Jazz Performance, Minor

Program Description

Administered by faculty from the College of Arts and Architecture's School of Music, the minor in Jazz Performance is designed to give Music majors and non-Music majors experience in the performance, theory, and history of jazz music.

Students will perform in a variety of the jazz ensembles offered by the School of Music, take private instruction in jazz improvisation with a designated jazz instructor on the School of Music faculty, and take courses in jazz history, improvisation and pedagogy. For Music majors, the Jazz Performance minor will provide: 1) a course of study in jazz at a higher level and with more detailed instruction as a supplement to their studies in classical and traditional music; 2) training in a very important and prevalent musical genre for careers in performance or teaching; and, 3) for those students who may already participate significantly in the jazz offerings, an official recognition on the student record of detailed study in jazz that will provide credentials when seeking employment.

For non-Music majors, the Jazz Performance minor will provide: 1) an opportunity to continue formalized study in an area in which they have been highly active before college, such as music lessons, ensembles, and choirs 2) an opportunity to build music into their lives as a stimulating and balancing influence; and, 3) for those students who may already participate significantly in the jazz offerings, an official recognition on the student record of study in jazz that will indicate versatility and artistic activity when seeking employment in another field.

For both Music majors and non-Music majors, the Jazz Performance minor will provide a deeper musical experience in and greater awareness of a musical art form that derives from African-American culture.

Entrance Requirements

Non-Music majors must audition for acceptance into the Jazz Performance minor. Music majors are not required to audition for the Jazz Performance minor.

For non-Music majors, an audition is required for admission to the Jazz Performance minor. Because all tracks of the Music major require an audition for admission, current Music majors will not need to audition for the Jazz Performance minor. Music majors may complete their Jazz Performance minor along with their Music major with careful selection of ensembles, electives, and additional courses.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the Minor

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MUSIC 84	Jazz Ensemble 1	2
MUSIC 181	Jazz Improvisation I	2
MUSIC 182	Jazz Improvisation II	2
MUSIC 421	Jazz Combo Class 1	2
MUSIC 422	Jazz Harmony and Arranging	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
AFAM 207N	Jazz and the African American Experience	3
or MUSIC 7	Evolution of Jazz
JAZZ 100	Jazz Performance Studies 1	2
or JAZZ 110	Jazz Performance Studies
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Take 2 additional credits in the jazz or commerical music area in consultation with jazz faculty and adviser		2