Jazz - Minor

The Jazz minor guides students in the development of their artistic voices as jazz performers, composers, arrangers and teachers, providing them with a body of knowledge that prepares them for graduate school, careers, and meaningful participation in jazz as performers, educators, and scholars. This minor requires completion of 18 credits.

Ensembles/Lessons (6 credits)

Students must complete the following:

Minimum 4 semesters:
- ENS 087 Jazz Ensemble Credits: 0 to 1 or ENS 088 Jazz Combo Credits: 0 to 1
Minimum 4 semesters:
- MUP _Z - Jazz Improv Credits: 0-1

Required Courses (9 credits)

MUS 303 - Jazz History Credits: 3 or MUS 418 Special Topics in Jazz Credits: 3
MUS 310 - Jazz Composition and Arranging Credits: 3
MUS 322 - Jazz Theory Credits: 3
MUX 49_ - Jazz Senior Recital/Portfolio (in lieu of, addition, or combined with a classical recital) Credits: 0

Elective (3 credits)

Students must complete one of the following electives, all of which feature significant portions of jazz-related material or entire units on jazz:

MUS 317 - The History of Western Music III: Music Since 1900 Credits: 3
MUS 450 - Musical Styles and Expression Credits: 3
MUS 460 - Evolution of Film Music Credits: 3
MUS 470 - Musical Borrowing Credits: 3

Portfolio

Students enrolled in the Jazz minor will build a portfolio that by their senior year will include at least three of the following:

1.1.1) Recordings of performances showcasing 3-4 jazz selections in varied styles, with student improvisations on each of them (from jazz ensembles or jazz recital).

1.1.2) A jazz history paper that was a written requirement for one of the following courses:

1.1.3) A transcribed solo (e.g., an assignment from MUS 322 - Jazz Theory ).

1.1.4) A reflection paper on student’s ensemble experience associated with jazz improvisations.

1.1.5) An arrangement of a jazz standard.

1.1.6) An original composition for big band or jazz combo.