Jazz - Minor

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 (6 credits)

• MUS 303 - Jazz History Credits: 3 or MUS 418 Special Topics in Jazz Credits: 3  
• MUS 322 - Jazz Theory Credits: 3

• 
  Plus, complete one of the following:

  • MUX 49_ - Jazz Senior Recital (in lieu of, addition, or combined with a classical recital) Credits: 0
  • Portfolio (in lieu of Jazz Senior Recital) - see Portfolio section below for details

Electives (6 credits)

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

• MUS 310 - Jazz Composition and Arranging Credits: 3
• 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

In lieu of the Jazz Senior Recital, 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) Recordings of performances showcasing 3-4 jazz selections in varied styles, with student improvisations on each of them (from jazz ensembles or jazz recital).

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

• MUS 303 - Jazz History   
• MUS 418 Special Topics in Jazz  
• MUS 317 The History of Western Music III: Music Since 1900  
• MUS 450 Musical Styles and Expression  
• MUS 460 Evolution of Film Music  
• MUS 470 Musical Borrowing  

1.3) An assignment from MUS 322 - Jazz Theory  (e.g., transcribed solo).

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

1.5) An arrangement of a jazz standard.

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