Overview

The Bachelor of Music, Performance Concentration, Jazz Studies Option is a professional degree program that offers instrumental students a balanced course of study in performance and academic classes to help them develop their skills as jazz artists and educators. Jazz Studies students can study jazz history, theory, improvisation, pedagogy, and composition and arranging, in addition to taking private lessons with traditional applied faculty and jazz specialists. 

The degree 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. Jazz Studies is designed to prepare students to perform jazz at a high level in public performance and 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. The ensembles and combos expose students to classic and contemporary jazz literature and styles and emphasize quality performance and education. 

The B.M., Performance Concentration, Jazz Studies Option and a music minor are available to undergraduate jazz students who play the following instruments:  

• Saxophone 
• Trumpet 
• Trombone 
• Percussion 
• Piano 
• Double Bass 
• Guitar 

 While CSU Music does not offer a graduate jazz degree, a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for the Jazz Area is offered and includes a stipend. The jazz GTA position is awarded to a graduate student with jazz experience and is usually a 2-year appointment. The GTA duties include directing one or two combos, serving as the jazz librarian, and general assistance with Jazz Area operations, working with Wil Swindler, director of Jazz Bands. CSU graduate students are welcome to audition for jazz ensembles and combos and take lessons with jazz faculty. Contact Wil Swindler for jazz GTA position details. 

Auditions for the jazz ensembles are open to all CSU students. Ensemble audition excerpts and instructions are available at music.colostate.edu/auditions.