Overview
The Jazz Studies program at Illinois State University is designed to help dedicated students develop their abilities as jazz performers, composers, and arrangers. The curriculum includes private instruction, ensembles, and numerous classes on topics such as improvisation, theory, arranging, and history. Students must adopt a focused, deliberate approach to developing creativity and originality while drawing extensively on well established jazz traditions.
Why Study Jazz Studies?
Jazz is a highly developed and sophisticated art form that offers a great freedom for individual and group expression to those who delve deep into the learning process. If you love the idea of working hard to grow as a jazz improviser, composer, and arranger, a jazz studies major may be right for you.
To be considered for admittance into the jazz studies program at Illinois State, students must have a strong background in jazz and classical music, and must complete auditions in both styles.
Jazz Studies students will study privately with both classical and jazz faculty. It is important that jazz players have an excellent grounding in the fundamentals of their instrument in order to be successful jazz musicians. For this reason, traditional study is a very important component of the curriculum.
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All Students auditioning for acceptance into the B.M. in Jazz Studies sequence must complete two separate auditions: one classical audition on your instrument and also a jazz audition. Please see your individual instrument's studio to find detailed requirements.
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Jazz Ensembles I and II are fully instrumented big bands of 15-20 students each. Emphasis is placed upon on rehearsing and performing a broad range of jazz styles and literature. Jazz Ensemble I, the premier group, has been honored at numerous festivals, including the Notre Dame College Jazz Festival, Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, and the Kansas City College Jazz Festival. Membership is by audition only and is open to all Illinois State Students. Please visit the ensemble auditions page for details each semester.
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Numerous small jazz groups from trios to septets are formed to perform music in the jazz combo tradition. These groups are coached by a faculty member and offer an opportunity for students to compose and arrange their own repertoire. Public performances are required. Membership is by audition only and is open to all Illinois State students. Please visit the ensemble auditions page for details each semester.
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