Please refer to the main Bachelor of Music, Music Performance Concentration page for the performance concentration overview.
Jazz Studies Option
The Jazz Studies Option is a professional degree program that offers instrumental students a balanced course of study in both performance and academic classes to help them develop their skills as jazz artists and educators. Students in the degree program have the opportunity to study jazz history, theory, improvisation, pedagogy and composition and arranging, in addition to taking private lessons with both traditional applied faculty and jazz specialists.
The Bachelor of Music in Performance, Jazz Studies Option is intended to give the student the necessary skills to pursue a career in performing jazz and other popular styles while also learning the core performance skills and musicological knowledge of a traditional Bachelor of Music in Performance degree. The degree is designed to prepare students to perform jazz at a high level in public performance and/or continue graduate work in jazz and other genres.
Ensembles in the Jazz Studies area consist of two large jazz ensembles and two smaller jazz combos. Both the ensembles and combos expose students to classic and contemporary jazz literature and styles with an emphasis on quality performance and education.
Program-level Learning Objectives
- Ability to perform music from a variety of historical/ style periods and exhibit the appropriate skills for musical self-expression in juried performances. These skills include technique, musicianship, tone, diction/articulation, style, interpretation, sight-reading, rhythm, improvisation, and artistry.
- Keyboard skills.
- The capacity to create original or derivative music in the jazz idiom as an improviser and composer/arranger
- Understanding of the common elements and organizational patterns of music, including musical forms, processes, and structures.
- Knowledge of music history and repertory, including representative composers and works according to the area of specialization, as well as study and experiences with music in addition to that of the primary culture encompassing the area of specialization.
- Students are also expected to learn music literature from all periods through aural and score analysis. Performance skills are tested at the end of the sophomore year and in a graduation recital if required by the degree option. Some programs require the satisfactory completion of supervised student teaching, an internship, or a senior project.
Music Audition
In addition to applying to CSU through the Office of Admissions, a successful audition with CSU Music faculty is required for entrance into the B.M., Performance Concentration, Jazz Studies Option. Please visit the music website for Music Audition Information.
- Jazz Studies is currently available to students who play the following instruments only: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, percussion, and double bass.
- Auditions for the jazz ensembles are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at Music Audition Information.
Music Program Fee
A music program fee is assessed with undergraduate and graduate music majors and minors, per semester. The fee does not apply to the following students: online degree students, summers-only master's degree students, music therapy students in an internship off-campus, music education students who are student teaching off-campus, and music minors who are not actively enrolled in any lessons or ensembles. Please visit the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for special course fees.
Effective Fall 2022
A minimum grade of C is required in all music courses used to satisfy the requirements of the BM in Music, Performance Concentration, Jazz Studies Option.
Freshman | |||
---|---|---|---|
AUCC | Credits | ||
CO 150 | College Composition (GT-CO2) | 1A | 3 |
MU 117 | Music Theory I | 3 | |
MU 118 | Music Theory II | 3 | |
MU 127 | Aural Skills I | 1 | |
MU 128 | Aural Skills II | 1 | |
MU 131 | Introduction to Music History and Literature (GT-AH1) | 3B | 3 |
MU 1501 | Piano Class I | 1 | |
Select two semesters from the following: | 2 | ||
Concert Band | |||
Symphonic Band | |||
Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |||
Select two semesters from the following: | 2 | ||
Jazz Ensemble | |||
Jazz Combo | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction (select two semesters from the following in your major instrument): | 2 | ||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Piano | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: String Bass | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Trombone | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Trumpet | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Percussion | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Saxophone | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Guitar | |||
