2026 Detroit Jazz Workshop
The Detroit Jazz Workshop, now in its 17th year will accept applications from January 1st to July 1st, 2026.
Our Mission:
Founded in 2008 by Scott and Delaine Gwinnell, the Detroit Jazz Workshop is a week-long summer program designed to make jazz accessible to anyone with an interest in learning, regardless of age, background, experience level, or instrument.
Students participate in a wide range of classes and clinics covering jazz theory, composition, improvisation, and more, along with inspiring masterclasses from guest clinicians. In addition to classroom learning, every student plays in a jazz combo, gaining hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, and performance.
As active performers and educators, our faculty and staff are committed to passing on the jazz tradition while fostering creativity, individuality, and musical exploration. Whether a student’s goals are modest, ambitious, or anywhere in between, the DJW community supports them in building skills, gaining confidence, and moving forward on their musical journey while enjoying the process every step of the way.
2025:
Our 16th annual workshop in July 2025, was a tremendous success. In the instrumental workshop, Dominic Waddles, Russ Macklem, and Mike Karloff presented thoughtful but encouraging masterclasses. The adult, high school, and middle school combos presented combo performances at Aretha's at the end of the week, led by their combo directors, all professional jazz educators. The students showed the excited jazz club crowd what they learned over the week.
Vocal Jazz students learned from masterclasses given by Faith Quashie and Susan Tobocman. They presented their own Aretha's Jazz Cafe concert, 2 weeks later. Full of solo performances, backed by a professional quartet, each student shined whether a beginning jazz musician or seasoned pro.