March 15, 2023
Seiko Group Corporation
Seiko Group Corporation (Chairman & Group CEO, CCO: Shinji Hattori; head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan) began accepting applications today for the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp 2023 (“Jazz Camp”), to be held from August 14-18 under the sponsorship of Seiko Group Corporation.
The Jazz Camp is a five-day program in which students study such things as jazz theory, performance techniques, and how to master the music, all taught by top international jazz musicians. Since its inception in 2016, the Jazz Camp has produced almost 200 graduates, including many serious young musicians who are now active, either as professional players in Japan or as students of jazz in the United States. These super-talented young people have the ability to become leaders in the music world in the near future.
Admission to the Jazz Camp is through a rigorous audition process overseen by the teaching faculty. Once accepted, there is no fee to participate — the Seiko Group supports this endeavor as part of its commitment to supporting the arts and providing opportunities for young people to grow and develop their skills.
Applications opened on March 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. on the official Jazz Camp website:
https://www.s-summerjazzcamp.jp/
Instructors are world-class musicians
Eight highly regarded jazz musicians, including Grammy Award winners, will serve as faculty, providing in-depth instruction in small classes. Faculty leader Michael Dease received the Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year Award this year, which is given to outstanding jazz educators at U.S. colleges and universities. Students will learn not only jazz performance technique and theory, but also how best to approach the music, and how to transition from being a student to becoming a professional, thanks to advice from experienced instructors who are not only great musicians, but also first-rate educators.
A full and varied lesson program
The five-day Jazz Camp offers a variety of programs. There will be a Master Class for each instrument, in which students will receive personalized, detailed instruction. There will be a Small Ensemble Class, where students will be divided into five groups to work on assigned pieces, and a Big Band Class, in which lessons will be given in preparation for the final day’s Gala Concert. In addition, there will be a Composition and Arrangement Class for all students, and a Master Class where all students will learn jazz theory and gain personal insights and tips from the instructors.
Great opportunity to study abroad in the U.S.!
On the final day, a Gala Concert will be held to showcase the results of the four days of instruction. One student will be selected as the Grand Prize winner, with the right to attend the Jazz Institute at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC for about two weeks in July 2024. This is a dream opportunity for Japanese students who want to visit the US to study jazz.
Seiko Summer Jazz Camp 2023 Outline
- Dates:
August 14 to 18, 2023 (5 days)
- Venue:
SHOBI College of Music (Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
- Instructors:
Michael Dease (Trombone), Diego Rivera (Sax)
Rodney Whitaker (Bass), Quincy Davis (Drums),
Shenel Johns (Vocal), Takeshi Ohbayashi (Piano)
Benny Benack (Trumpet), Yotam Silberstein (Guitar)
Junko Moriya (Special Advisor / Piano / Arrangements)
Seiko Summer Jazz Camp 2023 Application Guidelines
- Instrument categories:
Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone (alto, tenor, baritone), Vocal
- Qualifications:
Residents of Japan between the ages of 16 and 25 who can participate in all 5 days of the program.
- Number of applicants:
5 for each instrument (tentative)
- Application period:
March 15, 2023 10:00 a.m. - May 8, 2023 10:00 a.m.
- How to apply:
Official website (only online applications will be accepted)
http://www.s-summerjazzcamp.jp/entry
- Results announcement:
June 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. on the official Website.
- Contact:
Press Contact:
Seiko Group Corporation
Public Relations & Investor Relations Department
prdeptj@seiko.co.jp
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