SIM Jazz Improv Summer Intensive
2025 Summer Intensive Workshop
Location: Shapeshifter Lab/Brooklyn, NY
Dates: August 4-8, 2025
Cost: $730 (does not include housing)
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
NOTE: Priority will be given to individuals who are able to attend both weeks of the intensive.
However, exceptions are made on a case by case basis.
Applicants wanting an early decision on their application is also possible.
Established in January of 2001 by a small group of visionary artists and experienced educators, the School for Improvisational Music (SIM) offers a continuing series of apprenticeship-style experiences for emerging improvisers.
Open to all ages, levels and styles, SIM’s innovative and intensive workshops feature week-long sessions carefully planned but informally structured to facilitate a healthy, stimulating atmosphere for creative musical exploration.
Modeled after the relaxed settings in which improvising musicians typically collaborate, SIM’s flexible environment enables students both to focus intensely and to interact freely with top professionals drawn from New York City’s jazz and creative music circles.
2025 Core Faculty
- Ralph Alessi | Director/Trumpet
- Matt Mitchell | Piano
- John Hebert | Bass
- Tom Rainey| Drums
Masterclasses
- Michael Cain | Piano
- Tim Berne | Saxophone
- Steve Coleman | Saxophone
Additional Teachers
- Jacob Garchik | Trombone
- Judith Berkson | Voice
- Jacob Sacks | Piano
- Brandon Seabrook | Guitar
- Patricia Brennan | Vibes
Working Method
The SIM intensive focuses on exploring the process of improvisation through discussion and master classes. SIM sessions emphasize playing contexts ranging from free improvisational structures, original compositions, and jazz standards to offer participants a diverse experience.
Workshop Details
The workshop includes four weekly master classes, ensemble rehearsals and student and faculty concerts. In addition, each week participants receive 2 private lessons.
Students and faculty come together to form a unique artistic community. Developing musicians take part in collective and individual artistic discovery, with the guidance, inspiration, and partnership of established musical innovators.
Recent SIM Workshop Themes
- Traditions and Techniques of Improvisation
- Compositional Strategies
- Directions in Rhythm
- Jazz as Collaborative Practice
- Preparing Improvised Music for Performance
- Playing Your Music: Real-World Concerns
- Business Skills and Record Companies
- Making Your Own Recordings
- Alexander Technique
Tuition
NO LONGER ACCEPTING PAYMENTS FOR THIS EVENT.
Application Information
APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.