes without expectation of compensation.

Privacy

Information collected by ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp remains confidential and will not be shared with third parties. Photos of camp activities may be used in promotional materials by ColaJazz Summer Jazz Camp or the ColaJazz Foundation.

Regarding COVID-19

We prefer all attendees and staff to be fully vaccinated. If not, please wear a mask, maintain distance, and follow CDC guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov