About Young Jazz Composers
The Young Jazz Composers program is a mentorship opportunity for students to learn how to compose for and interact with professional Jazz musicians. Students will explore composition techniques with a mentor, learn how to input their score and parts into a music software program, and workshop their piece with our musicians. At the end of the program, our musicians will perform the students’ composition in front of a live audience.
Our Education Coordinator, Mieke Bruggeman (pronounced Mee-kuh Broo-ga-min), will be there to help you through the entire process! Reach out to her at mieke@pjce.org.
Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 1, 2025
Who is eligible:
- We’re opening things up – In addition to welcoming high-school and advanced middle-school as well as early college music students – we are now also accepting folks that are “young” at composing for Jazz – no matter the age!
- Space is limited to 10 students. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The PJCE will make every accommodation possible for students with disabilities.
Prerequisites:
- All students should be enrolled in some kind of music study, either in school or independently and must be able to read music at a basic level.
- Knowledge of jazz performance is beneficial, but not necessary.
- You will need access to a computer and music notation software (i.e. Finale, Dorico, Sibelius, MuseScore, or something similar).
How it works:
- Students can be recommended by their band director, private teacher or by contacting our Education Coordinator at mieke@pjce.org.
- Fill out the Intake Survey (see below) to determine eligibility, availability and any scholarship needs.
- After receiving an acceptance letter, students can sign up online, get their mentorship assignment and start composing!
- All important deadlines, resources and guidelines will be posted to a private Google Classroom forum for students, mentors and parents.
- Students will be guided through the entire process by our Education Coordinator, Mieke Bruggeman to ensure maximum success!
Tuition is $650 per student and includes:
- 3 workshops with professional musicians, performing their compositions and providing constructive feedback.
- 5 individual composition lessons with a professional mentor.
- 1 Composition 101 online course
- 1 MuseScore tutorial
- A professionally photographed headshot.
- 2 free tickets to a PJCE concert.
- Professional audio/video recording of their finished pieces as performed by our musicians at a local venue – GREAT for college applications and resumes!
Scholarships:
We are able to offer a limited number of partial and full scholarships!
The scholarship fund is meant to provide support to students who are recommended by their teachers, but who do not have the financial means to pay full tuition. We don’t ask students to verify their financial status with any kind of documentation but ask that students and their families consider their financial need when requesting a full or partial scholarship.
Please indicate that you are requesting a scholarship on the Intake Survey below or by emailing our Education Coordinator, mieke@pjce.org.
Important Dates:
- Composition 101 will be held online on January 5 from 5:30-7p.
- MuseScore tutorial will be held online between January 5-11, 2026 (exact dates and times TBD).
- Workshops will be held on February 1, March 1 and March 15, 2026 at the Burlingame Space.
- Final concert will be on March 16, 2026. Location and time TBD.
- Five individual lessons with your mentor will be scheduled independently between January and March.
What is expected of our mentees:
- Be proactive about contacting and communicating with Mieke and your mentor.
- Be willing to explore the possibilities your mentor suggests in order to grow and expand your craft.
- Provide all necessary materials to Mieke and your mentor by their due dates.
- Attend all workshops and the final performance.
- Ask as many questions as you need to feel confident about your work!
- Access the Young Jazz Composers Portal here: https://pjce.org/yjc-info-2026/
To sign up for the program or to learn more, email Education Coordinator, Mieke Bruggeman at mieke@pjce.org.
