STUDENTS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENGAGING WITH JAZZ THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF CONTEXTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURSUE THE CERTIFICATE IN JAZZ STUDIES.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN JAZZ STUDIES
The Program in Jazz Studies is open to juniors and seniors who have the appropriate background, and who are committed to studying the performance practices and rich cultural legacy of jazz. Admission to the program will be by interview. The number of students in the program will be limited by available resources. Although enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors, students may begin taking courses that count toward certificate requirements in their freshman year.
JAZZ STUDIES CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
JAZZ ENSEMBLE participation is required in both junior and senior years through the Creative Large Ensemble, one of the Small Groups, and/or Jazz Vocal Collective.
REQUIRED COURSES:
One course in Jazz History: MUS 262/AAS 262
One course in Jazz Theory/Composition: MUS 261, MUS 263, and MUS 319 are preferred. MPP 252 and MUS 340 will also count.
One course in Jazz Performance: MPP 251, MPP 252, MUS 340.
One course in Historical/Cultural Context: Offerings in non-music departments are encouraged, such as African American Studies, American Studies, English, History, and Sociology. Program director approval is required.
One complete year of studio lessons for credit (MPP 298/MPP 299). Must be taken consecutively.*
JAZZ RECITAL: A recital must be performed in senior year for completion of the certificate in jazz studies. The recital must be a demonstration of core study. The final program must be approved by both the studio instructor and a performance program director. For more information on recital procedures and requirements, please see Policies and Procedures for Student Performances(link is external). For more information, please contact the program director(link sends e-mail).
*STUDIO INSTRUCTION: Fully subsidized studio lessons in jazz performance, improvisation, and composition are recommended for juniors and required for seniors. Please visit the department website to learn more about our jazz faculty.
PROGRAM IN PERFORMANCE
Admission to the Program in Performance for instrumentalists is by live audition at the end of the sophomore year for a panel of ensemble directors. Audition date are announced online, by email, and by flyer.
Audition Requirements for JAZZ: two selections of contrasting style that demonstrate awareness of the jazz tradition and the ability to improvise. Repertoire selection is open across jazz genres, including Afro-Latin and Brazilian pieces. Musicians should be prepared to improvise over several choruses with their own ensemble accompaniment.
CERTIFICATE IN MUSIC PERFORMANCE
The Certificate in Music Performance is available to students who want to focus on mastering jazz performance in their main instrument.