
EVERY GREAT STARTED OUT GOOD.
AND THEN THEY PRACTICED.
It all starts here.
CCJA's Small Group Program groups students ages 11-18 from all over the metro area into small (7-9 piece) jazz ensembles, directed by professional musician 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! Learn more about our faculty here.
These ensembles meet for 9-week sessions through out the school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) in the format of weekly rehearsals. 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. At the end of each session, CCJA students perform for the public, often at noted area jazz venues.
If you would like more information on what classes are like, or have more questions about what we do, check out our FAQ section!
Over the past twenty years, the program has attracted incredible young players who have become integral musicians in their respective school groups, members of the Colorado All-State Jazz Band, and recipients of impressive scholarships to major collegiate music programs across the country. Students in CCJA connect with other like-minded players in the area while honing their craft, making music, and having fun.
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.
2026-2027 School Year Small Group Program Options
Fall 2026: 9-week sessions beginning the week of August 22nd.
(Registration is now OPEN!)
Winter 2026/27: 9-week sessions beginning the week of November 2nd.
(Registration Opens in September)
Spring 2027: 9-week sessions beginning the week of February 2nd.
(Registration Opens in December)
A Late Fee of $25 will be applied if you sign up less than one week before the first rehearsal
Fall 2026 Session
Denver's Spring Small Group Session is 10 weeks long with 9 rehearsals and a performance. Rehearsals take place at the CCJA HQ building at 800 Kalamath Street Denver, CO. Sessions are open to students grades 6-12 on any instrument or ability level. We will place students in small groups of 6-9 students according to age and ability level, mentored by the best professional jazz musicians in CO.
Tuition for the session is $365. Need-based scholarships are available and we'd like every student who'd like to participate to do so. Inquire with Jonathan at jonathan@jazzarts.org.
DENVER
Tuesdays
Dates:
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
Performance: October 24th
@ Dazzle Jazz Club
Thursdays
Dates:
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22
Performance: October 26th
@ Dazzle Jazz Club
*NEW*
Saturdays
Dates:
August 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17
Performance: October 19th
CHERRY CREEK - at Campus Middle School (available this winter)
Cherry Creek's Spring Small Group Session is 10 weeks long with 9 rehearsals and a performance. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays at the Campus Middle School in the band room. Sessions are open to students grades 6-12 on any instrument or ability level. We will place students in small groups of 6-9 students according to age and ability level, mentored by the best professional jazz musicians in CO.
Tuition for the session is $365. Need-based scholarships are available and we'd like every student who'd like to participate to do so. Inquire with Jonathan at jonathan@jazzarts.org.
BOULDER
Boulder's Spring Small Group Session is 10 weeks long with 9 rehearsals and a performance. Rehearsals take place at the CU Carlson Gymnasium Building on the CU Boulder Campus. Sessions are open to students grades 6-12 on any instrument or ability level. We will place students in small groups of 6-9 students according to age and ability level, mentored by the best professional jazz musicians in CO.
Tuition for the session is $365. Need-based scholarships are available and we'd like every student who'd like to participate to do so. Inquire with Jonathan at jonathan@jazzarts.org.
Tuesdays
Thursdays
Dates:
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
Performance: October 24th
@ Muse Performance Space
Dates:
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22
Performance: October 24th
@ Muse Performance Space
