Adult Jazz Programming
CCJA Adult Jazz Small Groups
In 2018, CCJA sought to create an arm of the organization for talented and curious adult musicians, bringing the organization's same excellent jazz educational programming to adults ages 18 and up. The CCJA Adult Small Groups are led by professional mentors with the occasional assistance of near-peer mentors. These mentors are all accomplished professional musicians, most of whom also teach at the collegiate level and they have a wealth of experience to share with students of all ages. Learn more about our faculty here.
CCJA adult groups meet throughout the academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) in the format of weekly rehearsals where CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Summer offerings are available as well. Students are encouraged to express themselves through improvisation and composing/arranging for their groups. At the end of each session, CCJA Adult Groups perform for the public, often at noted area jazz venues.
Cancellation policy: Once a session has begun, we are not able to offer refunds. If you request a refund before the session starts, it will be issued during the first week of the session. We can work out credit toward a future program on a case by case basis. CCJA's costs are fixed once a session begins, based on the enrollment at that time. Thank you for your understanding.
Summer 2026
Registration is now OPEN!
Denver Adult Small Groups
The Denver CCJA Adult Group will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays June 2-18 from 7-8:30pm. There, CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Students are encouraged to express themselves through improvisation and composing/arranging for their groups. This session will culminate in a performance for the public on June 18th.
Brazilian Ensemble 17+
The Denver CCJA Adult Brazilian Ensemble will meet at 800 Kalamath on Tuesdays and Thursdays June 2-18, 7-8:30. There, CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study Brazilian music though improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Students are encouraged to express themselves improvisationally and through composing/arranging for their groups. This session will culminate in a performance for the public on June 18th.
Jazz Piano 101
Open to students of all ages. Led by Camilla Vaitaitis, this class will teach you the basics of jazz piano playing. Learn to play simple to intermediate chords, melodic playing, comping and more! You don't need to be a piano player to join, learning basic jazz piano will help you better understand jazz harmony, comping, and how it relates to the rest of the ensemble! Dates for this class are Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 2-23 (skipping June 18th) from 5-6:30 PM.
Boulder Adult Small Group
The Boulder CCJA Adult Group will meet in the CU Boulder Carlson Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 2-18 at 7pm. There, CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Students are encouraged to express themselves through improvisation and composing/arranging for their groups. This session will culminate in a performance for the public on June 18th at 800 Kalamath in Denver.
Sopris Jazz Camp
May 29-31 Carbondale, CO
This jazz intensive for adults, set in the beautiful town of Carbondale will feature...
-Small group rehearsals
-Instrument/vocal Masterclasses
-Group Workshops
-Group Activities
-Faculty Concert (Brad Goode, Walter Gorra, Bailey Hinkley Grogan, Jonathan Zimny, Jake Alvarez, Domi Edson, and Paul Romaine)
-Jam Sessions
-Final Concert
This camp will have an optional kick off jam on May 28th, will run all day May 29th/30th plus a half day on May 31st.
Tuition for this camp is $800, and you will be responsible for lodging and food. We'll be letting attendees know who else is going ahead of time if any of you want to share lodging.
In addition to the jazz retreat/camp, Carbondale is full of natural beauty and fun amenities like free e-bikes (for the first 30min)!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to Domi (domi@jazzarts.org) or Jonathan (jonathan@jazzarts.org) with any questions.
We hope to see you in Carbondale!
Spring 2026
Registration is now CLOSED
Denver Adult Small Groups
Denver Adult Small Groups
The Denver CCJA Adult Group is a 10 week course with 9 rehearsals and a performance. There, CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Each group is directed by a professional musician in the Denver music scene. Students are encouraged to express themselves improvisationally and through composing/arranging for their groups. Beginners are welcome!
Tuition for this session is $365. Rehearsals take place from 5-6:30 or 7-8:30pm at 800 Kalamath.
Tuesday
Dates:
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17
April 7, 14
Performance: April 19th
@ 800 Kalamath
Thursday
Dates:
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19
April 9, 16
Performance: April 19th
@ 800 Kalamath
Guitar Ensemble: This will be just like a "normal" ensemble with bass and drums spots available, but rather than have horns or a vocalist playing the heads, up to 5 guitar players will play the heads as an ensemble. There will still be lots of instruction regarding improvising!
Kent Denver Adult Small Group
Kent Denver Adult Piano Ensemble
The Denver CCJA Adult Group is a 10 week course with 9 rehearsals and a performance. There, CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Each group is directed by a professional musician in the Denver music scene. Students are encouraged to express themselves improvisationally and through composing/arranging for their groups. This group will consist of 4 piano players and a drummer, led by director Justin Adams. Find out all the amazing things you can do on the piano!
Tuition for this session is $365. Rehearsals take place from 7-8:30pm at Kent Denver School.
Dates:
February: 3, 10, 17, 24. March: 3, 10, 17. April: 7, 14
Performance: April 19th @ 800 Kalamath
Boulder Adult Small Groups
Boulder Adult Small Group
The Boulder CCJA Adult Group is a 10 week course with 9 rehearsals and a concert. There, CCJA students and faculty play and perform together as they study jazz improvisation, technique, style, theory, and history. Each group is directed by a professional musician in the Colorado music scene. Students are encouraged to express themselves improvisationally and through composing/arranging for their groups.
Tuition for this session is $365. Rehearsals will take place on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm at the Carlson Gym on the CU Boulder campus.
Dates:
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17
April 7, 14
Performance: April 19th
@ 800 Kalamath
Dates:
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19
April 9, 16
Performance: April 19th
@ 800 Kalamath