About

The Minor in Jazz Studies offers students an in-depth experience with jazz, which was designated an American National Treasure by the 100th U.S. Congress in 1987. The Objective is for the students to develop skills in jazz theory, composition, and performance, which will allow them to continue to be involved in this music throughout their musical lives.

The program is centered on the study of jazz through the art of improvisation, or spontaneous musical composition. Rather than simply learning about jazz and improvisation, students will spend their time practicing and developing listening skills and instrumental skills, so that they can comfortably improvise in various jazz styles in a solo or group setting. Multiple public performances are built into the required courses. In addition, highly specific arranging and keyboard skills are developed and used as part of the materials to be covered.

Students who elect this program must play a musical instrument pitched in C, Bb, or Eb, capable of single-note pitches and a full chromatic scale. Vocalists and percussionists will need to play an instrument that meets these criteria as well, although there are also opportunities to sing and play drum set.