Applied Music Instruction – Lower-Division (see list below – select two semesters in your major instrument) | 2 | ||
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 1C | 3 | |
Quantitative Reasoning | 1B | 3 | |
Total Credits | 29 | ||
Sophomore | |||
MU 154 | Jazz Piano Class | 1 | |
MU 217 | Music Theory III | 3 | |
MU 218 | Music Theory IV | 3 | |
MU 225 | Jazz Theory | 2 | |
MU 227 | Aural Skills III | 1 | |
MU 228 | Aural Skills IV | 1 | |
Select two semesters from the following: | 2 | ||
Concert Band | |||
Symphonic Band | |||
Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |||
Select two semesters from the following: | 2 | ||
Jazz Ensemble | |||
Jazz Combo | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction (select two semesters from the following in your major instrument): | 2 | ||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Piano | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: String Bass | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Trombone | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Trumpet | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Percussion | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Saxophone | |||
Applied Jazz Instruction: Guitar | |||
Applied Music Instruction – Lower-Division (see list below – select two semesters in your major instrument) | 2 | ||
Advanced Writing | 2 | 3 | |
Biological and Physical Sciences | 3A | 3 | |
Historical Perspectives | 3D | 3 | |
Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3C | 3 | |
Total Credits | 31 | ||
Junior | |||
MU 320 | Jazz Improvisation | 1 | |
MU 325 | Jazz Composition/Arranging | 2 | |
MU 471 | Recital | 4C | 1 |
MU 474 | Applied Jazz Instruction | 6 | |
Choose one course from the following: | 2-3 | ||
Arranging and Orchestration | |||
Counterpoint | |||
Advanced Orchestration | |||
Tonal Analytic Techniques | |||
Post-Tonal Analytic Techniques | |||
Select two semesters from the following: | 2 | ||
Jazz Ensemble | |||
Jazz Combo | |||
Upper-Division Music History 4A/4B (See list below) | 4A,4B | 3 | |
MU *** Music Electives2 | 7 | ||
Arts and Humanities | 3B | 3 | |
Elective | 2-3 | ||
Total Credits | 30 | ||
Senior | |||
MU 332 | History of Jazz | 4A,4B | 3 |
MU 415 | Advanced Jazz Techniques | 2 | |
MU 425 | Jazz Pedagogy | 2 | |
MU 471 | Recital | 4C | 1 |
MU 474 | Applied Jazz Instruction | 6 | |
Select two semesters from the following: | 2 | ||
Jazz Ensemble | |||
Jazz Combo | |||
Biological and Physical Sciences | 3A | 4 | |
Electives3 | 8 | ||
Music Electives | 2 | ||
Total Credits | 30 | ||
Program Total Credits: | 120 |
Applied Music Instruction - Lower-Division
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
MU 272A | Applied Music Instruction: Euphonium | 1-2 |
MU 272B | Applied Music Instruction: French Horn | 1-2 |
MU 272C | Applied Music Instruction: Trombone | 1-2 |
MU 272D | Applied Music Instruction: Trumpet | 1-2 |
MU 272E | Applied Music Instruction: Tuba | 1-2 |
MU 272G | Applied Music Instruction: Harpsichord | 1-2 |
MU 272H | Applied Music Instruction: Organ | 1-2 |
MU 272I | Applied Music Instruction: Piano | 1-2 |
MU 272J | Applied Music Instruction: Percussion | 1-2 |
MU 272K | Applied Music Instruction: Guitar | 1-2 |
MU 272L | Applied Music Instruction: Harp | 1-2 |
MU 272M | Applied Music Instruction: String Bass | 1-2 |
MU 272N | Applied Music Instruction: Viola | 1-2 |
MU 272O | Applied Music Instruction: Violin | 1-2 |
MU 272P | Applied Music Instruction: Violoncello | 1-2 |
MU 272Q | Applied Music Instruction: Voice | 1-2 |
MU 272R | Applied Music Instruction: Bassoon | 1-2 |
MU 272S | Applied Music Instruction: Clarinet | 1-2 |
MU 272T | Applied Music Instruction: Flute | 1-2 |
MU 272U | Applied Music Instruction: Oboe | 1-2 |
MU 272V | Applied Music Instruction: Saxophone (Alto) | 1-2 |
Upper-Division Music History 4A/4B Courses
Code | Title | AUCC | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
MU 334 | Perspectives in Early Music History | 4A,4B | 3 |
MU 335 | Music of the Common Practice Era | 4A,4B | 3 |
MU 430 | 20th and 21st Century Music | 4A,4B | 3 |
MU 431 | American Music | 4A,4B | 3 |
- 1
B.M. Majors with prior keyboard experience may test out of MU 150 and use the credit toward electives
- 2
Students are encouraged to take at least 3 music electives in upper-division music history or theory courses.
