JAZZ
Jazz Studies at Western Illinois University is a comprehensive degree option at the undergraduate level and as a minor as well. Graduate options include both performance and composition. Our students who graduate have been accepted into some of the most elite jazz programs in the country, doctoral programs, after finishing an MM in Jazz, and some are teaching at the university level. The program is highly visible and our students perform approximately 50 performances per semester. The jazz area produces and participates in three festivals annually and brings many internationally renowned guest artists each year to work with our talented students. Recent guests have included Jim McNeely, Duffy Jackson, Rob Parton, Jon Faddis, Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram, Chris Vadala, Rick Simerly, Gunnar Mossblad, Chris Collins, Bob Mintzer, John Clayton, Jeff Halsey, The Eddie Gomez Trio, The Jeff Hamilton Trio, The Harold Danko Trio, John Fedchock, Matt Wilson, Tom Garling, Johnny Trudell, Jack Grassel, Jill Jensen, and Brian Coyle.
Curriculum
UNDERGRADUATE
Our undergraduate BM curriculum is a diverse program of study that focuses in three areas. School of Music Requirements, General Education Studies (Liberal Studies), and specific jazz courses. In the jazz area we offer courses in Jazz Fundamentals, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Arranging and Composition, Jazz Pedagogy, Jazz History, and Jazz Piano. Students can also study Applied Jazz on their instrument, and can participate in both large and small jazz ensembles. Students must also complete a 1/2 junior recital and full senior recital.
GRADUATE
The graduate program in Jazz Studies includes options in both performance and composition. The program consists of a set of core courses in music research, theory, and history, applied study in the area of focus with one of our artist faculty, large and small ensemble experience, and other specialized course offerings. The degree plan is highly adaptable and is tailored to student's long-term goals and needs.
APPLY
To apply, contact our School of Music Coordinator of Admissions, Trista Trone, who will help with all of the application process, scholarship advice, and other logistical concerns regarding your audition.
Spotlight On
Jazz Festival Entry
Jazz Series 2016-17
September:
4 - JSO Colchester Labor Day Celebration
9 - JSO Balloon Rally 3:30 Call 5:30-6:30 Vince Grady
16 - School of Music Collage Concert
23 – Al Sears with guest artist Bob Havens
October:
5 - Hopper Jazztet 7:30pm COFAC
12 - All Jazz Showcase 7:30pm COFAC
November:
9 - Jazz Band Concert 7:30pm COFAC
14- 16 JSO Tour with Joatan Nascimento
17 - JSO Tour Concert 7:30pm COFAC
December:
February:
16 - 18 Jazz Festival with saxophonist Chris Vadala
March:
1 - Hopper Jazztet COFAC Recital Hall
9-12 Crescent City Jazz Festival JSO in New Orleans
April:
19 - JSO Concert 7:30pm COFAC
23 - WIU Guitar Enslemble
26 - Jazz Band Concert 7:30pm COFA
WIU Combo every Thursday at the Sports Corner 7-9 and Sunday morning 10-Noon at HyVee
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