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UJAM Summer Jazz Workshop 2025

Our 7th annual Summer Jazz Workshop was held August 11 - 15th at the MacLaurin (Music) Building at the University of Victoria. The new location provided a wonderful place to make music and attracted over 80 musicians of all ages and abilities. The combination of great instructors and a great program proved inspirational for all.

Our vocal intensive program featured Jennifer Scott and Emily Braden, along with special guests Susannah Adams and recent Order of Canada recipient, Madeleine Humer. Instrumentalists enjoyed sessions with Joey Smith, Clare Copeland, Rob Cheramy, Dave Flello, Joe Hatherill, Rhys Batstone, Wes Carroll, and many other fine musicians.

The Phillip T. Young Recital was the location for 3 of our 4 main concerts during the week and we were well-supported in the sound area by Brian and Gloria from Philter Audio Corp.

Special thanks to our Board and in particular Deb Fortney who found generous sponsors for our snacks and breaks.

Planning is already underway as we have reserved UVic for next year's workshop - mark your calendars for August 11 - 15th and plan to join in the fun!

"Speaking of Jazz...”

U-JAM CAMP DREAM - We strive to enrich and enhance the understanding of jazz music, to connect the community around jazz and develop as individual musicians.

The U-JAM Summer Workshop is a place where you will be improving your musicianship, and the skills of playing jazz together! This is a great opportunity to study with and learn from local working musicians as well as internationally recognized artists. You will gain knowledge and wisdom on improvisation, theory, and ensemble playing within the jazz idiom.

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Special master classes will feature distinguished artists on a wide variety of topics along with an evening concerts and jam sessions.

Core Faculty

Ashley Wey

Louis Rudner

Dave Flello

Wes Carroll

John Lee

Joe Hatherill

Jennifer Scott

Guest Faculty

Hans Verhoeven

Claire Coupland

Nick La Riviere

Brent Jarvis

Emily Braden

A Typical Day At The Workshop

8:45 - 9:00 am - Daily meeting/ Announcements

9:00 - 9:45 am- Instrument/Vocal Fundamentals & Warm-up

9:50 - 10:35 am - Theory & Harmony or Improv Classes

10:35 - 10:50 pm - 15 Minute Break

10:50 - 11:35 pm - Theory & Harmony or Improv Classes

11:40-12:25 pm- Session Etiquette, Large Ensembles, Jam Sessions

12:25-1:00 pm - Special Masterclasses, History, Listening & More!

1:30-2:20 pm - Special Masterclasses, History, Listening & More!

2:45-4:00 pm - Jam Sessions, Break-off Rooms, Combo/Ensemble Rehearsals

7:00-9:00 pm - Evening Concert Series

Learn more....and have fun!

Learn to structure and fine-tune your practice routine? Let’s hot rod your practicing!
“Technique Transcription and Tunes” - We will cover topics such as transcribing and playing along with recordings, theory, ear training (Major Minor and Rhythmic Transcription, Voice Leading, Scales, Modes).
Gain tricks and licks that are key to improvising on your instrument. Here's your chance to hone fundamentals of studying Jazz (ear training, time, feel, harmony, transcribing, bandstand communication, music history)
Get inspired, and not discouraged… Effortless mastery!