- 3
Select enough elective credits to bring program total to 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).
Freshman | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 117 | Music Theory I | X | 3 | ||
MU 127 | Aural Skills I | X | 1 | ||
MU 131 | Introduction to Music History and Literature (GT-AH1) | X | 3B | 3 | |
MU 150 | Piano Class I | 1 | |||
Select one from the following: | 1 | ||||
Concert Band | |||||
Symphonic Band | |||||
Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |||||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
MU 272* Applied Music Instruction Lower-Division (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
MU 274* Applied Jazz Instruction (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | X | 1C | 3 | ||
Total Credits | 15 | ||||
Semester 2 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
CO 150 | College Composition (GT-CO2) | X | 1A | 3 | |
MU 118 | Music Theory II | X | 3 | ||
MU 128 | Aural Skills II | X | 1 | ||
Select one from the following: | 1 | ||||
Concert Band | |||||
Symphonic Band | |||||
Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |||||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
MU 272* Applied Music Instruction Lower-Division (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
MU 274* Applied Jazz Instruction (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
Quantitative Reasoning | X | 1B | 3 | ||
MU 150 must be completed by the end of Semester 2. | X | ||||
Total Credits | 14 | ||||
Sophomore | |||||
Semester 3 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 217 | Music Theory III | X | 3 | ||
MU 225 | Jazz Theory | X | 2 | ||
MU 227 | Aural Skills III | X | 1 | ||
Select one from the following: | 1 | ||||
Concert Band | |||||
Symphonic Band | |||||
Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |||||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
MU 272* Applied Music Instruction Lower-Division (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
MU 274* Applied Jazz Instruction (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
Advanced Writing | 2 | 3 | |||
Historical Perspectives | 3D | 3 | |||
Total Credits | 16 | ||||
Semester 4 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 154 | Jazz Piano Class | X | 1 | ||
MU 218 | Music Theory IV | X | 3 | ||
MU 228 | Aural Skills IV | X | 1 | ||
Select one from the following: | 1 | ||||
Concert Band | |||||
Symphonic Band | |||||
Symphonic Wind Ensemble | |||||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
MU 272* Applied Music Instruction Lower-Division (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
MU 274* Applied Jazz Instruction (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 1 | |||
Biological and Physical Sciences | 3A | 3 | |||
Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3C | 3 | |||
Total Credits | 15 | ||||
Junior | |||||
Semester 5 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 320 | Jazz Improvisation | 1 | |||
MU 474 | Applied Jazz Instruction | X | 3 | ||
Choose one course from the following: | X | 2-3 | |||
Arranging and Orchestration | |||||
Counterpoint | |||||
Advanced Orchestration | |||||
Tonal Analytic Techniques | |||||
Post-Tonal Analytic Techniques | |||||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
Arts and Humanities | 3B | 3 | |||
Music Elective | 3 | ||||
Elective | 2-3 | ||||
Total Credits | 16 | ||||
Semester 6 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 325 | Jazz Composition/Arranging | X | 2 | ||
MU 471 | Recital | X | 4C | 1 | |
MU 474 | Applied Jazz Instruction | X | 3 | ||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
Upper-Division Music History 4A/4B (See list on Concentration Requirements Tab) | X | 4A,4B | 3 | ||
Music Electives | 4 | ||||
Total Credits | 14 | ||||
Senior | |||||
Semester 7 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 332 | History of Jazz | X | 4A,4B | 3 | |
MU 474 | Applied Jazz Instruction | X | 3 | ||
Select one of the following: | 1 | ||||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
Electives | 8 | ||||
Total Credits | 15 | ||||
Semester 8 | Critical | Recommended | AUCC | Credits | |
MU 415 | Advanced Jazz Techniques | X | 2 | ||
MU 425 | Jazz Pedagogy | X | 2 | ||
MU 471 | Recital | X | 4C | 1 | |
MU 474 | Applied Jazz Instruction | X | 3 | ||
Select one of the following: | X | 1 | |||
Jazz Ensemble | |||||
Jazz Combo | |||||
Biological and Physical Sciences | X | 3A | 4 | ||
Elective | X | 2 | |||
The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study. | X | ||||
Total Credits | 15 | ||||
Program Total Credits: | 120 |