Jazz Studies at Pacific
The Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies is designed to give graduates real-life skills for their performance careers. In addition to coursework in improvisation, theory, and applied performance, we require classes in music management and work in a recording studio. Students will learn about the big picture of current industry trends and how to manage their careers as a business. They will also have the flexibility to study independently with any jazz faculty, regardless of instrument, providing a breadth and diversity of musical exposure.
Our Jazz Studies program has been well-represented at festivals and competitions on the west coast, and our students learn from accomplished faculty, guest artists, and clinicians. Improvisation is alive and well at Pacific!
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
Performance Track: Geared toward musicians who want to focus on a career in jazz performance. Students will learn skills preparing them for work in a variety of settings: studios, cruise ships, armed forces ensembles, or leader/sideman in live work. Some students will also choose to further their educations and obtain a graduate degree.
Composition Track: Emphasizes the skills of writing and composing jazz music. There is still a large element of performance education required in this degree, and students are exposed to a range of musical styles from which they can develop their own compositional voices.
Accelerated Three-Year Honors Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies: One of the few three-year degree programs in the country, this program is designed for students with a high level of jazz performance skills enabling them to go directly into higher division courses. Students can complete this degree in three years, usually including one summer session.
Exceptional Jazz Studies majors will be encouraged to audition for the Pacific Jazz Ambassadors Program.
Minor in Jazz Studies
The jazz studies minor is intended for students who have an interest in jazz but want to major in another area. Typically, students pursuing the minor played in their high school jazz ensemble and want to continue their personal musical development and exploration. Comprising 20 units, the jazz studies minor still gives students the opportunity for applied lessons and participation in ensembles.
Pre-College Jazz Studies
The Conservatory of Music Jazz Studies Department is actively engaged in the community. We give our students multiple opportunities to perform in local schools and we invite pre-college jazz musicians to learn and play music with the Conservatory faculty and students during our summer jazz programs:
 |
- Pacific Summer Jazz Colony
(for exceptionally talented jazz musicians in grades 9-12;
previously known as Brubeck Institue Summer Jazz Colony) - Pacific Jazz Camp
(grades 8-12)
Past Jazz Studies Guest Artists
|
Dave Brubeck |
Geoffrey Keezer |
Jazz Studies Faculty
Patrick Langham
Program Director of Jazz Studies
Randy Sandoli
Lecturer and Assistant Director in Jazz Studies
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Composition, 4-Year Grid
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, Performance, 4-Year Grid