Photo by Ron Lavoie
Welcome to JazzWorks' Annual Residential Jazz Camp
Composers' Symposium or Practice Retreat: Aug. 24-27, 2026
Main Jazz Camp: Aug. 27-30, 2026
Composers' Symposium or Practice Retreat: Aug. 24-27, 2026
Main Jazz Camp: Aug. 27-30, 2026
2026 REGISTRATION - not open
2025 distinguished faculty included:
Adrian Vedady – Music Director & Bass
Sienna Dahlen – Voice
Amy London – Voice
Ayelet Gottlieb – Voice
Lorne Lofsky – Guitar
Jocelyn Gould – Guitar
Kate Wyatt – Piano
Brian Dickinson – Piano
Alec Walkington – Bass
David Smith – Trumpet
Kirk MacDonald – Sax
Janis Steprans – Sax
Samuel Blais – Sax
Nick Fraser – Drums
Jae Sinnett – Drums
Steve Boudreau – Vocal Accompanist
Chad Linsley – Vocal Accompanist
Ben Sigerson – Vocal Accompanist
Composers' Symposium:
Adrian Vedady
Sienna Dahlen
Kirk MacDonald
Kate Wyatt
Jae Sinnett
Executive Director/Producer:
Judy Humenick
Adrian Vedady – Music Director & Bass
Sienna Dahlen – Voice
Amy London – Voice
Ayelet Gottlieb – Voice
Lorne Lofsky – Guitar
Jocelyn Gould – Guitar
Kate Wyatt – Piano
Brian Dickinson – Piano
Alec Walkington – Bass
David Smith – Trumpet
Kirk MacDonald – Sax
Janis Steprans – Sax
Samuel Blais – Sax
Nick Fraser – Drums
Jae Sinnett – Drums
Steve Boudreau – Vocal Accompanist
Chad Linsley – Vocal Accompanist
Ben Sigerson – Vocal Accompanist
Composers' Symposium:
Adrian Vedady
Sienna Dahlen
Kirk MacDonald
Kate Wyatt
Jae Sinnett
Executive Director/Producer:
Judy Humenick
Why JazzWorks Camp?
What makes the JazzWorks Camp experience different from other jazz camps?
JazzWorks offers a week-long residential camp at CAMMAC’s Music Centre on the beautiful shore of Lac MacDonald in Harrington, Quebec. Experience woodland and lakeshore practice cabins, a Main Lodge with jamming rooms and a cafeteria and the chance to get to know other community jazzers in a welcoming environment. Every day is packed with musical activities late into the evening.
A unique feature of JazzWorks Camp is that we offer two separate sessions with different "feels". The first three days are dedicated to two aspects of musicianship: those interested in musical composition and arranging and those who wish to have a few days’ focused practice time, jamming and a private lesson with our faculty. The last three days are devoted to our main Jazz Camp, which is an intensive group experience with a performance at the end. Registration is set up so people can attend one session or both.
Beginner to seasoned jazz musicians and vocalists will receive coaching from our highly experienced faculty, who are there to support you in a warm, welcoming environment. Some level of proficiency on your instrument/voice is required but a background in jazz is not necessary.
A unique feature of JazzWorks Camp is that we offer two separate sessions with different "feels". The first three days are dedicated to two aspects of musicianship: those interested in musical composition and arranging and those who wish to have a few days’ focused practice time, jamming and a private lesson with our faculty. The last three days are devoted to our main Jazz Camp, which is an intensive group experience with a performance at the end. Registration is set up so people can attend one session or both.
Beginner to seasoned jazz musicians and vocalists will receive coaching from our highly experienced faculty, who are there to support you in a warm, welcoming environment. Some level of proficiency on your instrument/voice is required but a background in jazz is not necessary.
Session One: 3-day Composers' Symposium or Practice Retreat
OPTION 1: Composers' Symposium
Are you working on an original composition and value professional input? Do you have a tune you are arranging and need that little extra help polishing it? Do you have a riff in your head that you just can’t shake and would like to turn it into something bigger? The JazzWorks Composers' Symposium is devoted to individual and small group instruction in composition and arranging that honours every stage of the process, from the inkling of an idea to near-complete material. Participants will have the opportunity to develop and refine their original compositions under the mentorship of JazzWorks faculty members and learn more about composing music in the process. Original compositions may be debuted at the Jazz Camp's final Sunday concert.
