MU Jazz Performance Studies

Beginning in fall semester 2008, MU will offer a Minor in Jazz Studies for non-music majors, and a Certificate in Jazz Studies for music majors. This is the first time that the University of Missouri-Columbia will offer an officially recognized core of jazz courses. Entrance to the program is via audition/music theory exam. Auditions for the program will occur concurrently with ensemble auditions during the first two days of classes, August 25 & 26 - please scroll down for more audition information. The music theory entrance exam will take place on Wednesday, August 27, at 7:00 PM in Loeb 112. All students applying for the minor or certificate MUST take the exam, including returning MU jazz students.

Both programs include the following core courses (all require instructor's consent - a satisfactory theory exam may substitute for prerequisites listed in course catalog):

MUS 4645 (2 credits) - Jazz Improvisation - Creation of a melodic vocabulary for jazz improvisation through study and application of jazz chord-scale theory, solo transcription, and careful listening to the vanguard of jazz. Only offered during spring semester.

MUS 4210 (2 credits) - Jazz Harmony and Arranging I - Study of basic melodic and harmonic materials commonly used in jazz. Application through arranging projects for small jazz groups. Only offered during fall semester.

MUS 4211 (2 credits) - Jazz Harmony and Arranging II - Study of advanced harmonic and melodic materials commonly used in jazz. Application through arranging projects for small and large jazz groups. Only offered during spring semester - ideally in sequence with 4210.

MUS 1620 (1 credit) - Jazz Piano Class - Beginning piano technique and study of common jazz piano voicings for accompaniment and solo performance.

Students pursuing the minor in jazz studies (non-music majors) must also complete the following for a total of 15 credits:

MUS 1311 (3 credits) - Jazz, Pop, & Rock - Historical introduction to jazz (to approximately 1970) and the American popular song, including rock and roll (to approximately 1980); directed to non-majors.

MUS 1841/1846 (2 credits) - Jazz Ensembles

3 additional credits of Jazz Ensembles OR Studio Instruction (MUS 1445/2445) on your major instrument or voice.

Students pursuing the certificate in jazz studies (music majors or music education majors) must also complete the following for a total of 12 credits:

MUS 4317 (3 credits) - Jazz & Popular Music - Historical survey of works from the realm of American jazz and popular music. Prerequisite: MUSIC 2308 and instructor's consent.

MUS 1841/1846 (2 credits) - Jazz Ensembles

Please contact Doug Leibinger for more information.

All MU students are welcome to participate in jazz ensembles, regardless of instrument or major. Auditions for fall semester 2008 will occur during the first two days of classes, Monday and Tuesday, August 25 & 26. Sign-up sheets will be posted in Loeb Hall, 2nd floor near the elevator, a week beforehand. The audition will consist of a short prepared piece, sightreading, and optional improvisation - bring your favorite play-along CD if you have one.

You may download pdf versions of the prepared pieces below - THE PIECES BELOW ARE FROM LAST SEMESTER - AUDITION MUSIC FOR THIS FALL WILL BE POSTED ON AUGUST 18. Saxophonists should bring a flute and clarinet to the audition if you own them. Note that there are seperate files for the three saxes, as well as bass trombone and vibes. Guitarists and bass guitarists - make sure you bring your own cord.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Friday, November 14, 2008

Last February, the MU Concert Jazz Band and the MU Latin Jazz Ensemble traveled to the Chicago area to perform at the 41st Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. Aside from outstanding performances, our students attended concerts by the MINGUS BIG BAND and THE CLAYTON-HAMILTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA, as well as a performance by guest adjudicators GARY SMULYAN, JIGGS WHIGHAM, AND DENNIS MACKREL. THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE PERFORMANCE! Two of our students won two awards each for their performances in both groups:

The MU Concert Jazz Band traveled to Addison, Texas over spring break to perform at the prestigious North Texas Jazz Festival. The band was selected by audition. THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE PERFORMANCE! Congratulations to our two students who won awards:

MU Concert Jazz Band performs with Ron Miles at the 21st Annual MU Jazz Festival

On February 10, 2007, the MUCJB performed with jazz trumpeter/composer Ron Miles at the 20th Annual MU Jazz Festival, putting a great cap on the day's events. The 22nd Annual MU Jazz Festival will occur on February 9, 2008.

Click here for more info

Read about it in the Columbia Tribune

Read about it in the Columbia Missourian

Read about it in the Maneater

Read about it in the CAFNR Corner Post

Jazz composer/conductor Maria Schneider and her orchestra visited the University of Missouri-Columbia for a three-day educational residency last spring. The residency was made possible through the "We Always Swing" Jazz Series, MU School of Music, MU Business School, MU Jazz Society, MU Percussion Society, and several other organizations. Ms. Schneider presented two lectures, and then joined the members of her orchestra for an open rehearsal and series of clinics with MU Jazz Ensemble I. Our students had the chance to work very closely with the orchestra members - it was an experience we won't soon forget!!! Please see our photo gallery for some great shots!

MU Jazz Ensemble I performs with John Fedchock at the 20th Annual MU Jazz Festival

On February 11, 2006, the MU Jazz Ensemble I performed with jazz trombonist John Fedchock at the 20th Annual MU Jazz Festival, putting a great cap on the day's events. The 21st Annual MU Jazz Festival will occur on February 10, 2007.