Jazz Port Townsend – Workshop FAQ
Who should attend?
YOU! Whether you are a playing professional, part of a combo, an aspiring jazz professional, or a serious amateur, Jazz Port Townsend is the perfect place for you to meet other excellent musicians, soak up a week of jazz in a seaside paradise, and leave knowing you’re a better musician.
Do I need to audition for the workshop?
Yes. At the Workshop, you’ll be placed in combos and vocal classes with other musicians, and we want these to be as well matched as possible. Auditions help us do that. Click here to preview the audition requirements. NOTE: Don’t delay applying because you want to practice the audition materials. You can register now and then upload your audition recordings soon.
What is the cost?
Tuition = $835
Room/board = $675 (3 meals)
Meals only = $350 (3 meals/day)
Is financial aid available?
Yes, you may apply for financial aid. When you register, you’ll have the option of filling out an application form online. Preference is given to applicants who are willing to help in some way during the workshop. A list of potential positions and tasks is on the scholarship application. You may preview the application questions here.
Where will I stay?
Your home for the week is historic Fort Worden State Park, a turn-of-the-20th century fort that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with expansive views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Participants sleep in dorms. Dorm wings are assigned by age and gender. Full-time professional dorm counselors are on duty all week for participants under 18. Meals are served in the park conference center dining facility.
What is the schedule like?
You’ll work hard, but we also build in time to relax and jam informally with other participants. Read the basic schedule for the week.
Are drums and guitar/bass amps provided?
We provide a quality acoustic piano in every room, but we don’t provide free drums, amps or any other instruments. All participants except pianists need to bring or rent everything they need to make music (including a music stand). You can rent drums, basses and amps from three sources and they will be delivered to Centrum.
1. A limited number of Gretsch Catalina drum sets are available to rent through Centrum. You can request one of these as part of your online application. Cymbals are not included, but stands are.
2. Kennelly Keys Music. Call 425.771.7020 for details.
3. Crossroads Music. Call 360.385.1471 for details.
How do I know if I’m good enough to come to the workshop?
Participants with a wide range of abilities and experience attend the workshop each year. We have ensembles and classes to fit seasoned professionals, beginning improvisers, and everyone in between. Please note that even the beginning classes are designed for people who already have a reasonable degree of skill on their instrument or voice. The typical high school student (or older) who has been playing since 5th or 6th grade does just fine.
Can I get a ride?
Centrum will operate a charter bus from Sea-Tac Airport on July 24th, returning on July 30st. Please read our Charter Schedule and Info page to learn how you can access this service.