SIM 2026 Jazz Intensive Workshops
SIM Mini Intensive: Trumpet Lab
Dates: February 21/22, 2026
Location: Ibeam/Brooklyn, NY
Time: 11-5pm
Cost: $350
Open to all ages
Register by email: RalphAlessi@gmail.com
The School For Improvisational Music (SIM) is thrilled to present a special educational event featuring an extraordinary lineup of six of the most forward-thinking trumpeter players in jazz and contemporary music: Ralph Alessi, Ingrid Jensen, Jonathan Finlayson, Dave Ballou, Peter Evans, and Steven Bernstein. Together, these acclaimed artists represent a remarkable spectrum of creativity and expression — from modern jazz and avant-garde improvisation to cutting-edge composition and performance practice. Join us for an inspiring weekend of masterclasses, performances, and conversations exploring the art of trumpet improvisation. Participants will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from these leading voices, gaining insight into their approaches to sound, improvisation, collaboration, and practice in today’s musical landscape.
SIM Band Experience: Tim Berne
Experience the creative process from the inside by joining saxophonist/composer Tim Berne for a hands-on, performance-based workshop. Eight participants will be chosen to play in a band rehearsing and performing Berne’s music, gaining first-hand insight into his methods of structuring improvisation and group interaction. Guided by Berne’s mentorship, students will explore the demands and rewards of working within a dynamic, composer-led ensemble — developing listening, adaptability, and creative expression in real time.
Dates: May 23-24, 2026
Location: Ibeam/Brooklyn
Time: 11-5pm
Cost: $400
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
To Apply:
Email RalphAlessi@gmail.com with your name, address, phone number, a link to two recordings and brief statement as to why you want to attend this event.
SIM Summer Jazz Intensive 2026
Celebrating 25 years of inspiring creative musicians, the School for Improvisational Music (SIM) continues its mission to cultivate individuality, collaboration, and artistic depth through the practice and process of improvisation. The SIM Summer Jazz Intensive offers a week of immersive study with a world-class faculty drawn from the forefront of jazz and contemporary music. Each day features two masterclasses, ensemble coaching, and ample performance opportunities, providing participants with a balance of rigorous musical engagement and open creative exploration.
Students also receive two private lessons with SIM faculty, allowing for personalized instruction on any musical topic—from technique and composition to improvisational concepts and artistic development. At SIM, improvisation is approached not through the lens of style, but as a universal language of creativity and expression. Participants are encouraged to expand their musical perspectives, strengthen their listening and interaction skills, and engage deeply with the art of spontaneous music-making.
Dates: August 10-14, 2026
Location: CloseUp, NYC
Cost: $775
To Apply:
Send name, address, phone number and two mp3s to RalphAlessi@gmail.com
Application Deadline:
June 1, 2026
Faculty
- Ralph Alessi (Director, Trumpet)
- David Virelles (Piano)
- Chris Lightcap (Bass)
- Nasheet Waits (Drums)
- Michael Attias (Saxophone)
- Patricia Brennan (Vibraphone)
- Jacob Garchik (Trombone)
- Sam Newsome (Saxophone)
- Tim Berne (Saxophone)