School of Music

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The Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies prepares the student with a broad based music preparation and specialized course work leading to graduate studies in jazz or a career in jazz-related performing, arranging, or studio teaching. The Jazz Studies program trains students interested in jazz and jazz-related styles. High performance standards, stylistic breadth, improvisation, and professionalism are emphasized in a clean, faith-promoting atmosphere. Jazz Studies courses, which are not restricted to this major, include instrumental and vocal ensembles, combos, combo master class, jazz improvisation (instrumental and vocal), jazz pedagogy, jazz history, jazz arranging, and jazz literature. The scope of study extends to such jazz-related styles as Latin and contemporary popular music. Jazz Studies majors must meet all music admission requirements, including a performance audition.

Admission to the Program

All students admitted into the BYU School of Music are listed as General Music majors during their first year of study and are permitted to declare their desired academic major only at the end of their second semester. Before becoming Jazz Studies majors, students are required to audition for the School of Music. Once a student has been admitted as a music major, he or she must complete all prerequisites for this degree program. Prerequisites include passing the first-year music theory courses, a successful second-semester performance jury, and an appropriate level of performance in jazz ensembles.

Students having a strong desire to enter this degree program who have not been accepted into the School of Music based on the entrance audition should consider additional private study on their major instrument (Music 160R), performing in an ensemble, and taking General Education courses.

Admission Application & Audition Dates, Fall Semester 2012

Click here to apply.

Questions? E-mail us at music@byu.edu or call the School of Music at 801-422-8903.

Audition Requirements

Scales—major, minor, modal, and jazz scales

Pianists:	Four Octave Scales: all major and harmonic minor scales, hands together, four octaves up and down, in sixteenth notes at a minimum tempo of = 132 m.m.
Other Instrumentalists:	Two Octaves or throughout the range of the instrument

Prepared Pieces—Please use an Aebersold Play-along for accompaniment where applicable

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The seven jazz organizations at BYU give interested students a challenging and rewarding opportunity to participate in a jazz ensemble that exposes them to all facets of jazz literature. Both music majors and non-music majors are encouraged to audition. In addition to concert appearances, the ensembles perform for a variety of university functions.

Synthesis
This award winning band gives advanced instrumentalists the opportunity to experience playing under near-professional conditions. This internationally recognized big band features a blend of jazz, rock, blues, Latin, and fusion styles, with emphasis on improvisation and sight-reading. Performances are frequent and include concerts, jazz festivals, and recording sessions. Synthesis tours internationally and has appeared at most major national and international festivals.
Audition required.

Jazz Ensemble
This talented band offers a high-caliber musical experience with jazz, rock, Latin, and fusion styles and provides opportunities for growth in improvisation. This group performs frequently on campus and has won recognition at Jazz Festivals.
Audition required.

Jazz Legacy Dixieland Band
This traditional Dixieland-style showcase ensemble has performed throughout the United States at festivals and conferences. Competition is keen and the rewards are exceptional!
Audition Required.

Jazz Lab Band
The Jazz Lab Band is a big band similar to the Jazz Ensemble and Synthesis. It emphasizes training in jazz styles, especially swing, and performs occasionally on campus.
Audition required.

Jazz Combos
Each semester several jazz combos are formed. Each combo includes a rhythm section and two or three wind players and/or vocalists. These intimate ensembles provide intensive experience in improvisation and perform frequently. Being involved with the combos is also part of the weekly combo master class.
Audition required.

Jazz Voices
Jazz Voices is a group of 16 jazz singers with an added rhythm section. The ensemble features typical jazz close harmony. Individual members learn to improvise in the styles and idioms of mainstream jazz. Jazz Voices has been featured at international conventions and jazz festivals. They perform on campus and at regional performances.
Audition required.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble
The Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a group of 24 singers with an added rhythm section. It is a great ensemble for talented students who are interested in exploring the vocal jazz idiom. This ensemble performs each semester on campus.
Audition required.

Audition Process

Dates: Auditions for all ensembles occur during the first week of each semester.

How to Sign-up: Instructions will be posted on bulletin boards around the School of Music.

What to play: A prepared piece of music will be provided before the auditions. Auditions will include prepared piece, sight reading, scales, and improvisation.