Dec 17, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Jazz Studies (B.M.)


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Matthew Niess, Artist-in-Residence
Armstrong Hall, Room 37, (540) 665-4557, mniess@su.edu

The focus of the Jazz Studies curriculum at Shenandoah University is on the preparation of musicians as performers and arrangers in the broad field of contemporary music, which includes jazz, popular, commercial, classical and studio music. Students are also trained in areas of technology, as well as in jazz teaching techniques, in preparation for a career of evolving opportunities. The philosophy of the Shenandoah University Jazz Studies curriculum is grounded in the belief that 21st century artists will work in a variety of settings, where performing, composing, studio work and teaching are important components of a successful musician’s overall career.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies will be able to:

  • design, develop and complete collaborative projects appropriate to their discipline and career goals;
  • perform, arrange and compose in a variety of contemporary styles emphasizing jazz and other related styles;
  •  integrate knowledge of music theory, musical analysis and historic musical developments into the preparation and performance of repertoire; 
  • demonstrate a knowledge of jazz pedagogy and skill in teaching jazz; and
  • demonstrate entrepreneurial and technological skills required of the contemporary jazz musician.

Course and Credit Requirements


Jazz Applied Emphasis available in Bass (Acoustic and Electric), Guitar, Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Trombone and Trumpet.

1st Year – Fall


Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 16 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 17.5 credits


1st Year – Spring


Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 16 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 17.5 credits


2nd Year – Fall


Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 14.5 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 16 credits


2nd Year – Spring


Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 12.5 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 14 credits


3rd Year – Fall


Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 15.5 credits


Total for Jazz Saxophone Majors: 15.5 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 14 credits


3rd Year – Spring


  • APJ* 303 Applied Jazz Major Credit(s): 3 *
  •  

  • APCL 101 Applied Clarinet Credit(s): 1.5 * (jazz saxophone majors only)
  • or

  • Credit(s): 1.5 * (jazz piano majors only)
  •  

  • MUEN Ensemble Credit(s): 2
  • Credit(s): 3 (Cultural Understanding Region)
  • Credit(s): 1 *
  • MU** Music Elective(s) Credit(s): 2 (may include performance or skill-based instruction) (excludes jazz saxophone majors)
  • Quantitative Literacy Region Elective Credit(s): 3 

Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 15.5 credits


Total for Jazz Saxophone Majors: 13.5 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 14 credits


4th Year – Fall


Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 17 credits


Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 14 credits


4th Year – Spring


Total: 13 credits


Degree Total for Jazz Piano Majors: 120 credits


Degree Total for Jazz Saxophone Majors: 121 credits


Degree Total for All Other Jazz Majors: 120 credits


*Minimum grade of “C” required.


^Piano Proficiency Examination offered.


(ALT) Offered on alternating schedule; consult with advisor.

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