Jazz Studies Concentration
Program Overview
The Concentration in Jazz Studies is intended to help students interested in jazz to develop the skills necessary to be a marketable professional jazz and studio musician. Students in the program will study jazz styles, history, improvisational techniques, arranging and composition, and have opportunities in a recording studio both performing and recording their own work. Students also receive private lessons from professional jazz artists on their instrument. The regular requirements of the primary music degree are not affected; the jazz courses only apply to electives.
Any student completing the Jazz Studies concentration will be a highly diverse performer, having experience as a soloist, a member of a band or orchestra as well as with playing in large and small jazz ensembles. Graduates will possess the necessary skills to arrange and compose for jazz and studio ensembles, and will be prepared to work in almost every musical arena available today.