Brubeck Jazz Summit
July 11-16, 2027
Brubeck Jazz Summit is a transformative jazz education program for outstanding pre-college musicians from around the world. Led by Artistic Directors Roxy Coss and Lucas Pino, students learn from a diverse and passionate roster of world-class faculty and guest artists through combo rehearsals, masterclasses, career development, jam sessions, and performances.
The Summit provides an inclusive and nurturing learning environment, where students and faculty build a strong community of lifelong connections. Students are challenged to grow musically and personally, and are provided with an educational experience designed to inspire and equip them in their journey as the next generation of creative leaders in jazz.
A living legacy of the musician and international statesman, Dave Brubeck, the week-long Brubeck Jazz Summit is a partnership between Classical Tahoe and Brubeck Living Legacy, hosted at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus located in a stunning mountain environment on the North Shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Who can apply?
Age
Brubeck Jazz Summit is a pre-college program for highly motivated students who are between the ages of 15-18 at the time of application.
Instrument
Jazz musicians of all instruments and voice are encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
Applications open
December 1, 2026
Application deadline
March 1, 2027
Brubeck Jazz Summit
July 11 – 16, 2027
Program Pricing & Audition Materials
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2026
Check back soon for 2027 application information.
Brubeck Jazz Summit Faculty & Guest Artists
Artistic Directors
Roxy Coss and Lucas Pino
2026 Faculty & Guest Artists
Roxy Coss, Artistic Dir. & Saxophone faculty
Lucas Pino, Artistic dir. & Saxophone faculty
Etienne Charles, Trumpet faculty
Rachel Eckroth, Piano & Vocal faculty
Gerald Cannon, Bass faculty
Bryan Carter, Drums & Vocal faculty
Chris Brubeck, Trombone faculty & guest artist
Dan Brubeck, Drums guest artist
Jerry Bergonzi, Tenor Saxophone, guest artist
Past Faculty & Guest Artists
Roxy Coss, Lucas Pino, Bryan Carter, Gerald Cannon, Rachel Eckroth, Michael Rodriguez, Miki Yamanaka, Chris Brubeck, Dan Brubeck, Darius Brubeck, Joe Gilman, Connie Han, Eric Harland, Gilad Hekselman, Sean Jones, Chad LB, Rodney Whitaker
How to apply
Brubeck Jazz Summit partners with Acceptd to host our applications. All application materials must be submitted using through the Acceptd platform. In order to start the application, you will need to create an Acceptd account. (If you already have one, you can start a new application using your existing account.) Please visit our landing page to learn more and begin an application.
Program Dates & Location
If accepted, students are expected to be present in-person for the entire program length as follows:
Arrival date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Program dates: Sunday, July 12 – Friday, July 17, 2026
Departure date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
As part of the Classical Tahoe Music Festival, Brubeck Jazz Summit is proudly presented on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe is in the community of Incline Village on Lake Tahoe’s north shore in Nevada. Campus address: 291 Country Club, Incline Village NV 89451.
2026 Program Cost & Travel
$2,000. This program fee includes tuition, housing, and three daily meals on campus at University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.
Airfare is not included in the program fee. Accepted students and their parent/guardian(s) are responsible for arranging air or ground transportation to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Ground transportation to the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus to/from Reno-Tahoe International Airport will be arranged and provided by Brubeck Jazz Summit.
Scholarships for travel are available on request. If no travel scholarship is received, the student and their parent/guardian(s) are responsible for the cost of travel to/from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Financial Aid
Application Fee Waiver
To apply for an application fee waiver on the basis of financial need, please contact Acceptd Support (support@getacceptd.com) to receive a fee waiver prior to submitting your application. If you are still seeking financial assistance for your application fee after contacting Acceptd, or have any questions or concerns about financial assistance, please contact Erin Toledo, program director at jazz@classicaltahoe.org.
Scholarships for tuition & travel:
We believe all students who are accepted into the Brubeck Jazz Summit are deserving of merit scholarships, however scholarships will be primarily issued based on need. Please indicate in your application if you are seeking scholarship support for tuition and/or travel. For any questions, please contact Erin Toledo, Program Director at erin@classicaltahoe.org.
