Student Jazz Open Sessions are free and open to middle school, high school, and novice college musicians. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions throughout the series, as consistent participation will allow the group to build repertoire and develop their collective skills over time. However, each session will also stand on its own, and students may attend as their schedules allow. Participation in the final concert is optional. Advance registration is preferred, but walk-ins will be welcome as space allows.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience hosting Jazz Open Sessions, Merrimans’ Playhouse invites middle school, high school, and novice college musicians to participate in its new free Student Jazz Open Session series, running from January through June 2027. At the core of the series is the idea that playing jazz is a process, rather than simply a style. Creating collectively develops essential tools—feel, timing, active listening, communication, and improvisation—that cannot be developed through individual practice alone. This intimidation-free format provides a supportive space for peer learning, collaboration, and artistic risk-taking.
Each session gives students the opportunity to build repertoire and improvisational skills through active listening, playing, discussion, and working collectively with experienced musicians Stephen Merriman (drums), Mary Merriman (upright acoustic bass), Titus Arko (piano), Don Lerman (saxophone), and Andrew Fisher (vocals). Using jazz standards as a common language, students will explore form, melody, harmony, rhythm, feel, dynamics, and improvisation while developing the ability to listen and respond to what is happening in the moment. Jazz standards reference books will be available for student use at the venue.
In a final live concert, students will perform music they have explored throughout the series while putting the collaborative tools and etiquette of jazz into practice. Far from an ordinary jam session, this is a hands-on experience in listening, responding, improvising, and creating democratically within a musical collective.
Students are encouraged to stay after their sessions to observe the regular Jazz Open Session that immediately follows. As their confidence, listening skills, and ensemble experience develop, students can begin participating alongside more experienced musicians, connecting what they learn in the Student Jazz Open Sessions with the larger jazz community at Merrimans’ Playhouse.
- The spring 2027 schedule of sessions is:
- January 5
- February 2
- March 2
- March 30
- April 27
- May 25
- June: Final concert date will be announced soon.
Learn more about Merrimans’ Student Open Jazz Sessions
About the Venue
Merrimans’ Playhouse is located at 401 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 135, South Bend, IN 46617. This intimate, artist-driven jazz listening room is inside the downtown Commerce Center building in the East Race Village.
On-site parking is available on the side and immediately around the Commerce Center building.
The Student Jazz Open Sessions are free. The regular Jazz Open Sessions have a $5 suggested donation.
The venue is located on the first floor and has several entrance options. The north entrance has an accessible ramp. Contact the venue directly at (574) 318-7066 to discuss any specific accessibility needs or accommodations prior to your arrival.
Funding & Support
This program is made possible with funding from Merrimans’ Playhouse and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County.
Student Jazz Open Sessions is a partner program of the 2027 Notre Dame Arts Biennial and is supported with funding from the Notre Dame Arts Initiative.
Image: Don Lerman (saxophone) performing with students. Photo by Mary Merriman, courtesy of Merrimans' Playhouse.