Since 1992, the Darmstadt Jazz Conceptions have been a permanent fixture of the Darmstadt jazz calendar. In the first week of the Hessian summer holidays, experienced amateur musicians with varying levels of prior knowledge come together to develop a band profile and concert program in fixed ensembles under professional guidance. They present the results publicly on the last two evenings of the workshop.

The courses take place between Monday and Friday during the day at the Bessunger Knabenschule and the Akademie für Tonkunst. During the week there are evening sessions on various stages in Darmstadt. On Friday (3.7.) and Saturday (4.7.), the ensembles present themselves in the courtyard of the Bessunger Knabenschule, weather permitting.