Application Requirements
- Two audition videos (see audition video requirements below).
- Answer three short questions about your motivations, goals, and what you hope to gain from the Summit experience.
- Submit an email address for one reference. The recommender can be a band/jazz band director, private teacher, other music teacher, music-related employer, or other professional reference. After you submit your completed application, your reference will receive a link with instructions on how to submit their confidential recommendation. Please note that the email they receive will be sent directly from Acceptd. Your references will have until March 1, 2026, to submit their recommendations.
Application Timeline
Early bird application deadline: January 1, 2026
Application deadline: March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Application Fee
Early bird application fee, if submitted by January 1, 2026 at 11:59pm ET: $65
Application fee after January 1, 2026: $85
To apply for an application fee waiver on the basis of financial need, please contact Acceptd Support (support@getacceptd.com) to receive a fee waiver prior to submitting your application.
If you are still seeking financial assistance for your application fee after contacting Acceptd, please contact jazz@classicaltahoe.org.
2026 Audition Video Requirements:
Each Audition must include the specified 2 videos in your application category. Video is required.
Each track should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length.
Lead sheets available for download here.
Vocalists:
Each Audition must include the specified 2 videos in your application category. Each video should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length. Video is required.
- Sing a blues of your choice, including at least 3 choruses total of: scatting/improvising, lyrics, and/or vocalese.
- Sing “My One Bad Habit” by Dave and Iola Brubeck, including at least one full Chorus with lyrics. Verse is encouraged/optional. Addition of improvisation is optional. (Lead sheet & backing tracks available to download here.)
IMPORTANT
*Auditions may be recorded with a live rhythm section or pre-recorded backing track. Video/audio does not need to be professionally recorded. Video is required.
**If not using a live band, we recommend downloading and recording with our available backing track. Available for download here.
*** Please DO NOT USE the iREAL app play-along feature to record your tracks.
Woodwinds/Brass/Strings:
Each Audition must include the specified 2 videos in your application category. Each video should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length. Video is required.
- Play a blues melody of your choice for 1 chorus and improvise a solo for at least 3 choruses.
- Play “In Your Own Sweet Way” by Dave Brubeck with melody for 1 chorus and at least 1 chorus of improvised solo. (Lead sheets available for download here.)
IMPORTANT
*Auditions may be recorded with a live rhythm section or pre-recorded backing track. Video/audio does not need to be professionally recorded. Video is required.
**If not using a live band, we recommend using Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Volume 105 “Dave Brubeck – In Your Own Sweet Way” as a reference/backing track.
*** Please DO NOT USE the iREAL app play-along feature to record your tracks.
Pianists/Guitarists:
Each Audition must include the specified 2 videos in your application category. Each video should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length. Video is required.
- Play a blues melody of your choice for 1 chorus and improvise a solo for at least 3 choruses. *Also “comp” for another soloist for at least 1 chorus.
- Play “In Your Own Sweet Way” by Dave Brubeck with melody for 1 chorus and at least 1 chorus of improvised solo. Also “comp” for another soloist for at least 1 chorus. (Lead sheets available for download here.)
IMPORTANT
*Auditions may be recorded with a live band/musicians or pre-recorded backing track. Video/audio does not need to be professionally recorded. Video is required.
**If not using a live band, we recommend using Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Volume 105 “Dave Brubeck – In Your Own Sweet Way” ” as a reference/backing track.
*** Please DO NOT USE the iREAL app play-along feature to record your tracks
Bassists:
Each Audition must include the specified 2 videos in your application category. Each video should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length. Video is required.
- Play a blues melody of your choice for 1 chorus and improvise a solo for at least 1 chorus. *Also play with another soloist for at least 1 chorus.
- Play “In Your Own Sweet Way” by Dave Brubeck with melody for 1 chorus and at least 1 chorus of improvised solo. *Also play with another soloist for at least 1 chorus. (Lead sheets available for download here.)
IMPORTANT
*Auditions may be recorded with live musicians. Video/audio does not need to be professionally recorded. Video is required.
**Bassists should demonstrate “walking” on the blues, and optional walking on In Your Own Sweet Way.
*** Please DO NOT USE the iREAL app play-along feature to record your tracks.
Drummers/Percussionists:
Each Audition must include the specified 2 videos in your application category. Each video should be a maximum of 5 minutes in length. Video is required.
