Program Overview

Performance: Jazz Studies Emphasis

Overview

Deepen your understanding of one of America's greatest music traditions and gain a level of knowledge that will carry over to your professional music practice. When students join the Bachelor of Music in Performance program with an emphasis in Jazz Studies, they learn from an internationally renowned faculty whose members enjoy accolades in both the performance and academic spheres. Coursework at the Fred Fox School of Music aims to teach students how to achieve high-quality musical expression in performance and teaching, and to understand selected music with regard to style and form, including the ability to discuss the historical relevance and placement of a piece. Students enjoy access to the school's multi-track recording studio an ideal opportunity to build recording skills and cultivate a professional portfolio.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• MUS 231: Jazz History
• MUS 321A: Jazz Improvisations
• MUS 341: Jazz Composition

Career Fields

• Education
• Instrument repair
• Performance
• Recording
• Tour management

Level of Math

• General Knowledge

This strand involves the general understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems in everyday life. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any further work grounded in mathematics and assumes the student will not proceed beyond the basic Foundations level noted above. Thus only those students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics should take this strand.

Level of Second Language

• 2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Fine Arts

Degree

• Bachelor of Music

Sample Plans

2025, Performance: Jazz Studies Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First-Year Composition (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • MUS 110A Piano Class (1)
  • MUS 120A Musical Skills and Structure I (3)
  • MUS 130A Introduction to Music Literature (2)
  • MUS 200/400 Large Ensemble (1)
  • Coached Ensemble (1)
  • MUSI 182 or MUSI 185 Individual Studies (4)
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1)
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102 First-Year Composition (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • MUS 110B Piano Class (1)
  • MUS 120B Musical Skills and Structure I (3)
  • MUS 130B Introduction to Music Literature (2)
  • MUS 200/400 Large Ensemble (1)
  • Coached Ensemble (1)
  • MUSI 182 or MUSI 185 Individual Studies (4)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (1)
  • MUS 210A Piano Class (1)
  • MUS 220A Musical Skills and Structure II (3)
  • MUS 215 Jazz Piano (1)
  • MUS 231 Jazz History (3)
  • MUS 200/400 Large Ensemble (1)
  • MUSI 282 or MUSI 285 Individual Studies (4)
  • Second Language (4)
• 4th Semester
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • MUS 210B Piano Class (1)
  • MUS 220B Musical Skills and Structure II (3)
  • MUS 200/400 Large Ensemble (1)
  • MUSI 282 or MUSI 285 Individual Studies (4)
  • Second Language (4)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • MATH (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • MUS 321A Jazz Improvisation (2)
  • MUS 330A History of Western Music (3)
  • MUS 370 Introduction to Conducting (2)
  • MUSI 382 or MUSI 385 Individual Studies (4)
• 6th Semester
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
  • MUS 321B Jazz Improvisation (2)
  • MUS 330B History of Western Music (3)
  • MUSI 382 or MUSI 385 Individual Studies (4)

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • MUS 302 Recording Studio Production (3)
  • MUS 341 Jazz Composition (3)
  • MUS 427A Careers in Music (2)
  • Coached Ensemble (1)
  • MUSI 482 or MUSI 485 Individual Studies (4)
  • Music Elective (1)
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1)
• 8th Semester
  • MUS 422 Jazz Arranging (2)
  • MUS 498 Senior Capstone: Recital (1)
  • MUS 427B Careers in Music (2)
  • Coached Ensemble (1)
  • MUSI 482 or MUSI 485 Individual Studies (4)