Clive’s great idea…

This wonderful jazz retreat/school was founded by drummer/educational philosopher/bon viveur and Monsieur Le Directeur Clive Fenner. Clive passed away in April 2019 but his spirit lives on as we continue the school very much in his name. You can find out more about Clive's life, his values and work in Simon Purcell's obituary in London Jazz News click here.

The International French Jazz Summer School began in 1995 close to Montpellier. Originally employing Simon Purcell (Head of Jazz at Trinity-Laban) and Martin Hathaway (Head of Jazz Studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama) and Steve Berry (Head of Jazz at the Royal Northern College of Music). In the following 30 years the Summer School course expanded to run over 3 weeks employing many of the UK’s top jazz artists (Liane Carroll, Omar Puente, Jean Toussaint, Stan Sulzmann, Geoff Gascoyne, Julian Siegel, Sophie Bancroft, Tom Cawley, Trudy Kerr, Zoe Rahman, Alan Barnes, Mark Lockheart, Martin Speake, Geoff Simkins, Nikki Iles, Pete Churchill, Ian Shaw, Arnie Somogyi, Kate Williams, Nia Lynn).

The ethos is special with a strong supportive atmosphere, a deep commitment to learning and a lot of fun as students forge friendships and musical associations. Instrumentalists and singers of all levels are welcome, especially those who have a common desire to develop their jazz performance and improvisational skills.

Our tutors are special because they are committed to the art of music, the art of education and the values of community. We all live, play, eat, learn and have fun together, creating a real jazz community, offering support and encouragement to all and generating a great sense of pride in everyone involved. It’s an opportunity to make great new friends and musical contacts. And, for some, it has proved to be a life-changing experience! 

A previous course member summed it up "...this must be the benchmark for all Jazz courses".