The JazzWorks’ Composers’ Symposium offers a unique opportunity for aspiring amateur and professional players who wish to advance their writing and arranging skills. With the support of top-notch musician-educators, participants are guided in their specific compositional challenges and needs. Dedicated time for feedback is offered in individual and whole group meetings. Free time is provided for participants to work independently on their individual projects, be they compositional or ones involving personal musical improvement. The program includes:
The JazzWorks’ Composers’ Symposium offers a unique opportunity for aspiring amateur and professional players who wish to advance their writing and arranging skills. With the support of top-notch musician-educators, participants are guided in their specific compositional challenges and needs. Dedicated time for feedback is offered in individual and whole group meetings. Free time is provided for participants to work independently on their individual projects, be they compositional or ones involving personal musical improvement. The program includes:
- Individual consultations with faculty members
- Dedicated composing or practice time in private studios
- One-to-one guidance for composers in developing a melody, transposing keys, finding the appropriate chord progression, determining best tempo and writing charts for multiple instruments
- A focus on analyzing and experimenting with various arrangements of a tune and understanding the principles of soloing/accompanying/ensemble playing
OPTION 2: Practice Retreat
Is it hard to find the time to practice as much as you would like? Are there things you would like to focus on without the interruption of your familiar surroundings? Are you curious about what it would take to compose or arrange a piece of music? If this sounds like you, then you will enjoy the JazzWorks Practice Retreat. It is offered for those who would like to get away from everyday life for a few extra days to practice and improve their musical skills. Use this quiet time to get tips and tricks from the faculty. Participants in the Practice Retreat are encouraged to attend the group sessions with the Composers’ Symposium participants and may also have the opportunity to play on the original compositions.
Session Two: 3-day Jazz Camp
After the Composers’ Symposium or Practice Retreat, the fun continues at the three-day JazzWorks' Jazz Camp session, which offers combo instruction, coaching, peer support, networking and more.
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JazzWorks' Jazz Camp program includes:
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For Vocalists: Vocal Intensive Program & Instrumental Combo Options
Jazz Camp offers two options to vocalists: placement in an Instrumental Combo or a Vocal Intensive Program.
The Vocal Intensive Program will focus on each singer preparing and crafting a song for performance in a supportive group environment with other vocalists. The Vocal Intensive Program is recommended for first-time vocalists to Jazz Camp and for those who wish to hone their vocal and performance skills under the tuition of a professional vocal educator. Through performing and listening to other vocalists, you will learn valuable techniques and tips for presenting tunes. The final performance will take place on Saturday evening, supported instrumentally by the faculty. Note: Vocalists in the Intensive Program do NOT have to submit a demo tape.
Singers who choose to be in an Instrumental Combo will rehearse together with their assigned all-participant combos and participate in the final Sunday afternoon Participant Final Concert. As a member of the Combo, you will be interacting with players on various other instruments and develop an appreciation for the role each instrument plays in a combo setting. The Combo option is recommended for singers who have attended Jazz Camp as an Intensive Participant formerly and who feel they are ready for the next step. Coaches give less individual attention to vocal technique and more attention to group cohesion and performance. Singers who are unsure of which option to choose are encouraged to contact JazzWorks for more information at [email protected].
The Vocal Intensive Program will focus on each singer preparing and crafting a song for performance in a supportive group environment with other vocalists. The Vocal Intensive Program is recommended for first-time vocalists to Jazz Camp and for those who wish to hone their vocal and performance skills under the tuition of a professional vocal educator. Through performing and listening to other vocalists, you will learn valuable techniques and tips for presenting tunes. The final performance will take place on Saturday evening, supported instrumentally by the faculty. Note: Vocalists in the Intensive Program do NOT have to submit a demo tape.
Singers who choose to be in an Instrumental Combo will rehearse together with their assigned all-participant combos and participate in the final Sunday afternoon Participant Final Concert. As a member of the Combo, you will be interacting with players on various other instruments and develop an appreciation for the role each instrument plays in a combo setting. The Combo option is recommended for singers who have attended Jazz Camp as an Intensive Participant formerly and who feel they are ready for the next step. Coaches give less individual attention to vocal technique and more attention to group cohesion and performance. Singers who are unsure of which option to choose are encouraged to contact JazzWorks for more information at [email protected].
Facilities
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JazzWorks Jazz Camp takes place at CAMMAC Music Centre in Quebec, a beautiful natural setting on the shore of Lake MacDonald, north of Hawkesbury, Ontario. Only a two-hour drive from Ottawa, sleeping accommodations are in the newly constructed Main Lodge or the traditional Lake House. Camping is also available for those who would like to bring their own tent (on-site fridges, washroom facilities and hot showers are available for campers).
