If your teen (or even pre-teen if they are good) plays an instrument, there is a great opportunity for them in July!

The Jazz Arts Project is a non-profit run by  world-renowned maestro Joe Muccioli. Each summer he brings in Grammy-winning jazz musicians and incredibly well-known jazz artists to mentor and work with the lucky teens who attend a full week at the Jazz Arts Academy.

Not only do these teens get the chance to play their instruments and learn about the world of jazz music, but they really bond with each other when they hear their amazing band begin to come alive after five full days of working together.

The week culminates with the students being given the opportunity to perform at two professional nights of jazz concerts with famous artists in the jazz community at Two River Theatre in Red Bank.

Now that's something for their music resume and they will go back to their school bands in September beaming with pride when they tell their band teachers what they did over the summer.

Registration is taking place now for teens ages 13 - 19 (yes -- if they're under 20 and home from college, they can attend!) for full day sessions from 10 am - 4 pm from Monday, July 24th, through Friday, July 28th.

Selected students will also perform at Red Bank's "Jazz in the Park" at Riverside Gardens Park!

During this special jazz band summer session, students will perform in jazz ensembles, get some personalized instruction, learn music theory and improvisation, work with world-renowned faculty and visiting guest clinicians specializing in each instrument, meet peers from all over our region, and more!

Payment arrangements and need-based scholarships are available upon request.

The Jazz Arts Academy encourages students to learn, study and perform with an all-star, all-pro faculty. Students will receive an unequaled, comprehensive training in imporv, jazz history, and more. The program features individual coaching, listening sessions, and master classes with visiting artists. Students will have fun learning to improvise, improve on their instrument, perform in ensembles, and meet other young musicians.

I cannot even express, as the mom of teen who loves to play his instruments, how much this program has changed my Ben's life. This is not a 'music school' that just puts on a tiny show for the parents at the end of the week. The kids that attend the Jazz Arts Project are working alongside professional musicians that are famous at their craft, and then get to perform with these musicians on a legit stage to a sold-out crowd during Jazz Week in Red Bank! It's really the opportunity of a lifetime!

CLICK HERE to register your teen through the Count Basie Theatre Education Department: Or call 732-224-8778 x. 125. You can also email Susan Brennan for more info: sbrennan@countbasietheatre.org.

If you have any questions that you would like to ask a mom who has been loving the musical growth in her son since he became part of this incredible experience, you can email me: liz.jeressi@townsquaremedia.com and I will tell you anything you want to know!

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