- Play a blues of your choice, “comp” for at least 1 chorus of melody, and play 1 chorus “comping” for another soloist, and play an improvised solo (and/or trade) for at least 2 choruses.
- Play “In Your Own Sweet Way” by Dave Brubeck with a live band. “Comp” for at least 1 chorus of melody and play 1 chorus “comping” for another soloist, and play an improvised solo (and/or trade) for at least 1 chorus. (Lead sheets available for download here.)
IMPORTANT
*Drummers should record one of the above options on brushes and one on sticks.
**Drummers should record with live musicians. Video/audio does not need to be professionally recorded. Video is required.
*** Please DO NOT USE the iREAL app play-along feature to record your tracks.
Other instruments:
Brubeck Jazz Summit accepts applications from jazz musicians on all instruments. If your primary instrument is not listed in the categories above or if you have questions about audition requirements for your instrument, please contact us at jazz@classicaltahoe.org for guidance. Please include your primary instrument in your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Brubeck Jazz Summit is proudly presented by the Classical Tahoe Music Festival on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe is in the community of Incline Village on Lake Tahoe’s north shore in Nevada.
Campus address: 291 Country Club, Incline Village NV 89451.
Program Pricing 2026
$2,000. Includes tuition, housing with linens, and meals on-campus at University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. Airfare is not included. Ground transportation will be provided to/from Reno-Tahoe International Airport and UNR at Lake Tahoe campus (see transportation info below for more info). Scholarships are available for application fee, tuition, and travel. Please indicate on your application if you would like to apply for a scholarship.
How many participants are accepted?
Brubeck Jazz Summit receives competitive applications from musicians ages 15-18 at a very high level on all instruments and voice. To create an intimate learning environment for the week-long program, a group of up to 30 young musicians are invited to the Summit each summer. Participants are then placed into one of five small ensembles.
Financial Aid
We believe all students who are accepted into the Brubeck Jazz Summit are deserving of merit scholarships, however scholarships will be primarily issued based on need. Please indicate in your application if you are seeking scholarship support for tuition and/or travel. For any questions, please contact Erin Toledo, program director at jazz@classicaltahoe.org.
Housing & Meals
Transportation to Reno/Tahoe
Accepted students and their parent/guardian(s) are responsible for arranging air or ground transportation to Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
Ground transportation to the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus to/from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (a 45 minute drive) will be arranged and provided by Brubeck Jazz Summit. Only students arriving at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) will receive complimentary group ground transportation to campus (if you plan to arrive to RNO by bus or car, arrangements can also be made for group ground transportation to campus). If you wish to arrive at another airport that is not RNO, you will be responsible for your own transportation to the UNR campus.
Students and parents driving to Tahoe on their own will be given a timeline for arrival.
Instruments & Equipment
Students are expected to bring their own instruments and equipment in good repair, with the exception of drums, piano, and amplifiers, which will be provided by Brubeck Jazz Summit. Brubeck Jazz Summit will provide upright basses on request, as well as additional large instruments as applicable.
Questions?
For questions and more information, please email Erin at jazz@classicaltahoe.org.
Artistic Directors
Roxy Coss, Artistic Director
Musician, Composer, Bandleader, Educator and Activist Roxy Coss received the 2022 Downbeat Critics’ Poll “Rising Star” award on Soprano Saxophone, is a recipient of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award, the Hothouse Magazine & Jazzmobile “Tenor Saxophone” Award, and is a Jazziz Magazine “Artist to Watch”. She has performed around the world, headlining at the Newport Jazz Festival, Melbourne Big Band Festival, NYC Winter JazzFest, BRIC JazzFest, Earshot Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Summerfest, Jazz Standard, and Jazz Showcase. Coss has performed as a side musician with Jazz greats and luminaries including Clark Terry, Billy Kaye, Maurice Hines, Rufus Reid, Louis Hayes, Gene Perla, Houston Person, Claudio Roditi, Bill Charlap, Geoffrey Keezer, Willie Jones III, Jeremy Pelt, Darcy James Argue, the DIVA Jazz Orchestra.
