Frequently Asked Questions  .   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .

General:

How can I contact the VJC directly?

What can I do to help VJC, financially or otherwise?
It's best to call the center and speak with the director. We appreciate our volunteers. We also encourage online credit-card contributors using our on-line form!

Where is VJC located?
In the town of Brattleboro, VT, located in the Southeastern corner of Vermont. We are approximately four hours from NYC and two hours from Boston. Click for directions.

How can I find out who will be performing at the VJC?
Visit our calendar

How can I reserve tickets for VJC events?
Soon you will be able to reserve tickets on-line by credit card.

Is there handicap access to VTC events?
The VJC is located in the second floor of an old factory building. There is one flight of stairs up to our performance space. We ARE wheel chair accessible thanks to a modern freight elevator at the loading dock of the building. However, the elevator needs to be operated by VJC staff. We suggest you call prior to your arrival so that we can have somebody waiting to assist you.

Music:

What kind of music is usually performed at Jazz Center concerts?
The Vermont Jazz Center produces concerts by performers of extremely high caliber. Stylistically the music we choose reflects our own tastes, which are from bebop to beyond. Occasionally we present tributes to composers such as Gershwin, Richard Rogers, etc., but most of the time, the music is original or from the jazz repertoire. Usually the press releases found in the calendar section of our web site will give listeners an idea of the type of music that they can expect.

Who has played at the Vermont Jazz Center in the past?
A wide range of artists have performed at the Jazz Center, including Tabla Master Badal Roy, David Berkman Quartet, Dave Leibman Quartet, Avishai Cohen, and Charles Davis Quartet. For a complete list, see our Past Events.

Are there any ongoing Jam sessions?
Our renowned jam sessions are the cornerstone of the VJC's community outreach program. They are held every Wednesday evening from 8:00 PM until 10:00 at the Vermont Jazz Center. The public and aspiring musicians are also welcome to come just to listen. We ask for a $2.00 donation from listeners and players alike.

We know that the Vermont Jazz Center has great contacts with musicians throughout Vermont. How can I hire a group for my special event?
Contact VJC and ask to speak with Eugene Uman. The Vermont Jazz Center has a network of musicians that extends throughout the Vermont/New Hampshire/Massachusetts/New York region. Our musicians are available to play at and enhance your special event. Although we specialize in jazz, we also have contacts with musicians who perform classical, rock, and various Latin styles.

Educational Programs:

What kind of educational programs are offered at the Vermont Jazz Center? The VJC offers several programs:

• Jazz in the Schools
  The Vermont Jazz Center offers educational programs to students of all ages through our Jazz in the Schools program. We are available for concerts and workshops that can draw young audiences into the world of jazz. Call us at (802) 254-9088 so that the jazz center can help your school create a unique and beneficial experience for the students.
• Teacher training programs
  The Vermont Jazz Center is now teaching teachers to improvise. We are currently developing a curriculum that will enable teachers to teach their students to improvise as is mandated by the National Standards of Education. We will soon be able to offer college credit for these programs that will apply towards teacher re-certification.
• Private Lessons
  The Vermont Jazz Center offers private lessons or contacts with teachers of all instruments. Mostly VJC acts to refer students to qualified teachers.
• Summer Jazz Workshop
  The Vermont Jazz Center offers one of the best summer jazz workshops in the country. Low student to teacher ratios, fine facilities and an expert faculty contribute to an amazing learning experience.

Summer Workshops:

• Are there any scholarships available for the programs?
  There are limited scholarships available to students demonstrating need please call (802) 244-9088 for more information.
  
  
• Who will be teaching at the Summer Workshops this year?
  Teachers include Michael Cochrane, Marcus McLaurine, Howard Brofsky, Jay Clayton, Steve Johns, Sheila Jordon, Valery Ponomarev, Dave Stryker, Eugene Uman, Pete Yellin. Visit our Summer Workshop Faculty page for details.
  
  
• What are the dates for this Summer's Workshop?
  This year's Summer Workshop is August 11-17, 2002. Visit our Summer Workshop page for complete details.

• What kind of student attends the Summer Jazz Workshop? Am I advanced enough, too advanced? What is the range in ages of the students?
  The Summer Workshop is a challenging program attended by individuals who are serious about the music. Still, the situation is fun and supportive. We suggest that applicants should be committed to the music and have a sufficient background so that they can gain from the experience and not feel overwhelmed by the material. Instrumental students should have a working knowledge of key signatures, chords and scales — so that if given a lead sheet they will be able to read the melody and play at least a simple solo over the changes. Vocalists should already have at least a small repertoire so that they can get the most out of the workshop experience rather than spending their time learning tunes (of course there will still be plenty of tunes to learn!).
  Students come from all over the world to our program. We generally accept students age fifteen and up. Students below eighteen are advised that we do not provide a curfew or strict supervision. Parents of these students take note! Generally we receive about 50% high school and college students and 50% older adults.

  What are the accommodations like at the Summer Jazz workshop? The food? May I bring a companion with me? Is it possible to stay at a local inn or bed and breakfast and still have rich musical experience?
  The accommodations at the workshop are simple, dorm-style rooms, double occupancy. The rooms are clean and comfortable. There are a few single occupancy rooms available for an additional charge of $150.
  The food is delicious! Fresh vegetables are grown at the farm and are expertly prepared by a fine chef. The menu is varied and includes meat, fish as well as vegetarian and vegan entrees.
  You may bring a companion with you — you will be responsible for the costs associated with him or her.
  There are some lovely bed and breakfast inns in the area that are within a short drive. We would be happy to make recommendations if you should choose this option. Staying on campus offers the benefits of attending the jam sessions until the wee hours and not having to get in a car for five days!

• Please tell me about the sources of public transportation to the Vermont Jazz Center and the summer workshop.
  • By train to Brattleboro Amtrak (800) 872-7245
  • Bus to Brattleboro VT Transit (802) 254-6066
  • Car Service from Bradley International in Hartford, CT (Closest Airport)
  • Thomas Transportation (800) 526-8143
  • Local Travel Agent Gateway Travel (800) 639-3706

Performer Information: