Jazzinty music workshop is an intensive one-week musical course, an academy open to all, who are interested in improvisation and jazz music, regardless of their instrument and background knowledge. Its central part are systematic morning individual programs by mentor in 12 categories, which are supplemented by afternoon theory classes, playing in combo ensembles, concerts and crazy jam sessions, on which the participants are given an opportunity to present their newly gained knowledge. The only requirement is a basic command of the instrument, previous experience with jazz is not necessary. Every year, the workshop is attended by up to 80 participants who come from practically all European countries, the U.S. and even Indonesia, Korea, or Africa. The essential features that distinguish Jazzinty from other similar workshops are:
- A systematic choice of mentors, who are internationally renowned music teachers and active musicians, with background of various European music academies, as well as New York jazz scene.
- A condensed, week-long educational program at the highest level, which begins with basic, advanced and all the way to professional differentiation, with emphasis on individual work and stimulation of a personal musical expression.
- The participants are given a unique opportunity to create music in international combo ensembles, which are put together by mentors after initial auditions. Making music with musical colleagues from around the world is an invaluable experience for young musicians.
- The relaxed, informal atmosphere encourages exchange of contacts between mentors and participants, as well as visitors. Jazzinty is thus often a starting point of new musical projects, international collaborations and a great place to gain information on studies of jazz abroad.
- Jazzinty has been successfully organised for the twelve years, which is reflected in a consistent execution of pedagogical programmes, concerts and other events, and professional infrastructure and technical capacities.
Today, Jazzinty workshop at least partially fills the gap created by lack of academic jazz education in Slovenia on the international level, and thus fulfils its mission. After twelve generations of students at the workshops, today virtually all jazz musicians in Slovenia have at least indirectly been involved with the project. The efforts are rewarded with a systematic increase in musical knowledge in Slovenia and abroad.