Elbphil­harmonie Jazz Academy

Perform on the stage of the Elbphilharmonie and learn from jazz greats like Donny McCaslin – the »Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy« makes this a reality. In August 2025, 15 selected participants will develop their own concert programme with the support of top-class mentors during masterclasses, jam sessions, panels and other interactions. Apply now!

Recordings

For your application we require a recording of one arrangement of one of the ten jazz standards below, as well as a recording of one of your own compositions in mp3 format. (Preferably with rhythm section, but if that is not possible, an Aebersold play-along is also acceptable; each song should not be longer than 4:30 min.)

Please also include a link to a video of you or your ensemble.

Information

• Arrival: By latest 16:00 on 18 August 2025
• Jazz Academy: 19–24 August 2025
• Academy Workshops: 19–23 August 2025 (all day)
• Final Concert: 24 August 2025, Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall
• Artistic Director: Donny McCaslin
• Mentors: Django Bates (composition, arrangement), Gerald Clayton (piano), Donny McCaslin (Artistic Director, saxophone), Allison Miller (drums), Jorge Roeder (bass), Jen Shyu (vocals, composition)
• Lecturers: tba
• The organiser covers the costs for the workshops and panels (fees, venue rentals, backline) and provides hotel accommodation and catering for the duration of the Academy. Catering costs at the event venue are fully covered by the organiser. Breakfast at the hotel is also covered by the organiser, but any other food and drink expenses outside the venue (e.g. at the hotel or other establishments) must be covered by the participants themselves.
• The backline will be provided. Please inform us in advance of any special requests or additional requirements.

Terms & Conditions of Participation

• The Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy is organised by HamburgMusik gGmbH (Promoter).
• Participants must be aged between 18 and 30.
• To enter the Academy, participants must have had several years of musical training with the aim of becoming a professional musician.
• A total of 15 participants will be admitted to the workshop.
• Participants are chosen by a jury of experts consisting of Jazz Academy lecturers and Elbphilharmonie employees.
• The jury’s decision will be communicated to participants in early May 2025.
• The »Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy« is held in English.
• Participation in the Academy includes participation in the workshops and the final concert in the Elbphilharmonie Grand Hall.
• Photographs and/or audio and/or video recordings will be produced during the »Elbphilharmonie Jazz Academy«. The Promoter reserves the right to publish these images/recordings to document and advertise the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle’s programme (including on social media).
• By registering, participants accept all terms and conditions of participation. The Promoter reserves the right to retract or make changes to the registration process or content of the Terms & Conditions of Participation.
• Participation is at your own risk.