Ravinia Steans Music Institute

Program Overview

RSMI’s Program for Jazz is a one-week intensive, focused on composition and small-group collaboration. From the moment they arrive, the 15 fellows spend their days rehearsing in different combos, studying composition and workshopping pieces with the illustrious faculty, and learning how to adapt to performing with ever-changing personnel. By mid-week, fellows are assigned their final quintets, each led by a member of the jazz faculty. At the end of their residency, musicians get to premiere their original works on the Bennett Gordon Hall stage.

Hear Jazz fellows Alan Blanchard and Anthony Ty Johnson discuss their experience at RSMI’s 2019 Program for Jazz

Faculty

RSMI’s Program for Jazz is co-led by pianist Billy Childs, bassist Rufus Reid, and saxophonist Steve Wilson, who together comprise both the complete faculty of the program and the adjudicators and clinicians of the Bridges Composition Competition, which culminates as the Program for Jazz begins.

(Pictured L to R: Steve Wilson, Billy Childs, Rufus Reid)

Application and Audition Requirements

Participation in the Program for Jazz is by invitation only.

Concerts

Concerts and master classes for the Summer of 2022 will be announced in early Spring

Notable Alumni

Grace Kelly

Saxophone, 2017

Endea Owens

Bass, 2016

Jerome Jennings

Drums, 2003

Marquis Hill

Trumpet, 2010

Jason Palmer

Trumpet, 2003

Carmen Staaf

Piano, 2004