Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass Returns in 2026 with All-Star Faculty and Historic LaFaro Bass
The Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass camp is returning for 2026. The week-long event, for teen musicians ages 14 to 18, will take place July 19th through 25th at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. It is hosted by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
“The camp is named for Milt Hinton (1910-2000), a prolific jazz bassist, studio musician and photographer whose career intersected with many of the greatest musicians of the 20th century,” NJPAC shares. “Unique among music camps, the Institute is designed to support upright and electric bass players of all levels for a week of expert classes, performances, ensemble work, studio sessions, lectures, workshops and more.”
The camp includes masterclasses, ensembles, and special bass clinics. It’s led by artistic director Peter Dominguez, who explains the experience aims to “nurture creativity, collaboration, and confidence in children through the joy of making music together.” Other faculty includes Ben Williams, Beth Robins, Bill Crow, Billy Hart, Carly Maldonado, Jennifer Vincent, Edward Perez, Emma Dayhuff, Jeremy Smith, John Kennedy, Luis Perdomo, Marcus McLaurine, Mimi Jones, Sam Suggs, and William Hobbs.
Participants will also have the opportunity of a lifetime, as the camp will feature Scott LaFaro‘s prestigious Prescott bass on loan from the International Society of Bassists. “Students will have the rare opportunity to rehearse and perform with this iconic instrument. Built in 1825 by the renowned American luthier Abraham Prescott, the double bass was once owned by the great jazz bassist Scott LaFaro, a native of Newark,” NJPAC explains.
The Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass camp is open to upright or electric bassists aged 14 to 18 of all experience levels. Tuition is $1,500 for the week, and financial aid is available. Visit the NJPAC website for more details.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
