Young musicians aged 11–16 will once again have the opportunity to explore jazz, improvisation and creative music-making this summer as Jazz Camp for Girls returns to Dublin City University for its fourth year.
Taking place over three days at DCU St Patrick’s Campus from Tuesday 30 June to Thursday 2 July 2026, the camp offers a supportive and welcoming environment where participants can develop confidence in their own musical voice while learning alongside like-minded young musicians.
Presented by Improvised Music Company (IMC) and hosted by the DCU Jazz & Contemporary Music Performance degree programme, the camp is designed as an introduction to improvisation and creative music-making, with an emphasis on participation, collaboration and original expression.
Applications are now open, with the deadline extended to Friday 5 June 2026. Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Event Information
Jazz Camp for Girls DCU 2026
📍 DCU St Patrick’s Campus, Dublin 9
📅 Tuesday 30 June – Thursday 2 July 2026
🕙 10:00am–3:30pm daily
💶 €45 for the full 3-day camp
🎵 Ages 11–16
The programme is open to young musicians with at least two years of experience learning music, but participants do not need previous improvisation experience. Students from all musical backgrounds and genres are encouraged to apply, and all instruments are welcome. No-cost scholarships are also available where needed through the application process.
This year’s tutor team includes Jenna Harris, Linda Adams, Hayley Kavanagh and Andrea Jones, supported by IMC.
Designed to give participants their first experience of improvised music, the camp encourages young musicians to create original work, experiment creatively and perform with their peers in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Previous participants have spoken positively about both the musical and social experience:
“I really enjoyed playing with girls my own age and learning new music pieces.”
“I feel much more confident now with my instrument and comfortable improvising.”
“I liked that the songs we learned were written by women, and I also liked learning how to cue solos.”
Jazz Camp for Girls at DCU is delivered in collaboration with the DCU Jazz & Contemporary Music Performance degree and continues with support from Fingal Arts Office, which has supported the initiative since 2023.
Originally established in Denmark in 2014, Jazz Camp for Girls has since expanded internationally, with camps now taking place across multiple countries, helping young musicians discover improvisation and creative confidence through jazz. The programme retains its international name while also welcoming gender-expansive young musicians.
Applications and further information are available via Improvised Music Company.
