JAZZ
The Jazz Studies program at Western Illinois University offers a dynamic degree path that combines academic study and a robust core curriculum with the flexibility of one-on-one instruction and numerous performance opportunities. Our four-year program is designed to give the student the tools to forge a career in music in the 21st century as well fostering the personal development necessary for successfully navigating and ultimately finding their place in the world. Many of our students have gone on to attend some of the most elite jazz programs in the country and pursue careers in performance, education, or both. Each year the jazz area brings in internationally renowned guest artists to work with our students. Recent guests have included Jim McNeely, John Faddis, Bobby Shew, Bob Mintzer, John Clayton, John Fedchock, Derrick Gardner, Leroy Jones, Ashlin Parker, Andy Martin, the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and Matt Wilson.
Curriculum
UNDERGRADUATE
In addition to the School of Music and General Education requirements , our undergraduate BM curriculum offers courses in jazz fundamentals, improvisation, composition and arranging, jazz pedagogy, jazz history, and jazz piano. Electives can be chosen from jazz area offerings as well as the upper level music theory, history and musicology courses. Students will also study privately with members of our jazz faculty and participate in both large and small jazz ensembles. Students must also complete a ½ junior recital and full senior recital.
GRADUATE
Our graduate program in Jazz Studies is easily adaptable to individual student’s long-term goals and needs. Graduate students focus on either performance or composition and have many opportunities to perform or write for both small and large jazz ensembles. The program consists of a set of core courses in music research, theory, and history in addition to applied study in the student's area of focus.
To apply, please visit School of Music
Spotlight On
Jazz Festival Entry
Jazz Series 2022-23
August:
27- George Turner Quartet Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
31 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 to 9:00 PM, American Legion -
September:
4 - JSO Colchester Labor Day Celebration
9 - JSO Balloon Rally, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
15 - Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
16 - School of Music Scholarship Concert 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
22 -Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
23 - JSO with Guest Artists from the WIU Jazz Faculty 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
24 - George Turner Quartet Wine Sellers, 5:30-7:30
26-Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
28 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 - 9:00 PM, American Legion
29 - Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
October:
5 - Hopper Jazztet 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
6 - Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
12- Jazz Showcase 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
13 - Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
14 - Western Illinois Museum Live Jazz on our Front Porch jazz trumpeter Tito Carrillo, 4:30-7:30 PM
20 - Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
23 - Masterclass with jazz trombonist Tim Coffman COFAC
recital hall, 3:30
26 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 - 9:00 PM, American Legion
27 - Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
November:
3- Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
10-Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
11 - Western Illinois Musuem Live Jazz on our Front Porch jazz saxophonist Dr. Alex Graham 4:30-7:30 PM
14 - 16 JSO Tour with special guest TBA
16 - JSO with special guest TBA 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
17-Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
26 - George Turner Quartet Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
December:
1- Combo Performance Wine Sellers 5:30-7:30
2 - Jazz Band Concert 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
January:
25 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 to 9:00 PM, American Legion
February:
17 - 18 Jazz Festival with jazz trumpeter Dr. Alex Norris COFAC Recital Hall
22 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 to 9:00 PM, American Legion
March:
2 - Hopper Jazztet COFAC Recital Hall, 7:30 PM
10 - Western Illinois Live Jazz on our Front Porch saxophonist Dr. Chris Madsen, 4:30-7:30 PM
25 - Jazz Combo Concert 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
29 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 to 9:00 PM, American Legion
April:
14-Western Illinois Museum Live Jazz on our Front Porch trombonist and composer Wayne Coniglio, 4:30-7:30 PM
19 - JSO Concert 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
29 - Jazz Band Concert 7:30 PM, COFAC Recital Hall
26 - Post 6 Big Band 7:00 to 9:00 PM, American Legion
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