This weeklong jazz camp provides the opportunity for youth to participate in a fun and intense jazz-learning experience under the direction of professional staff led by Dr. Matt Pivec, Director of Jazz Studies at Butler University. The faculty will include local jazz professionals.

No audition is required for admission to camp; all levels are welcome. At least one year of prior study on your instrument is required.  A placement audition will take place on Sunday, July 6, 2025. We welcome all traditional jazz instruments such as saxophone, trumpet, trombone, upright bass, guitar, piano, percussion, and voice (ages 15–18 or rising grades 9-12 only) as well as more non-traditional instruments such as flute, clarinet, oboe, or violin. Campers should provide their own instrument. Guitarists and bassists should provide their own amp. There are separate requirements specific to the vocal jazz track (rising grades 9-12), please see details below.

Vocal jazz track:
The vocal jazz track is open to rising grades 9-12 only. All levels are welcome, but we strongly recommend at least one year of prior choral experience and/or vocal lessons. No prior jazz experience required. In order to participate, registrants must provide a letter of recommendation from his/her current private vocal teacher or choral director. Students will be able to build their skills by singing in a jazz vocal ensemble, performing for each other in masterclasses, and participating in jazz theory, improvisation, and jazz history classes.

Placement Audition on Sunday, July 6, 5-8pm

Students will arrive on Sunday, July 6 to complete a placement audition. Residential students will also check into the dorm. In person auditions are encouraged. If you are unable to attend, please send your audition video to BCAS@butler.edu by July 1st, 2025. Exact schedule and music is TBD.

• Prepared jazz piece of student’s choice
• 4 Scales of your choice (major, chromatic, mixolydian, etc.) – except drummers
• Improvisation on a 12-bar Bb blues (optional)
• Drummers, demonstrate 16-bars of 3 styles (medium swing, latin/bossa, rock/funk)
• Guitar and piano, prepared piece should demonstrate comping
• Bass, prepared piece should demonstrate bass lines (your piece should include this)

Artistic Director: Dr. Matt Pivec

Faculty:

Camp Hours: 9am-5pm

Tuition for Commuter Students: 

• Total Tuition Cost: The cost of this program is $500
• Non-Refundable Deposit: At checkout, a $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. This will be deducted from the tuition cost.
• Remaining Balance: The remaining $475 of tuition is required by June 2, 2025, unless on an approved flexible payment plan in which all tuition will be due 14 days prior to the start of the camp.
• Need-Based Tuition Assistance: Campers who meet one of the following items are eligible for full, need-based tuition assistance for commuter status only (though the residential option can be registered for at its full price of $400). Apply when you register. A $25 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to hold your spot in camp. However, if you are denied tuition assistance you will have the option to have the $25 refunded to you. Need-based tuition assistance qualifications (must meet one of the following):
  • Camper is a 21st Century Scholar
  • Camper qualifies financially for free/reduced lunch at school
  • Camper would be a first-generation college student

Tuition for Residential Students: 

• Total Tuition Cost: The cost of this program is $900
• Non-Refundable Deposit: At checkout, a $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. This will be deducted from the tuition cost.
• Remaining Balance: The remaining $875 of tuition is required by June 2, 2025, unless on an approved flexible payment plan in which all tuition will be due 14 days prior to the start of the camp

Registration Deadline: June 2, 2025

Move-In for Residential Students: July 6, 2025

Refund Eligibility:

• Full Refunds: 100% of tuition will be refunded (minus the $25 non-refundable deposit) if requested at least 30 days prior to the start of camp.
• Partial Refunds: 50% of tuition (minus the $25 non-refundable camp deposit) will be considered for refund if requested within 30 days prior to the start of camp. 
• No Refunds: No refunds will be issued within 14 days prior to camp. 

Review our policies and procedures!

A detailed information packet will be emailed to all registrants two weeks before the start of camp.

Contact the Butler Community Arts School with any questions:

BCAS@butler.edu   |   (317) 940-5500