Jazz Studies at Western Illinois University includes experiences in Big Band and Jazz Chamber performance as well as coursework designed to help students develop a professional level of jazz artistry. Our ensemble program includes two large jazz orchestras and currently four chamber groups. These ensembles perform more than fifty concerts and appearances per semester.
Our Jazz Chamber groups play in local venues weekly on multiple nights.
Along with their study with artist faculty, our students are exposed to the our nation's elite jazz educators in clinics and workshops, and perform with many of these guest artists on concerts and tours. Recent guest artists
include: Jon Faddis; Eddie Gomez; Stefan Karlsson; Harold Danko; Ed Soph; Gunnar Mossblad; The Manhattan Transfer; Jim McNeely; Chris Collins; Jack Grassel; Jill Jensen; Jim Ferguson; Jim White; and Brian Coyle.
Our curriculum includes courses in Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Arranging and Composition, Jazz Fundamentals, Jazz Piano, Jazz History, and Jazz Pedagogy.
Graduate assistantships are available.
For additional information please contact Dr. John Cooper, Director of Jazz Studies via email at JB-Cooper@wiu.edu.
