World-class faculty guide you through a challenging and rewarding jazz curriculum

Students learn fundamentals through classroom and individual study with our world-class faculty. Beginning with courses in traditional music theory, our students progress into jazz-oriented courses such as Theory and Practice of Jazz Improvisation, Jazz History, and Introduction to World Music Cultures. Upper-level courses include Jazz Composition and Arranging and Advanced Improvisational Techniques. View our music courses.

We frequently host guest artists for workshops and concerts. There is a strong emphasis on private lessons and performing ensembles-such as University Jazz Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble each semester. The capstone requirement is a senior recital.

All Jazz Studies majors learn basic jazz piano in our piano lab. Students may also elect to receive training in the music software and recording techniques in our music technology lab and recording studio.

Audition and Declaring the Major

All students interested in majoring in Jazz Studies must first pass an entrance audition on an instrument or voice. In order to complete the major, all students must attain intermediate level on a single instrument or voice; and must pass a junior standing examination, usually at the end of the sophomore year.

Schedule Your Music Major Audition

Learn from the best

Our jazz faculty includes a Fulbright scholar, a Grammy Award winner, and a recipient of the Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award. Visit our faculty directory.