MU Jazz Performance Studies

The MU Concert Jazz Band was named "Outstanding Band" at the 2009 Elmhurst College Jazz Festival - only 5 out of 26 big bands received ths award. Elmhurst is the second oldest collegiate jazz festival in the country - this was its 42nd year.

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, January 20 & 21, 2009 - please scroll down for more audition information. The music theory entrance exam will take place on Thursday, January 22, at 7:00 PM in Loeb 112. All students applying for the minor or certificate MUST take the exam, including returning MU jazz students.

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

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.

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 complete the following for a total of 12 credits:

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

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.