Summer Jazz Camp 2026
Jazz Camp is back this January — five days of music, friendship, and inspiration in the beautiful Blue Mountains.
For over forty years, Summer Jazz Camp has been where young musicians come together to learn, play, and grow. It’s one of Australia’s most respected and longest-running music camps, and we’re proud to continue that tradition through Jazz Workshop Australia. You can learn more or see what’s planned for this year on the Summer Jazz Camp 2026 information page.
When and where
Sunday 11 – Thursday 15 January 2026
Stay KCC, Katoomba NSW
Check-in on day one is 9:30–10:30am, and camp finishes with a final concert at 2:30pm on the last day.
Katoomba is about 90 minutes from Sydney by car, or two hours by train. The venue is right near Scenic World and the spectacular Blue Mountains National Park — a beautiful and inspiring setting to make music in.
Who is Jazz Camp for?
Summer Jazz Camp is open to young musicians aged 10–19 on all instruments.
You don’t need to have played jazz before. If your child or student can already play comfortably in their school band or has a few years’ experience on their instrument (around Grade 3 and above), they’ll fit right in.
The camp caters to everyone — from first-time jazz players through to advanced and emerging professional-level students. In some sessions, campers are grouped by age and experience; in others, they mix across levels, just like in the real jazz world.
The result is a friendly, motivating, and supportive environment where everyone is challenged, encouraged, and inspired to grow as musicians and people.
What happens at Jazz Camp?
Each day is filled with music-making and learning, including:
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Big bands
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Jazz combos
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Improvisation tutorials
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Instrument masterclasses and sectionals
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Daily student concerts and jam sessions
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Nightly performances by visiting professional bands
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End-of-camp festival concert featuring all groups
There’s also free time to practise, jam, play some sport, or just relax and make friends. The balance of structured learning and downtime makes it a highlight of the year for many young musicians. You can see the full program, photos, and booking details on the main Jazz Camp page.
What happens at Jazz Camp?
Each day is filled with music-making and learning, including:
-
Big bands
-
Jazz combos
-
Improvisation tutorials
-
Instrument masterclasses and sectionals
-
Daily student concerts and jam sessions
-
Nightly performances by visiting professional bands
-
End-of-camp festival concert featuring all groups
There’s also free time to practise, jam, play some sport, or just relax and make friends. The balance of structured learning and downtime makes it a highlight of the year for many young musicians. You can see the full program, photos, and booking details on the main Jazz Camp page.
Who are the staff and what supervision is there?
For their entire stay at Jazz Camp, students are inspired and cared for by a team of expert jazz educators — all experienced professionals — who take care of the musical and teaching aspects of the camp.
We also have a team of experienced, friendly, and child-safe counsellors onsite 24/7. They’re there purely to care for, supervise, manage, and support every camper, ensuring a safe and positive experience for all participants.
The food
We’ve tried a lot of camp venues over the years, and the meals at Stay KCC are the best we’ve ever had — plentiful, fresh, and delicious. All special diets are professionally catered for at no extra cost.
Getting there
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Jazz Camp Bus: Departs and returns to Jazz Workshop Australia, St Leonards NSW 2065
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Drive: Around 90 minutes from Sydney
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Train: About 2 hours from Central Station — short taxi or bus from Katoomba station
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Interstate and overseas campers: We regularly welcome students from all over Australia and beyond.
Cost
The all-inclusive fee is $1,695, covering tuition, activities, accommodation, and all meals.
You can pay by direct deposit or credit/debit card (no surcharge).
You’ve missed the early-bird rate, but you can still save if you book before 24 November.
Unlike some programs where you pay more but get less, Jazz Camp includes everything: lessons, concerts, meals, and accommodation — no hidden extras.
A proud tradition
Jazz Camp began in the 1980s as the Pan Pacific Jazz & Big Band Camp, founded by James Morrison (internationally renowned trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader) and his brother John Morrison (one of Australia’s leading drummers and big band directors).
Since 2008, Jazz Workshop Australia has been the proud custodian, and John Morrison continues as Musical Director today.
Generations of young musicians have been inspired by this camp — many now professional players and teachers themselves.
Find out more and book
Full details are on the Summer Jazz Camp 2026 page, where you can also book your place.
“____ loved jazz camp. Thanks for organising such a fabulous camp. He’s feeling inspired.”
— Jazz Camp parent, NSW
We’d love to welcome your young musician this January — it’s an experience they’ll never forget.
Book now