August 3–7, 2026
With Michael Zilber & Jazzschool Faculty
This advanced program offers six to eight talented high school musicians a rare opportunity to learn from—and perform alongside—renowned Bay Area jazz artists. Over the course of an intensive week, participants take part in daily rehearsals, master classes, and private lessons, culminating in a public performance at an area jazz club.
Unlike traditional programs led by a single instructor, this intensive features daily instruction from a full ensemble of professional musicians. Students gain firsthand insight into the artistry, communication, and interplay of a working jazz group while being actively immersed in the music-making process.
Through focused rehearsals and hands-on guidance, students develop their skills in improvisation, ensemble playing, and composition/arranging, all within a collaborative, high-level setting.
Open to all rhythm section instruments and horns. This is a unique chance to dig deep, be challenged, and make music with some of the Bay Area’s finest jazz musicians.
Sample Schedule
| Monday |
10 – 11 am group plays from assigned tunes for all faculty 11:15 am – 12 pm individual private lessons 1 – 3 pm group rehearsal with faculty 3 – 4 pm student-run rehearsal |
| Tuesday – Thursday: |
10 am – 12 pm master class 1 – 3 pm group rehearsal with faculty 3 – 4 pm student-run rehearsal |
| Friday |
11 am – 1 pm dress rehearsal for students 2 – 4 pm faculty open dress rehearsal 7:30 – 9pm concert at The Backroom |
Info
Tuition: $1500
Audition
Audition Material Can Be Found Here.
Audition Date: April 26, 2026
For more information and audition prescreening, please contact Young Musicians Program director Erik Jekabson at erik@jazzschool.org or call the Jazzschool at 510.845.5373
Dr. Michael Zilber is the former director of the Jazzschool’s multiple DownBeat award-winning Advanced High School Jazz Workshop.
To Apply
Contact Erik Jekabson for consultation and audition pre-screening erik@jazzschool.org
Refund Policy
Tuition is non-refundable.
High School Jazz Intensive Faculty Information
About Dr. Michael Zilber (saxophone)
Dr. Michael Zilber, a California-based saxophonist and composer, has directed the CJC Summer High School Jazz Intensive since 2007 and founded the Advanced High School Jazz Workshop at CJC in 2004. Under his leadership, the workshop has earned over 20 DownBeat awards, with many alumni achieving success in major jazz hubs. Described by NEA Jazz Master David Liebman as “one of the best players and composers around anywhere. Period!” Zilber has released 13 albums as a leader or co-leader and performed with jazz greats like Liebman, Mike Clark, Steve Smith, and John Stowell.
A former New Yorker, Zilber has collaborated with top-tier musicians, including Wayne Krantz, James Genus, and Dave Kikoski. His projects span from co-leading a band with Steve Smith to his acclaimed partnership with John Stowell. His big band album East West: Music for Big Bands and the Clark-Zilber quartet’s Mike Drop both received critical praise, with the latter reaching the JazzWeek top 10. Now based in Los Angeles, Zilber continues performing and recording between LA, San Francisco, and New York. More at www.michaelzilber.com.
About Peter Horvath (piano/keyboards)
Hungarian-born pianist, keyboardist, and composer Peter Horvath has been a force in contemporary jazz since winning Hungary’s National Jazz Combo Competition at 17. After studying at the Vienna Conservatory, he moved to the U.S. in 1983 to attend Berklee College of Music. He has since performed, recorded, and toured with jazz legends like Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Eddie Henderson, and Arturo Sandoval.
Horvath’s latest album, Absolute Reality, features jazz greats Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, and Lenny White, blending funk, Latin, and straight-ahead jazz. He currently teaches at the California Jazz Conservatory, Saint Mary’s College of California, and Stanford Jazz Consortium.
About Jason Lewis (drums)
Drummer and percussionist Jason Lewis is a graduate of San Jose State University’s classical percussion program, where he studied under Tony Cirone of the San Francisco Symphony. A sought-after performer and educator, he has taught privately in the Bay Area, coached at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and led clinics at San Jose-area schools.
Lewis has played with jazz greats such as Gary Burton, James Moody, Larry Coryell, and Regina Carter. His diverse career includes performances with the San Jose Symphony, San Jose Civic Light Opera, and tours and recordings with Boz Scaggs, Michael Brook, and Taylor Eigsti. His work has also been featured on numerous recordings, TV shows, video games, and film soundtracks.
About Dan Feiszli (bass)
Dan Feiszli is a bassist and recording engineer/producer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Equally at home on upright and electric bass, he is a versatile performer across jazz, Latin, pop, and rock. He has performed with artists such as James Moody, Raul Midon, and Mickey Hart, and toured nationally and internationally with Julio Iglesias, Nicole Yarling, and Raul DiBlasio. His work in musical theater includes performances in productions of Hamilton, The Lion King, and Billy Elliot.
As both a bassist and recording engineer, Feiszli has contributed to hundreds of recordings, including albums that have reached the top of the U.S. Top 40 Jazz Radio Charts. He works as a freelance recording engineer and producer, recording and mixing projects at his studio in El Cerrito, California.