Join us in Creston, Iowa on July 21-25, 2025
The SMV Vocal Jazz Camp is for students, educators, & jazz singing aficionados. The camp is designed to be a supportive environment for both jazz beginners & veterans alike.
It is a place where musicians are encouraged and free to grow boldly and to find their own voice without fear of judgment.
What takes place at the camp?
- Solo Jazz Coaching Lessons Each Day
- Ensemble Singing of Jazz Choir Literature Newly Written for the Camp
- Sessions in Improvisation, Vocal Percussion, Looping and More
- Hands-On Jazz Theory Lessons (at any experience level)
- Masterclasses & Group Forums
- Daily Mentoring & Demos by the SMV's own FIRST TAKE ensemble!
- Extra/Separate Opportunities for Educators
- Jazz Concerts or Performances Each Night
Camp History
The first SMV Vocal Jazz Camp took place in 2004, and was originally based on Phil Mattson's model which had been successful for more than 25 years. The camp has become one of the largest vocal jazz camps in the nation, this past year including 16 faculty members, and hosting more than 75 camp participants of all ages (ages 13 to 80) and all experience levels. The camp offers the opportunity for undergraduate credit through Southwestern, and offers for educators the chance for graduate credit and professional development through Drake University or Morningside College.
The camp is organized each year by SWCC faculty members. All music majors from the School for Music Vocations at Southwestern are invited to participate, and a select number of SMV music majors are asked each year to help staff the camp.