1999-2001 Undergraduate Catalog

+Jazz Studies

1031 Moore Musical Arts Center, 372-2181

The bachelor of music in jazz studies degree program is one in which motivated students of creative American music are encouraged to interact with one another and with faculty in a challenging performance-oriented educational environment. Highlights of the program include: strong growth support through a dedicated community of developing musicians; mentoring of the jazz art by experienced full-time faculty; continual review of individual musical development through interactive seminars, meetings and advising; an active schedule of student and faculty performances, and guest clinics and performances well-known jazz performers. A jazz minor is also available, see p. 106.

Admittance as a jazz studies major

In addition to the audition in the student's principal performance medium for acceptance into the College of Musical Arts, students wishing to pursue studies in jazz and jazz-related music-industry activities must demonstrate their understanding and facility in the jazz idiom. This will normally be accomplished by a separate audition with the jazz faculty. Acceptance as a jazz major or minor is contingent upon the approval of the jazz faculty.

Jazz performance ensembles

Jazz studies majors must perform in either the jazz lab bands or jazz combos (or both) as part of the requirements for this degree program. Refer to the specific performance requirements listed below. Performance opportunities in the jazz lab bands and combos are open all BGSU students through audition. Any University student is encouraged to audition for these ensembles before the jazz faculty at the start of the academic year.

Jury examinations

Jazz studies majors must complete jury examinations in their major applied medium as described in the course description section of this catalog under applied instruction. In addition jazz studies majors must perform a jazz jury examination with the coordinator of jazz studies at the end of each semester.

Keyboard proficiency requirement

Functional keyboard proficiency test level I is required. See Music education: Functional keyboard requirements and pertinent course descriptions.

Recital requirement

Candidates for the bachelor's degree in jazz studies are required to present a full recital. This is usually given in the senior year. Permission to perform a recital is given by the coordinator of jazz studies and the appropriate performance studies faculty. The recital requirement for jazz studies majors shall include an equal amount of western art music and jazz.

Degree requirements

The bachelor of music degree in jazz studies requires 128-135 total credits distributed as follows:

  • 1. 30-33 credits in general education;
  • 2. 27 credits in basic musicianship (music core);
  • 3. 20 credits in advanced courses in jazz studies;
  • 4. 36-38+ credits in music performance studies courses and keyboard proficiency;
  • 5. 6 credits in music electives;
  • 6. 3 credits in Writing proficiency (ENG 112);
  • 7. 6-8 credits in a foreign language.
  • For specific information, consult the coordinator of jazz studies.

    Music performance

  • Large ensembles 4 hours; small ensembles 12 hours; major instrument/voice 16 hours; MUSP 305 2 hours; MUSP 495 recital 2 hours. Total: 36 hours.
  • Piano

  • MUED 150, 151 (reg. track) or 154 (adv. track) (may be waived by proficiency exam). Keyboard proficiency level I is required. Total: 2 hours.
  • Music electives

  • (MUCH 233, 234 and 235 strongly recommended) Total: 8 hours.
  • Jazz studies major courses

  • MUCH 211, 212, 213, 237, 311, 312, 436 and 438. Total: 20 hours.
  • Recital requirement (see above)

    End of semester jazz juries (see above)

    Additional requirements for the degree

  • ETHN 120Introduction to Black Studies (3)
  • POPC 280Introduction to Popular Music (3)
  • One additional course from the approved general education list (3)
  • Two courses in one foreign language
  • (6-8)

  • Back to catalog table of contents.

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