Jazz Craft
Jazz Craft – Summer Session
An international creative music camp for musicians aged 16 and over who want to purposefully develop their improvisation, creativity and ensemble playing skills.
This year’s teachers
TBA – the teachers will be announced later.
What awaits participants
An intensive learning programme. Participants will play in ensembles of 6–7 people, delve daily into repertoire, the principles of improvisation and creative methods, and take part in masterclasses, creative workshops and group lectures. Every participant will be given time for individual consultations with the teachers.
Evenings full of music. Teachers’ concerts, participants’ performances and open jam sessions that become an important part of the informal creative experience.
Accommodation in the Innovators’ Valley park. Participants will live in two residential buildings surrounded by nature. Older participants will stay in the main building (up to 12 people) and younger ones in the “Monastery”. Rooms are shared by 4–6 people. Balanced meals are provided throughout the camp.
Important information
- Participation fee – €395 (€365 for LJU members): accommodation and meals are included.
- Registration is online, and places are limited.
- Cancellation: 80% of the fee is refunded until 1 July, 50% until 1 August, and nothing after 1 August.
- Instruments: participants bring their own instruments (renting larger instruments can be arranged individually).
- Rules: alcohol is not allowed at the camp.
We are looking for volunteers
We are looking for up to 6 volunteers to help run the camp. Volunteers will help prepare for the camp (connecting the music equipment, preparing the spaces, communication on social media) and help keep order during it. Arrival is on 2 August from 18:00; departure only after the premises have been fully tidied after the camp. Volunteers pay a reduced fee of €300, which also includes accommodation and meals.
Teachers over the years
- Soweto Kinchsaxophone, United Kingdom
- Fergus McCreadiepiano, United Kingdom
- Jošt Lampretdouble bass, Slovenia
- Luca Zennaroguitar, Italy
- Anna Gréta Sigurðardóttirvocals, Iceland
- Yannick Ballmanndrums, Belgium
- Seamus Blakesaxophone, Canada
- Ganna Grynivavocals, Ukraine
- Kirke Karjapiano, Estonia
- Kenneth Dahl Knudsenbass, Denmark
- Mattia Galeottidrums, Italy
Frequently asked questions
About the camp
What is Jazz Craft – Summer Camp?
It is a 6-day creative music camp for people aged 16 and over. The camp takes place on 3–8 August 2026 at the Innovators’ Valley in Antalieptė and brings together international teachers (UK, Italy, Iceland, Belgium, Slovenia) and musicians from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark and other countries who want to improve their improvisation, creativity and ensemble playing.
Registration and payment
How can I register?
You can register by filling in the registration form on our website.
What is the participation fee?
The participation fee is €395, or €365 for LJU members. Accommodation and meals are included. If needed, the fee can be paid in instalments.
Can I cancel my registration?
80% of the amount is refunded until 1 July 2026, 50% until 1 August 2026, and nothing after 1 August.
Accommodation and meals
Where will the camp take place and what is the accommodation like?
The camp takes place in a location surrounded by nature, with comfortable dormitory-style rooms. The main building (up to 12 people) is for older participants. The “Monastery” is for younger participants. Rooms are shared by 4–6 people.
Can I choose a roommate?
Yes, you can name the roommate you would like when you register.
What will the meals be like?
Participants will be served three balanced meals a day. Vegetarian food is also available. Please state any special dietary needs or allergies on the registration form.
Volunteers
Who can become a volunteer?
We are looking for up to 6 volunteers (young men and women) to help prepare the camp premises (connecting the music equipment, preparing spaces for Instagram posts / stories, etc.) and keep order during the camp. Arrival: 2 August from 18:00. Departure: only after the premises have been fully tidied after the camp. The participation fee for volunteers is reduced to €300.
Music programme and classes
Do I need a certain level of musical preparation?
Participants of all levels are welcome at the camp – both beginners and more experienced musicians.
What will the programme include?
Daily ensemble sessions (6–7 musicians per group), masterclasses, creative workshops, group lectures, individual consultations with the teachers, evening concerts (teachers’ and participants’ performances) and open jam sessions – an important space for creative communication and experimenting.
How many hours of study will there be?
Over the 4 main teaching days: 9 hours of main ensemble sessions, 6 hours of ensemble rotation, 6 hours of masterclasses on your main instrument and 4 hours of group lectures.
Do I need to bring my own instrument?
Yes, every participant must bring their own instrument. For international students the organisers will provide large instruments (e.g. drums) if you tell them in advance.
Other information
Will there be Wi-Fi at the camp?
Yes, but we recommend using it as little as possible and immersing yourself in the creative atmosphere.
Are alcohol and tobacco forbidden at the camp?
Yes, the use of alcohol, tobacco and other prohibited substances by minors is strictly forbidden.
Can I have visitors?
Outsiders are admitted to the camp grounds only by prior agreement with the organisers.
Daily schedule (may be refined)
- 08:00 – 09:00Breakfast
- 09:30 – 11:45Main ensemble session
- 12:00 – 13:00Group lecture
- 13:00 – 14:00Lunch
- 14:00 – 15:30Main instrument lesson / masterclasses
- 16:00 – 17:30Ensemble rotation
- 18:00 – 19:00Dinner
- 19:00 – 20:00Evening activities or free time
- 20:00 – 20:30Concerts (teachers performing with students or other teachers)
- 20:30Jam session
- 23:00 – 08:00Sleeping time