NJPAC ARTS EDUCATION’S MILT HINTON INSTITUTE OF BASS IS ACCEPTING TEEN-STUDENT APPLICATIONS

• By Mabel Pais

It’s all bass, all the time at the Hinton Institute.

Those interested in learning bass are encouraged to dive into an immersive week of bass classes, performances, small ensemble work, studio sessions, lectures and workshops, July 19–25, 2026 at Drew University (36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940 – 973 408 3000).

Students can explore jazz, classical, early music, slap, Latin and electric in a non-competitive environment. They can learn from some of the planet’s best bass players on NJPAC Arts Education’s acclaimed faculty, trade tips and techniques with other student musicians. Students can also find their own people — the ones who inspire, motivate and will be their creative community for years to come. They will leave at the end of the week with a greater love of music and a deeper understanding of their place within it.

Dates: July 19-25

Tuition: Learn more @ https://njpac.org/hinton

Age range: 14-18

Experience level: beginner, intermediate and advanced

Type: Upright and Electric

The bass rental is included in the cost.

Registration

Register at https://support.njpac.org/event/arts-education-summer-programming/e738705/register/new/select-tickets

Financial Aid Form

Those who qualify for financial aid, can apply at

(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXeXamwy6ChH-u9kmSImVgmvFFjClFHAN18X0M9Q3xZYmDBQ/viewform)

PLEASE NOTE:

Financial Aid Request Form – Summer 2026

NJPAC is dedicated to making the Arts Education programs accessible to all students. The Arts Center has an abundance of financial aid programs available for its students, made possible by our generous donors. The program encourages families who are considering not participating in the programs because of monetary concerns to apply for financial aid.

Feel free to fill out both the financial aid form and the waitlist form. If a spot opens up, the Arts Ed department will contact the applicant along with a financial aid code.

No student is turned away for financial needs.

The Arts Education department also offers a 10% sibling discount.

A representative from the Arts Education Department will then be in touch with the applicant to provide a code to offset some or all of the tuition costs.

NOTE: Submitting this form DOES NOT register the applicant for Summer programming.

After clicking “submit,” the department will review the applicant’s financial aid application and email him/her a code. They will need to use that code when they complete the registration form. Until that form is completed, the student is not registered.

Milt Hinton

This program is named in honor of the legendary jazz bassist, a prolific performer and studio musician whose long career intersected with countless greats, including Louis Armstrong, Pearl Bailey, Cab Calloway, Diahann Carroll, Sam Cooke, Bing Crosby, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand. (Just to name a few.)

The Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass (MHI) is designed for bassists aged 14-18. This week-long academy introduces emerging bassists to Milt Hinton and his amazing legacy of bass musicianship. MHI assembles the finest double bass performers and educators who interact, teach, and perform with emerging bassists. MHI clinicians all have an attachment to Milt Hinton and his life’s legacy. The Institute will close with a celebratory concert on July 25th.

The week’s activities include private lessons, student and faculty recitals, topic workshops and classes, small ensembles, bass orchestra, recording sessions, and a special Milt Hinton Day on July 22th. The week’s immersion brings emerging bassists together who normally are the sole player in their respective school or communities. Reach out if you have any questions. In the meantime, remember; What Would Milt Do? (WWMD

Peter Dominguez – Director, Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass 

Summer 2026 marks the 5th Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, established in 2014, sponsored by NJPAC and hosted by Drew University.  Says Peter Dominguez,  “As the recipient of the inaugural Milton J. Hinton Competition in 1981, I am pleased to share Milt Hinton, and his legacy. In my role as founding director, I am honored to be returning to the 2026 Institute in this capacity and am excited to join forces with NJPAC to present an outstanding program. I know Milt would be very pleased.”

“For the listener to have a ‘SOUND’ experience, we as players need to create

feeling in the music to cause sensation. The Feeling comes from Belief in what you Know, and that Knowledge has Attachment to something greater than oneself.”

Learn more about Peter Dominguez @ https://peterdominguezmusic.com.

Milt Hinton Faculty

There are seventeen members that serve on the faculty. Learn more about each at https://njpac.org/hinton.

Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Education, Spirituality, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Business, and Cuisine.