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Jazz

The jazz area provides performance opportunities in both small groups and large ensembles, private jazz instruction and classes in history, theory, improvisation and composition. The program values the diversity of its students, whether you’re interested in performance, composition, education or scholarship.

Our program of study requires applied study on one of the following instruments:

• Bass
• Guitar
• Organ
• Piano
• Percussion
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Voice

Graduates of the jazz studies program are routinely accepted to and offered assistantships to top jazz graduate schools, including:

• University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
• Indiana University
• University of Oregon
• Western Michigan University
• University of South Florida

Jazz Area FACULTY

• Robert Shipley (drumset and area head)
• Tom Lockwood (saxophone and bass)
• Lisa Sung (pian0)
• Lee Heerspink (guitar)
• Greg Alley (trumpet)
• Robert Killips (trombone)

Guest Artists

Each year the program brings in numerous world-famous guest artists who give clinics, work with students and perform with student and faculty groups.

RecentÌýVisiting Artists

• Julian Lage Trio
• Chucho Valdes and Irakere
• Aaron Diehl Trio
• The David Liebman Group
• Donny McCaslin Quartet
• Ester Rada
• Fred Hersch Trio
• Chuck Owen
• New Orleans Hot 8 Brass Band
• Dave Holland Quartet
• Maynard Ferguson
• Dmitri Matheny

Jazz Residency

The Jerry and Jacquie Hurtgen Residency in Jazz Studies was established to support the mission of the Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø jazz studies area, which is to teach and promote jazz, musical creativity and improvisation. 

The Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Department of Music faculty welcomed Jazz Organist Tony Monaco as the first artist-in-residence.