Roxy has six albums out under her own name, including her latest release, Disparate Parts (Outside in Music), which was met with critical acclaim. Her fifth album Quintet (Outside in Music), received a 4-Star review from Downbeat. The Roxy Coss Quintet, featuring some of the world’s finest young musicians, is the first-ever recipient of the Emerging Artist Project, a four-year grant from the Local 802 Musicians Union. They largely perform Coss’ original compositions. Her composition work can also be found on Jeremy Pelt’s recording, Face Forward, Jeremy (High Note).
Coss grew up in Seattle, WA where she attended the acclaimed Garfield High School Jazz Ensemble, and graduated from William Paterson University in 2008 with a BM in Jazz Studies/Performance. She has been living in the New York area since 2004. Roxy currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Jazz Education Network (JEN), is Jazz Faculty at The Juilliard School, and is the President & Founder of Women In Jazz Organization (WIJO). She is also an endorsing Artist for P. Mauriat, Vandoren, and Key Leaves products.
Lucas Pino, Artistic Director
Tenor Saxophonist Lucas Pino works frequently as a sideman for artists including Gideon van Gelder, Richard Boukas, David Lopato, Bryan Carter, Rafal Sarnecki, Nick Finzer, and Jeremy Siskind. His past performance experience also includes Dave Brubeck, Curtis Fuller, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Christian McBride, Carl Allen, Benny Green and David Sanborn. Lucas has traveled to play in Australia, Poland, Spain, Britain, The Netherlands, Brazil, Costa Rica, as well as throughout the United States and Canada. He has appeared at venues such as the Blue Note, Dizzy’s, The Jazz Standard, Yoshi’s, The Jazz Kitchen, The Rex, and Chicago Symphony Hall. As a leader, he has maintained a monthly residency at Smalls with the No Net Nonet since March 2013.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Lucas grew up singing hymns in church, and in the choir at school. He started playing saxophone at age 10, and the first music he ever listened to was jazz. As a high school junior, Lucas won the Downbeat award for Best Instrumental Soloist in 2004. He attended the Brubeck Institute from 2005-2007, where he studied closely with Dave Brubeck. Lucas finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Jazz Performance at The New School in 2009. He attended Juilliard from 2009-2011, where he received a Master of Music.
Lucas’ major influences on the saxophone include Stan Getz, Lucky Thompson, John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, and Chris Cheek. Compositionally, he is heavily influenced by the sound of big band, and composers including Wayne Shorter, Maria Schneider, Walt Weiskopf, Thad Jones.
“Sound is like a rainbow, you hear every color. On the saxophone, the entire tonal and color palate should be available. I like to draw on a wide range of influences even within one solo, going from a very bright to dark sound, using straight tone or subtone. Music should be operatic, dramatic, and full of gesture. It should tell a story and sing a song simultaneously. Music should be a stimulus that activates the listener’s imagination and transports them to another place, where anything is possible.” – Lucas Pino
2026 Faculty & Guest Artists
Artistic Directors
Roxy Coss and Lucas Pino
2026 FACULTY & GUEST ARTISTS
Roxy Coss, Artistic Dir. & Saxophone faculty
Lucas Pino, Artistic dir. & Saxophone faculty
Etienne Charles, Trumpet faculty
Rachel Eckroth, Piano & Vocal faculty
Gerald Cannon, Bass faculty
Bryan Carter, Drums & Vocal faculty
Chris Brubeck, Trombone faculty & guest artist
Dan Brubeck, Drums guest artist
Jerry Bergonzi, Tenor Saxophone, guest artist
Past Faculty and Guest Artists have included: Roxy Coss, Lucas Pino, Bryan Carter, Gerald Cannon, Rachel Eckroth, Michael Rodriguez, Miki Yamanaka, Chris Brubeck, Dan Brubeck, Darius Brubeck, Joe Gilman, Connie Han, Eric Harland, Gilad Hekselman, Sean Jones, Chad LB, Rodney Whitaker
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The Brubeck Jazz Summit is generously supported by a multi-year gift from Carol and Douglas Koelemay, and by annual gifts from Elaine Cardinale & Jonathan Knowles, Pete and Kim Garcia, Robert Pollock, and Whittier Trust.
