Why study jazz at BGSU in Ohio?
- Learn from the very best. We offer the finest jazz training from our exceptional teaching professionals and specialists. Connect with well-known jazz artists during our endowed guest artist series and visiting guest master classes and performances.
- Modern facilities. The Moore Musical Arts Center facilities has more than 70 practice rooms, an 822-seat concert hall, a 221-seat recital hall and state-of-the-art computer labs and recording studios.
- Hansen Music Fellowship. This award is given to two incoming music performance freshmen each year. It offers annual funding for professional development opportunities throughout the degree program.
- Small class sizes. Faculty-to-student ratio in the BGSU jazz studies undergraduate program is 6:1.
- Accreditation. The BGSU bachelor of music in jazz studies program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
- Seize the spotlight. Student musicians have 350+ performance opportunities annually, including 30+ large and small ensembles, ongoing special events and festivals. Travel grants for conferences and festivals are available. Perform in jazz combos, one of our Lab Bands or at off-campus jazz jam sessions.
- Make an impact.
- Join student organizations such as the Student Jazz Association or Pro Musica.
- Become a Music Ambassador to help with a college festival or at audition days.
- Volunteer with Jazz Camp at the Summer Music Institute.
- Attend high-profile events such as the Jazz Education Network conference to network with future jazz colleagues from around the country.
Jazz studies admissions
Students who want to major (or minor) in music performance at BGSU must audition. First apply to the University and then schedule an audition with the College of Musical Arts. To study jazz music, students schedule a separate audition with jazz studies faculty to demonstrate understanding and facility in the jazz idiom. Acceptance – and continuance – in the jazz studies program is dependent on successful auditions and jury approval each semester thereafter.
Career - what can you do with a jazz studies degree?
BGSU jazz studies graduates find good jobs whether they choose to perform, teach, compose, produce, lead or innovate. The BGSU jazz studies program provides an excellent foundation to prosper in the music industry and beyond.
Falling in love with jazz is easy. Learning and excelling in it, though, takes passion and dedication.
The BGSU jazz studies degree helps talented students channel their ardor for this musical language and world into a bright future full of exciting career possibilities.
BGSU jazz study graduates become sought-after performers – in bands, small combos, festivals, tours and in the studio (radio, advertising, film, gaming, etc.). Some embark on entrepreneurial pursuits, such as launching their own label or production company.
Alumni may also find success in composing, arranging, producing, engineering, directing and scoring. Thanks to their well-rounded education, they can step right into lucrative roles working on diverse and interesting projects that call on their extensive knowledge, technical skills and creativity.
Many shine in classrooms as music teachers, professors and workshop instructors. They also land leadership roles in arts organizations and cultural nonprofits, spearheading program development, fundraising and outreach.
Career paths
- Jazz performer
- Jazz arranger
- Jazz music composer
- Jazz studies educator
- Jazz music producer
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
Motivated students of jazz and improvisation will find the BGSU jazz studies degree program challenging, rewarding and performance-oriented.
The jazz studies curriculum is designed to foster strong educational support and mentoring relationships and continual review of individual music development in small classes, interactive seminars, meetings, advising and performance opportunities.
- Jazz studies majors are expected to perform in jazz lab bands or jazz combos (or both), available via audition.
- Jury examinations in major applied mediums are held at the close of each semester.
- All students must achieve functional keyboard proficiency.
- Presentation of a full recital with equal amounts western art music and jazz is also required, usually senior year.
Graduates with a BGSU jazz studies bachelor’s degree must demonstrate:
- A repertoire of musical skills, knowledge and performance experience
- Independent thought and action in jazz music performance and scholarship
- The ability to make informed judgments about musical compositions and performance
- Proficiency in using technical vocabulary to converse with professionals and instruct novices
- Understanding of musical styles, structures and relationships among multiple traditions and histories across disciplines
- A solid resume of participation in organizations aimed at bolstering music in society and conveying complex professional issues in clear terms to broader audiences
- Knowledge about the traditions, history and styles of music, art and other disciplines
- Introspective listening skills and acceptance of constructive critique
- Application of technical vocabulary – both to communicate with other music professionals and teach novices
Sample courses
- Jazz Chamber and Large Ensembles
- Jazz Composition and Arranging
- Jazz History
- Private Lessons With Distinguished Faculty
The jazz studies program is part of the BGSU College of Musical Arts.
Updated: 10/01/2024 01:08PM