For local musicians looking to sharpen their improvisation skills, CMC is bringing back its popular Summer Jazz Workshop. Designed for adults and high school students, the workshop focuses heavily on small group playing, pulling students out of the practice room and onto the bandstand.
Max Yoshimoto, a student from a previous year, knows the feeling well.
“I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience playing straight jazz in a collaborative setting with other musicians,” Yoshimoto said.
Due to high demand, this year’s program features even more playing time and masterclasses. Held at the Mission District Branch from July 31 to August 2, the intensive is capped at a maximum of 20 students. Players of brass, woodwinds, strings, and rhythm section instruments will form small ensembles to play bebop, blues, Latin jazz, and standard repertoire.
Co-directed by Erick Peralta and Charlie Gurke—with additional faculty to be announced—the weekend balances learning and doing.
“Each session offered a great mix of expert instruction followed by group jamming,” Yoshimoto recalled.
The quality of the teaching staff is a major draw for students. The faculty are working professionals who regularly perform throughout the local music scene.
“The most valuable part was having dedicated time to play in a new genre,” Yoshimoto noted. “Having instructors that are well known and visible in their fields is a huge draw as well. (Visible in their fields means they perform outside of CMC with great bands at well-regarded public venues and are respected by their peers.)”
He added, “Getting a chance to play with the instructors is always exciting.”
For those considering whether to apply, Yoshimoto’s advice is clear.
“It’s perfect for any adult musician who wants a dedicated day to focus entirely on playing music in a supportive group and great instructors,” he said.