Private Lessons + Group Classes + Camps

With a variety of private lessons + group classes + camps, the Charleston Jazz Academy (CJA) brings together students of all backgrounds and ages. The CJA focuses on creating a collaborative, fun and challenging environment, emphasizing the importance of team work, creativity and self-expression. Through private lessons + group classes + camps, students can expand their repertoire and nurture their skills of music and improvisation.

Private lessons + group classes + camps are available for students of all ages in most instruments. We believe in providing all students with an equal opportunity to participate in music education. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please let us know in the enrollment form. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and/or musical merit. Watch some student testimonials HERE!

All private lessons + group classes + camps are available in-person at the Charleston Jazz Academy, 3005 West Montague Avenue, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29418. For any questions, please contact Jan Moorer at jan@charlestonjazz.com or by calling 843-745-5908.

Private lessons

We offer private music instruction in most instruments and voice. To find out more, please contact Jan Moorer at jan@charlestonjazz.com or by calling (843) 745-5908. You can also register online here.

Group Classes – Jazz Band and Ensembles

Jazz band and ensembles meet weekly and are grouped by skill level. To find out more, please contact Jan Moorer at jan@charlestonjazz.com or by calling (843) 745-5908. You can also register online here.

Scholarships

The Charleston Jazz Academy believes in providing all students with an equal opportunity to participate in jazz and awards talent-based and needs-based scholarships. Scholarship recipients participate in private and/or small group lessons, masterclasses, workshops and performances, and receive tickets to Charleston Jazz Orchestra performances throughout the year. To find out more, please contact Jan Moorer at jan@charlestonjazz.com or by calling (843) 745-5908. You can also register online here.

NEW CLASSES AT THE CHARLESTON JAZZ ACADEMY

Classes are June 6 – 10 and June 13-17!

A 5-day camp for students in grades 7-12 interested in learning improvisational skills by playing in a jazz combo with similarly skilled peers. The workshop consists of daily two-hour combo sessions, basic jazz theory classes, and one evening concert. Additionally, each student receives one additional 45-minute private or small-group (sectional) instructional session focused on her/his instrument.

Designed for students who can read music and want to advance their playing and improvisational skills. The standard jazz combo consists of piano, bass, guitar, drums and one or two “horns” (sax, trumpet, trombone, etc.) but there are no restrictions on what instruments may participate. Workshop participants can play saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, flute, vibes, guitar, bass, piano, voice, and drums.

Led by Charleston Jazz Orchestra member Gavin Smith, our jazz combo camp provides a rich musical learning environment, peer-to-peer engagement and mentoring by top jazz musicians

When:
June 6 – 10 and June 13-17, 9am – 3pm

Learn More + Register HERE!

INFO + REGISTRATION

Jazz Combo Classes - Charleston Jazz Academy

Classes begin in September!

Learn the basics of jazz improvisation while playing with fellow jazz students! Musicians entering grades 7 +, who can read music and who want to advance their playing and improvisational skills. The standard jazz combo consists of piano, bass, guitar, drums and one or two “horns” (sax, trumpet, trombone, etc.) but there are no restrictions on what instruments may participate. Combo class participants can play saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, flute, vibes, guitar, bass, piano, voice, and drums. One can improvise jazz on any instrument. We are always looking for pianists, bassists and drummers, since those instruments are always in demand in combos!

When:
The combos meet for 14 weeks each semester beginning in September. Students will sign up for their first and second choice of three days (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday) for their combos to meet. Combos will meet at 4:30-6pm or 6-7:30pm.

Learn More + Register HERE!

JAZZ COMBO INFO + REGISTRATION

Listen to Ayhann, one of our Charleston Jazz Academy scholarship recipients, as he describes his experiences at the Charleston Jazz Academy

Listen to Mrs. Christa who describes her experiences as a Charleston Jazz Academy parent along with the benefits of our scholarship program for her daughters.