Certificate in Jazz Studies
The Program in Jazz Studies is dedicated to providing an educational forum for the study of the performance practices and rich cultural legacy of jazz. As constructed, it provides student performers and composers (and others interested in the tradition) with the opportunity to study jazz by way of a wide range of course offerings. Students in the program participate in a number of academic courses from the music department curriculum, as well as other approved interdisciplinary offerings, that encourage the study of the historical, cultural, social, theoretical, stylistic, and creative issues that pertain to the jazz idiom. They also have the opportunity to be involved in a number of jazz outreach activities that are designed to enrich elementary, middle school, and high school students throughout the state, as well as the community at large.
While the Program in Jazz Studies is not designed to produce professional jazz performers, it will provide a foundation upon which a student may build in order to go on to further training while receiving a superior liberal arts education.
Admission to the Program
The Program in Jazz Studies is open to juniors and seniors who have the appropriate background and are committed to studying the performance practices and rich cultural legacy of jazz. Admission to the program will be by application. 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.
Program of Study
To qualify for a program certificate, students are required to complete six related courses and participate as a performer in one of the music department’s jazz performance groups.In addition, they must also be involved in educational outreach through the program’s Jazz-in-the-Schools initiative.
