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Students playing in jazz ensemble

Jazz Studies - Minor

The Jazz Studies minor promotes the development of fundamental skills in jazz. The minor provides instruction in performance, composition and arranging.

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Jazz Studies - Minor

The Jazz Studies minor can be paired with any undergraduate major at Kent State, including other programs offered by the Glauser School of Music. 

Program Information for Jazz Studies - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Learn a fundamental process of how to practice jazz improvisation through the concepts of ear training, technique, theory and style.
  2. Learn the various stylistic vernaculars of jazz improvisation.
  3. Know the traditions and history of jazz through research and analyzing and comparing transcriptions.
  4. Learn a fundamental process of how to create a personal style and voice as a performing jazz musician.
  5. Foster a specific set of skills relevant to today’s jazz musician by applying all these concepts in large jazz ensembles and jazz combos.
Admissions for Jazz Studies - Minor

Admission Requirements

Admission to this minor is selective. To declare the Jazz Studies minor, students must audition to music faculty in voice or on an instrument.

Coursework
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Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements (min C grade required in all courses)
MUS 16001APPLIED MUSIC JAZZ (taken for two semesters) 12
MUS 17013FUNDAMENTALS OF JAZZ PIANO 1
MUS 41341JAZZ IMPROVISATION I 1
MUS 41342JAZZ COMPOSING AND ARRANGING 22
or MUS 48598 MUSIC RESEARCH (ELR)
MUS 41351JAZZ IMPROVISATION II 1
MUS 42162JAZZ STYLES AND ANALYSIS 3
MUS 45231JAZZ ENSEMBLE (taken for four semesters)4
MUS 45312JAZZ COMBO DEVELOPMENT (taken for two semesters)2
Minimum Total Credit Hours:16
1

A half-jazz recital or approved equivalent is required to complete the minor. Registration in MUS 16001 is required during the jazz recital semester.

2

Advanced pianists may replace MUS 41342 with MUS 48598.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.250 2.000
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Jazz Program Features

Through the Jazz Curriculum and Ensemble Performances, students:

  • Are provided the opportunity to improve individual musicianship.
  • Create a personal voice.
  • Learn from and be inspired by the rich history and understand the evolutionary process and modern trends of jazz.
  • Become musical leaders and positive contributors to the Kent State University experience.

An Active Performance Life

  • The Kent State University Jazz Studies Program offers numerous performance opportunities to students including the Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Workshop Ensemble, combos, and two full vocal jazz ensembles.
  • Performances are held in various venues on campus, with several opportunities to play at venues throughout Northeast Ohio.
  • Off-campus performances regularly take place at Nighttown and Blu Jazz, high school jazz festivals, The Tri-C and Lakeland Jazz Festivals and Elmhurst College Jazz Festival.
  • The Jazz Studies Program also regularly collaborates with the Kent State Stark Campus to produce recordings.
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