Summer Jazz Program for Teens (Ages 12–18) in Boston - June 28-July 4, 2026
Jazz Lab is a one-week summer music program for creative teen musicians, ages 13–18. Hosted at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Jazz Lab helps students grow their unique musical voice through small group ensembles, improvisation workshops, and masterclasses with professional jazz artists.
No audition is required — just curiosity, openness, and a love of music.
A Different Kind of Jazz Program for Teens
Unlike traditional programs that focus only on theory and technique, Jazz Lab takes it a step further, helping students develop creativity, intuition, and confidence as musicians. Through hands-on collaboration, students learn how to listen, respond, and shape their own sound — not just replicate someone else's. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, or a beginner, Jazz Lab is able to serve students at all levels.
“At Jazz Lab, it honestly took me by surprise how supportive everyone was to absolute strangers, and it’s something that I will miss greatly until next year.”
-Emma, sax, MA
No Audition, Just Passion
Do I need to be experienced in jazz? Unlike traditional jazz intensives, Jazz Lab focuses on creative side of music making, so whether you’re an expert or a beginner, Jazz Lab will give you new ways of thinking about music. We welcome players from diverse musical backgrounds—no pre-audition required.
📅 Program Dates & Schedule
Jazz Lab at NEC
2026 Dates: June 28–July 4, 2026
Location: New England Conservatory, Boston, MA
Sample Daily Schedule (subject to change):
9:00 AM – Instrumental Workshop
10:15 AM – Small Ensemble
11:45 AM – Jazz Elective (including composition, improvisation, ear training, and more!)
12:45 PM – Lunch
2:15 PM – Masterclass or Guest Artist Session
4:30 PM – Large Ensemble
6:00 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Nightly Faculty Concert
📍 Location & Housing
Jazz Lab takes place at New England Conservatory in the heart of Boston, giving participants access to state-of-the-art rehearsal spaces and world-class performance facilities.
Participants can choose convenient on-campus housing for an additional fee, attend as a day students, or explore a variety of nearby accommodations just minutes from campus.
Meals:
Participants who do not select on-campus housing or a dining plan are responsible for their own meals.
📍 View NEC on Google Maps🔗 Explore More About Jazz Lab
💵 Cost Breakdown (2026 Pricing)
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Program Tuition With Housing | $2,744 | Includes all rehearsals, workshops, faculty sessions, and the final performance, meals during the week, as well as housing in the NEC Student Life and Performance Center. |
| Program Tuition (No Housing) | $1,844 | Includes all rehearsals, workshops, faculty sessions, and the final performance, plus meals during the week. |
“I really enjoyed the overall focus on musicality and building yourself as a person and a musician. The masterclasses where we talked about what it means to be a musician were very interesting. I also really enjoyed the diversity of the faculty and their playing.”
-Milei, bass, NY
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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Students should have at least one to two years of experience on their instrument and be comfortable playing in a group setting. Prior jazz experience is helpful but not required — we place students in ensembles based on skill level, not age.
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No pre-audition is required to register. After you register, we’ll send a short placement form to learn about your musical background, and you will prepare two songs to play for faculty when you arrive on Sunday. This information will help place you in a group that fits your level and interests.
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We welcome all vocalists and standard jazz instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, guitar, and voice — as well as less traditional instruments if you're excited to explore jazz creatively. We’ve been running Jazz Lab since 2013, and over the years we’ve welcomed students on a broad range of instruments, including violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, steel drums, tap dancing, and more.
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Yes — if you're a beginner in jazz but have some experience on your instrument, Jazz Lab is a great place to start. We help students build improvisation skills, understand jazz concepts, and learn to collaborate in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
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Our program is hosted on the secure campus of New England Conservatory in Boston. Students in on-campus housing are supervised by trained residential staff, and all classes and evening activities are chaperoned. We create a supportive community where students feel safe, encouraged, and included.
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Small ensemble groups typically include 5–7 students, ensuring every participant gets personal attention and time to contribute. Students also participate in instrumental classes and electives with others at a similar level.
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Yes. We provide drum kits, keyboard instruments, amplifiers, and music stands for students who need them. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer — we’ll send a full packing list and equipment guidelines before the program begins.
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The city of Boston is served by Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Logan airport is a major hub, and there are plenty of flights in and out of the city each day. Once students arrive at BOS, travel to New England Conservatory is easy. NEC is accessible via public transit - plan your trip from the airport using this website (click here), or using Rideshare App or Taxi.
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Yes! We offer need-based scholarships. During the registration process you can elect to submit an application for Financial Aid . For any questions, contact summer@necmusic.edu.
Questions? Contact us at info@jazzlabmusic.org or 509-990-3341 with questions.