CCM/CPS Jazz Academy
- Dates: June 8-12, 2026
- Directors: Ralph DiSylvestro, Artistic Director, Kennedy Heights Arts Center; Eric Lechliter, Jazz Division Director, CCM Prep
- Previous Faculty: Angie Coyle, Isaiah Cook, Mason Daugherty, Jack Early, Marc Fields, Katie Frisco, Annie Gordon, Brad Klein, Miles Twitty, Terry Twitty, Brad Myers, Christian Paradiso, Jordan Pollard
- Tuition: $190
- Experience: At least one year of experience performing on an instrument. Eligible registrants should be entering grades 6-12 in Fall 2026.
The CPS/KHAC Summer Jazz Academy offers an outstanding experience to study jazz performance with professional musicians and other students in a friendly and encouraging environment. Daily classes will include jazz ensembles, jazz history, jazz theory, jazz improvisation, as well as jazz arranging and college audition preparation for high school students. The faculty includes leading jazz performers and jazz educators from CCM, CPS, KHAC, and the Greater Cincinnati region. The week concludes with a performance by all student groups. No audition is necessary, but space is limited so get your registration in as soon as possible.
Cincinnati Public School (CPS) students will be enrolled in Jazz Academy at no cost as part of their enrollment in CPS schools. Students outside of the CPS district will be enrolled at $190 tuition. Princeton students will receive an emailed invoice discounted at 50% to be paid upon invoicing.
Faculty
Directors: Isidore Rudnick, Fine Arts Curriculum Manager, Cincinnati Public Schools and Eric Lechliter, CCM Prep Youth Jazz Orchestra director
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8-8:45 a.m. | Daily Check-In |
| 9-9:50 a.m. | Combo Rehearsal #1 |
| 10-10:50 a.m. | Instrument Master Class |
| 11-11:50 a.m. | Combo Rehearsal #2 |
| 12-12:20 p.m. | Faculty Jam Session |
| 12:20-1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1-1:40 p.m. | Jazz History / Arranging / Improv / Theory |
| 1:50-2:30 p.m. | Jazz History / Arranging / Improv / Theory |
| 2:30-2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:55-3:50 p.m. | Combo Rehearsal #3 |
| 4-4:50 p.m. | Advanced Big Band or Student Jam Session |