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New Orleans Traditional Jazz Camp

for Adults

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Camp schedule

How a week at camp runs — ensembles, sectionals, private lessons and evening sessions.

Camper Registration

Camper registration begins Sunday afternoon in the hallway outside the Ballroom at a French Quarter hotel. At 5:30 PM, scholarship students will meet in the Ballroom, followed by a meeting for first-time campers at 6:00 PM.
At 6:30 PM, is our casual meet-and-greet cocktail party. At approximately 7:00 PM, our faculty will play for the campers, followed by a camper jam session at 8:00 PM.

Daily Schedule

Your day begins with breakfast in the hotel Ballroom from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, along with announcements, guest speakers, and occasional demonstrations. Throughout the day, you’ll participate in sectionals, ensembles, and other activities. You’ll also receive a private lesson at a designated time during the week. Lunch is provided from noon to 1:00 PM, followed by afternoon ensembles and some private lessons. Dinner is on your own, giving you the opportunity to explore the French Quarter.

On Monday night, there is also a jam session at the Jazz Playhouse, giving campers who want to participate the chance to play in a nightclub on Bourbon Street in front of a live audience.

On Monday and Tuesday night we offer Jam Session 101 in the Ballroom for campers who want to  ease into playing in a jam session.

On Monday and Tuesday nights, we offer a vocalist-focused jam session, giving singers a chance to take center stage in a smaller, more intimate setting. Instrumentalists are welcome to join in, and the relaxed, non-bar setting makes it an ideal place to play together. Vocalists can also sing at the Jazz Playhouse.

Preservation Hall and An Authentic New Orleans Second Line

During the week, if Preservation Hall’s schedule allows, campers will have the opportunity to perform at this historic venue.
On Tuesday, weather permitting, we Second Line through the French Quarter to the Mississippi River for one of the most meaningful traditions of camp—a musical tribute to friends and family we’ve lost during the past year.

Don't know what a Second Line is? See What is a Second Line?

Lagniappe Day

The day after camp ends is our Lagniappe Day (LAN-yap). Lagniappe is a Louisiana French term from the Spanish la ñapa, which means "a little something extra." If you opt to stay, you will participate in a continuous 3-4 hour jam session at a local venue.