HOT CLUB Jazz

Summer 2026 August 3-7

10am-2:15 Monday- Friday

For students age 13 and up, college students, adults and professional musicians

We welcome a variety of instruments. Traditional style instruments are guitar and violin and double bass; but also welcome viola, cello, accordion, harmonica, flute; just inquire.

Faculty will include Karen and special guest experts in this style!

Location: Karen’s home in north Seattle. Inside the home, or outside in the Zen Garden.

Each time we will play as a group in a very informal atmosphere.

There will be instruction about improvisation,  perfect for first-time improvisers -AND for experienced players, chances to progress and show your stuff.

TO REGISTER, click here, plus please email briefly to make contact, at karen1957@comcast.net
$550 plus $40 for first-timers at this camp.

Hot Club Jazz has been often referred to as “Gypsy Jazz”. The ‘gypsy’ can be considered negative toward some populations. It is sometimes called ‘Jazz Manouche”.

To learn a bit about hot club jazz, see here:

Jazz Hot (1938) Rare short film with jazz legends Django Reinhardt, guitar and Stéphane Grappelli, violin https://youtu.be/cxQxajcOyCI

 Audio of Django and Grappelli:  “Minor Swing”

 https://youtu.be/9CDoJFmdFgA?feature=shared

Enrollment Camps generally will not exceed 20  participants.. The venue includes an outdoor canopy and large,  indoor rooms. The camps enroll on a first come, first served  basis. Due to the intimate nature of the camp, the spots often go very quickly.  

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR ALL CAMPS:   If you need to cancel, do so in writing.  Cancellation received before May 1, there is a refund or credit of 75% of the tuition paid.  Cancellation by June 1st, refund or credit will be 50% of the tuition paid.  After June 1st, there will be no refunds; and monies will go to scholarship fund.   In the unlikely event that Karen needs to cancel a camp, the purchaser is entitled to a  refund or credit for 100% of the amount paid. 

Application Process: If your playing is not already known to Karen, please send (via email) a placement video of two minutes of solo music  plus a self-assessment of abilities and experience. Non refundable registration fee per person: $40, due at time of application, tuition will  be in addition to that registration fee.  Payment methods include zelle, venmo or PayPal.  If you prefer to send a check, just inquire.  Tuition will be due upon acceptance. Limited financial aid may be available,  please inquire.  

Repertoire will be given ahead of time so participants  can prepare.

Schedule: 9:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Sample Schedule:

Arrive at 9:45 to warm-up

10:00-11:50 Coaching sessions/instruction/improvisation classes

12-12:30 BYO Lunch

12:35-1:00 Bonding, “mystery moments” 1:00-2:00pm Jamming, in-house performances

Final day: Concert at Karen’s 12:30pm-1:30 plus reception