Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Jazz and Commercial Music (B.M.)


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Matthew Niess, Associate Professor of Music
Armstrong Hall, Room 18-C, (540) 665-4557,  mniess@su.edu

The Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music curriculum prepares students for the broad field of contemporary music which includes jazz, commercial, classical and studio music. The program blends the study of performance, entrepreneurism, production and arranging within a collaborative environment. Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that 21st-century artists work in a variety of settings where performance, entrepreneurism and versatility are the components of a successful career. 
 

Program Outcomes

Students completing the Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Commercial Music program will be able to:

  • design, develop and complete collaborative projects appropriate to their discipline and career goals;
  • perform, arrange and/or compose in a variety of contemporary styles including jazz and other related styles; and
  • demonstrate entrepreneurial and technological skills required of the jazz and commercial music artist.
     

Course and Credit Requirements


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

1st Year – Fall


Total: 18 credits


1st Year – Spring


Jazz Ensemble Elective


Select from:

Total: 18 credits


2nd Year – Fall


Jazz Ensemble Elective


Select from:

Total: 18.5 credits


2nd Year – Spring


Jazz Ensemble Elective


Select from:

Total: 18.5 credits


3rd Year – Fall


Jazz Ensemble Elective


Select from:

Total: 18 credits


3rd Year – Spring


Jazz Ensemble Elective


Select from:

Total: 18 credits


J-Terms or Summer Terms


  • Credit(s): 3 (Oral and Communicative Literacies Region)
  • Ethical Reasoning Elective Credit(s): 3
  • ShenEd Elective Credit(s): 3 (select from any sphere)

Total: 9 credits


Summer Term


Total: 2 credits


Degree Total: 120 credits


*Minimum grade of “C” required.

^Piano Proficiency Examination offered.

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

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