Program Overview

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Jazz & Commercial Music

Three-Year Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Jazz & Commercial Music

The newly crafted three-year, 120-credit Bachelor of Music in Jazz & Commercial Music offers an accelerated plan focused on performance and entrepreneurship preparing artists for today’s music world. Students can also spend the traditional four years to complete the degree and consider adding certificates or minors outside of the conservatory.

The focus of the Shenandoah Conservatory B.M. in Jazz & Commercial Music program is grounded in the belief that modern artists work in a variety of settings, where performing, composing, studio work, teaching and entrepreneurship are important components of a successful career. Students receive training in the broad field of contemporary music which includes jazz, commercial, classical and studio music.

Career Possibilities & Preparation

Graduates in Jazz & Commercial Music depart with a comprehensive ePortfolio, including a press kit, website, video and audio of performances, scores of original jazz pieces, transcriptions, and samples of writing.

Our program will prepare you to perform as the leader of your own group, and you will also know how to manage the group and develop public relations materials. You’ll have the foundation of knowledge and experience necessary to perform in jazz and contemporary ensembles, work as a studio musician, provide private instruction, lead ensembles, and teach other jazz course work, including as an adjunct faculty member at a college or university.

Classes

The student-faculty ratio at Shenandoah University is 10:1, and the university has 70.7% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.

You Will Learn:

• Improvisational skills
• Composition and arranging for jazz ensembles of various sizes
• Concentrated study of jazz repertoire and jazz history
• Jazz theory studies

Performance Opportunities & Ensembles

Shenandoah Conservatory produces more than 300 performances each year. Enroll in a dynamic curriculum and start preparing for a meaningful career in the arts. You will practice your craft in front of audiences and develop a plan for your professional launch into the industry that focuses on your personal desires and aspirations.

Embrace extensive performance opportunities with top-tier facilities from theatres, concert halls and dance studios. Unite with fellow artists and join an alumni family that takes center stage from Broadway to the concert halls of Europe.

Acceptable Instruments for This Program

Not all majors are suitable to fit every instrument. Below are the acceptable instruments for this program.

• Double Bass (jazz)
• Electric Bass (jazz)
• Electric Guitar (jazz)
• Percussion (jazz)
• Piano (jazz)
• Saxophone (jazz)
• Trombone (jazz)
• Trumpet (jazz)

Study Abroad

Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks, you will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.

Application & Audition Information

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admissions materials, and find our admissions standards.

Fast-Track to Arts Management

Accelerated PALM Program

The Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management is designed to provide future performing arts executives and artistic leaders with the industry skills required in the 21st century.

The accelerated program in Performing Arts Leadership and Management is available for current Shenandoah Conservatory undergraduates who, upon completion of their undergraduate degree, wish to obtain a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management in just one year. Students who are accepted into the accelerated program will begin to take arts leadership and management courses during their undergraduate studies and register for internship during the summer between senior year and their final year of graduate study.

Related Programs

Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors, graduate degrees, minors, and certificates.

These minors complement this program well:

• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship

You may want to think about enhancing your degree with these certificates that pair well with this program:

• Church Music
• Songwriting

Most students in this program choose to continue their education by earning a graduate degree:

• Performing Arts Leadership & Management