B.A. in Music

Jazz Studies Concentration

If you choose to concentrate in jazz studies you will focus on jazz performance, musicology, theory, improvisation and its cultural aspects. The jazz studies concentration can be part of a double degree or major program. 

B.A. Program Advisor: Adam Hanna

Curriculum

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. At least 42 of these credits must be in courses at the 300 level or above.

The jazz studies option requires 41 credits in musicianship and music performance as follows:

Musicianship:

  • MUS 106: History of Jazz (3 credits)
  • MUS 115:  Musicianship Lab I (1 credit)
  • MUS 116: Music Theory I (3 credits)
  • MUS 117:  Musicianship Lab II (1 credit)
  • MUS 118:  Music Theory II (3 credits)
  • MUS 119: Introduction to the Music Profession (1 credit)
  • MUS 220: Music as Global Culture (3 credits)
  • MUS 222: History of Classical Music 900-1900 (3 credits) or MUS 322: Genre as Identity in 20th & 21st Century Music (3 credits)
  • MUS 280: Mid-Program Portfolio in Music (0 credits)
  • MUS 424: Jazz Theory and Improvisation (3 credits)
  • MUS 480: Graduation Portfolio (1 credit)

Music Performance:

Applied study for the B.A. in music with a jazz option is limited to the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, string bass, guitar, and drum set. Requirements are:

A: Six semesters of applied music study in your principal area of jazz instrumental performance, (MUS 210W: Applied Music – Jazz) at 2 credits per semester (12). A successful audition is required prior to study in the principal applied area of jazz instrumental performance.

B: For saxophone, trumpet, and trombone, two semesters of major ensembles:

  • MUS 291: University Marching Band
  • MUS 292: Concert Band
  • MUS 293: University Chorus
  • MUS 394: Symphonic Wind Ensemble
  • MUS 395: Concert Choir
  • MUS 397: University Symphony Orchestra

    For piano, string bass, guitar, and drum set:

  • Two semesters of MUS 396: Jazz Studio Ensemble, and MUS 398J: Chamber Music Ensembles, in addition to the requirements in section C below.

C: Two semesters of MUS 391: Jazz Studio Laboratory, and three semesters of MUS 396: Jazz Studio Ensemble, or MUS 398J: Chamber Music Ensembles. At least two of these semesters should be in MUS 396.

A successful audition is required prior to participation in jazz ensembles.

D: MUS 350: Junior Recital with emphasis on jazz styles

E: Seven semesters of MUS 300: Music Convocation.

Electives: 38 credits, of which at least 30 must be in non-music courses. We recommend that 8 credits of electives be taken in music. At least 6 of these should be in upper-division music courses.

Students who are deficient in keyboard skills must take MUS 171 (1) and 172 (1). MUS 171 and 172 may count as two of the recommended music electives.