20th Annual Hudson Jazz Workshop

About

The Hudson Jazz Workshop occurs in mid-August for 4 days and 3 nights in rural Columbia County, NY. In 2026 we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary. Housing is provided through the generosity of nearby venues. Fresh, wholesome meals are prepared and served daily. Our artist/faculty, pianist Armen Donelian and saxophonist Marc Mommaas, encourage a lively, informative dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and an exchange of ideas. The focus is on improvisational duo performance, music composition, practice regimens and related issues. As our focus is on harmonic/melodic aspects of duo improvisation, percussion is not taught in the Hudson Jazz Workshop. The daily schedule of interactive hands-on master classes and evening jam sessions includes ample demonstration and provides specialized one-on-one instruction. On the final day, a distinguished guest artist presents a unique seminar and headlines a public concert at the historic Hudson Hall with the faculty and participants, some of whom are professionals. Past guests have included saxophonist David Liebman, pianist/composer Jim McNeely guitarist Vic Juris, vibraphonist Joe Locke, vocalist Sheila Jordan, bassist Reggie Workman, trumpeter Claudio Roditi, trombonist Chris Washburne, guitarist Freddie Bryant, pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, saxophonist Billy Drewes, bassist Jay Anderson, bassist Rufus Reid, pianist/arranger Mike Abene, vocalist Michelle Walker, trombonist Ed Neumeister, and pianist John Esposito. Our guest in 2026 is guitarist Steve Cardenas. Hudson Jazzworks, Inc. has presented the Hudson Jazz Workshop for 20 consecutive years. For the participants, the Hudson Jazz Workshop experience is nurturing and truly life changing, as our testimonials indicate.