Vail Jazz Workshop Now Taking Applications

By DownBeat I Feb. 10, 2026

Vail Jazz Workshop, which will take place in Vail, Colorado, from Aug. 29 through Sept. 5, is now open for applications. This year’s faculty will include Terell Stafford, Tim Green, Wycliffe Gordon, Bill Cunliffe, Lewis Nash and John Clayton. The application deadline is April 30.

Currently entering its 31st year, Vail Jazz Workshop is an intensive residency program for highly dedicated and advanced high school-aged jazz musicians who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their musical studies and a level of artistry deserving of focused mentorship.

The program emphasizes small-ensemble performance, improvisation and learning by ear. Enrollment is limited to just 12 students — two each on piano, bass, drums, trombone, trumpet and saxophone — creating an intimate 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This enables student musicians to be coached in an environment that emphasizes intense interaction with instructors and fellow students while providing them with the unique opportunity to perform alongside legendary professional musicians at the VJ Festival over Labor Day Weekend.

Many Vail Jazz Workshop alumni have advanced to highly successful musical careers, garnering numerous awards, Grammy nominations, albums and tour dates with jazz greats, as well as fronting their own groups at notable jazz venues and festivals across the globe.

Every student accepted into the workshop receives a minimum 50% scholarship, with full scholarships available based on demonstrated need. Scholarship support is provided through the Jeff Clayton Educational Fund. Jeff Clayton (1954–2020), a founding faculty member of the workshop, devoted more than 25 years to teaching and mentoring workshop students, profoundly shaping the next generation of jazz artists. His generosity of spirit, knowledge and passion for education live on through the fund.

For additional details, including instructions on how to nominate a student, CLICK HERE. DB