Welcome to what could be called a week-long festival with improvisation as its central theme. On this page you’ll find out what the course is, who it’s for, and what happens during the week.
Who organizes the summer camp?
The course is organized by Foreningen Sommerkursene.no, in collaboration with several partners. The course takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Agder Folkehøgskole in Søgne, Norway.
Who is this for?
Both beginners and advanced improvisers are welcome. We carefully put together ensembles based on level, age, and style, so that everyone gets as much out of the week as possible.
If playing in a group is new to you, this is a safe space to practice and have fun at the same time. If you’re experienced and ambitious, you’ll have the chance to develop alongside others at your level.
Am I too young or too old?
Both younger and older participants are welcome!
Our general age limit is 18, but if you’re younger and interested, we still encourage you to apply.
The summer camp receives funding to subsidize course fees for younger participants. Among others, we receive support from the Norwegian Academy of Music (NMH) to provide university credits. That means that we have to prioritize younger participants over older ones when there are too many applicants.
There is room for a maximum of 75 participants, and we’ll let you know who has been accepted shortly after the application deadline.
What happens during the camp?
Ensembles
The core of the week is the ensemble, where you work together throughout under the guidance of a dedicated instructor and perform two mini-concerts for the other groups.
Each year there are 8–9 instructors, each leading their own band. The instructors are mainly from Norway, with some international names included. You can find this year’s instructors here.
Instrumental lessons
Each day there are lessons on your main instrument, either one-to-one or in groups. Every participant gets time on their own instrument during the week with one of Norway’s leading jazz musicians.
Theory classes
We hold dedicated classes on various topics, such as harmony, jazz history, or ear training. Some of the instructors also host a “teacher’s hour” where the individual teacher chooses the subject.
Jam sessions
Every evening after classes end, there are jam sessions. This is a great chance to play with participants from the other ensemble groups and to jam with some of the teachers.
Social life
Both students and instructors stay in the dorms at Agder Folkehøgskole, where everything happens! When we’re not playing and learning, we enjoy good food, nice weather, and the beautiful archipelago nearby. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for sun, swimming, and fresh prawns on the dock.
You can find more practical information, including a typical daily schedule, on this page. If you have questions, check our Instagram or Facebook page for the latest news and updates. You can also get in touch with us via the contact form here.
Register via the form as soon as possible, and by 15 June at the latest!
