SIM Jazz Improv Summer Intensive
2025 Summer Intensive Workshop
Location: Shapeshifter Lab/Brooklyn, NY
Dates: August 4-15, 2025
Cost: $1460 (does not include housing)
Application Deadline: June 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
Week One: August 4-8
- Ralph Alessi | Director/Trumpet
- Michael Attias | Saxophone
- Brandon Seabrook | Guitar
- Chris Lightcap | Bass
- Kate Gentile | Drums
Week Two: August 11-15
- Ralph Alessi | Director/Trumpet
- Matt Mitchell | Piano
- Tim Berne | Saxophone
- John Hebert | Bass
- Tom Rainey | Drums
Masterclasses
- Michael Cain | Piano
- Marty Ehrlich | Saxophone
- Chris Potter | Saxophone
- Ava Mendoza | Guitar
- J.A. Granelli | Bass
- Steve Coleman | Saxophone
Additional Teachers
- Jacob Garchik | Trombone
- Judith Berkson | Voice
- Jacob Sacks | Piano
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
$1460 for 2 weeks
$730 for 1 week*
*See Application Information #2.
Application Information
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1, 2025
- Complete the online application form. Be sure to include the required personal statement and submit two mp3 recordings that best represent your abilities as a musician, improviser, and/or composer. CD submissions are not accepted.
- Participants may attend one week for $730, however participants who attend both weeks will be given priority during the application process.
- Please include your name in the subject field for all email correspondence with SIM. Applicants will be notified shortly after deadline. International students may request early notification.
- SIM does not provide housing.
- SIM does not currently offer scholarships to participants; however, special consideration may be given on a case-by-case basis for installment payment plan options.