Meals are served three times a day, including a light dinner when you arrive on Thursday evening. An afternoon snack is available on Friday and Saturday, but if you are prone to late-night munchies you may wish to bring some extra reserves.
For those so inclined, there's some time set aside for non-musical recreation in the water. And, of course, Jazz Camp wouldn't be camp without the traditional bonfire and marshmallow roast on Saturday evening. There is plenty of space for all sorts of musical activities
— large rooms for master classes, group practice, jam sessions and concerts — small spaces for individual practice or for just getting away from the crowd. CAMMAC also boasts a beautiful state-of-the-art concert hall with recording-quality acoustics.
Please visit www.cammac.ca for more details about the facilities available.
JazzWorks Jazz Camp takes place at CAMMAC Music Centre in Quebec, a beautiful natural setting on the shore of Lake MacDonald, north of Hawkesbury, Ontario. Only a two-hour drive from Ottawa, sleeping accommodations are in the newly constructed Main Lodge or the traditional Lake House. Camping is also available for those who would like to bring their own tent (on-site fridges, washroom facilities and hot showers are available for campers).
Meals are served three times a day, including a light dinner when you arrive on Thursday evening. An afternoon snack is available on Friday and Saturday, but if you are prone to late-night munchies you may wish to bring some extra reserves.
For those so inclined, there's some time set aside for non-musical recreation in the water. And, of course, Jazz Camp wouldn't be camp without the traditional bonfire and marshmallow roast on Saturday evening. There is plenty of space for all sorts of musical activities
— large rooms for master classes, group practice, jam sessions and concerts — small spaces for individual practice or for just getting away from the crowd. CAMMAC also boasts a beautiful state-of-the-art concert hall with recording-quality acoustics.
Please visit www.cammac.ca for more details about the facilities available.
Camp Accommodations
The majority of accommodation is shared. A limited number of private rooms are available on a "first come, first served" basis. If you wish a private room in either the Main Lodge or Lake House, you are advised to register early.
Main Lodge
The Main Lodge is a modern building with 40 rooms, a limited number of which are private. The Main Lodge is fully accessible and equipped with elevators. Bedding is supplied and there are shared bathrooms on each floor. Conveniently housed within The Main Lodge are the cafeteria, the main performance hall, various classrooms and a lounge and bar.
Lake House
The Lake House is an older country style building, slightly closer to the lake, with private and shared rooms. Bedding is supplied and there are shared bathrooms on each floor.
Camping
Camping is available for tents and small campers in an open, grassy area near the main buildings. Laundry (washer and dryer), showers, bathrooms and refrigerators in this area are reserved for campers. If you plan to bring a camper, please advise us when you make your reservation. No electrical hookups are available.
Offsite
If you would like to attend the Symposium/Retreat or Jazz Camp and prefer to stay offsite, JazzWorks offers a Course Fee Only option. This fee covers your music tuition and participation in all scheduled activities. Please note that this price does NOT include food or lodging. You will need to plan your own meals or purchase the CAMMAC Meal Plan (2025 pricing: $180 for each 3-day session).
There are a few hotels in the Lac MacDonald area. Below are the closest ones. You can check Airbnb as well for options. For inquiries about staying offsite, please contact the Administrator at [email protected] or 613-220-3819.
There are a few hotels in the Lac MacDonald area. Below are the closest ones. You can check Airbnb as well for options. For inquiries about staying offsite, please contact the Administrator at [email protected] or 613-220-3819.
- Hotel du Lac Carling (15 minute drive) - https://hotellaccarling.com
- Domaine Évasion Plein Air (15 minute drive) - http://www.chalets-evasion.com/
- Auberge Val Carroll (25 minute drive) - https://aubergevalcarroll.com/
- Domaine de la Rivière Perdue (8 minute drive) - https://chaletsriviereperdue.com
As well, if you have a mobile home and wish to stay offsite, below are a few campgrounds. Please check with the individual campground for facilities. CAMMAC can take up to 5 RVs in its lot and does NOT have water or electrical facilities. CAMMAC RVers use the tenting washrooms.
- Camping du Grand Lac Noir (11 km away): https://www.campinggrandlacnoir.com/
- Camping au Soleil – Wentworth-Nord (11.9 km away): https://campingausoleil.com/accueil-wentworth-nord
- Camping Brownsburg-Chatham (31.6 km away): https://brownsburgchatham.ca/loisirs-et-culture/camping-et-marina/
Thank you to our funders who make the hire of our summer interns possible!
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