Program Overview

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Introduction to the Jazz Studies Program

The University of Oregon is home to a renowned program in Jazz Studies, known for an innovative and rigorous curriculum that prepares students to adapt to the ever-evolving musical world. The program believes that in-depth study of improvisation, composition, and arranging facilitates the development of a versatile skill set that allows graduates to embrace opportunities in a professional landscape that is always changing.

Program Overview

The Jazz Studies program is home to three big bands, a Jazz Guitar Ensemble, a Latin Jazz Ensemble, and ten small jazz ensembles, including the Herbert J. Merker JazzArts Oregon Combo. In addition to dedicated practice space for jazz drummers and small groups, the program includes a studio for jazz instruction, rehearsal, and student recording projects.

Recent Guest Artists

Recent guest artists include:

• Branford Marsalis
• Sean Jones
• Walter Smith III
• Ben Wendel
• Ingrid Jensen
• Ulysses Owens Jr.
• Terell Stafford
• Vijay Iyer
• Patty Darling
• Kendrick Scott
• Ellen Rowe
• Kneebody
• Julian Lage

Performance Opportunities

The Oregon Jazz Ensemble recently toured Europe, performing at four jazz festivals in Switzerland, France, and Italy. Since 2000, the Oregon Jazz Ensemble has been named the "Outstanding College Big Band" eight times at the prestigious Reno Jazz Festival, more so than any other college ensemble.

Degree Programs

The program offers the following degree options:

• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
• Graduate: Master of Music in Jazz Studies with a Concentration in Composition-Arranging
• Graduate: Master of Music in Jazz Studies with a Concentration in Instrumental Performance

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Jazz Studies program are well-rounded musicians, dynamic leaders, creative problem-solvers, and strong colleagues who have experienced success in a variety of fields, including:

• Arrangers
• Composers
• Songwriters
• Performers
• Educators
• Sound Engineers
• Arts Administrators
• Music Producers

Awards and Honors

The UO's program in jazz studies encourages students to compete in prestigious competitions. In the past fifteen years, UO students have won solo awards sponsored by the Reno Jazz Festival and Downbeat magazine dozens of times.

Ensemble Awards & Honors

The Oregon Jazz Ensemble has received numerous awards, including:

• 2016 Downbeat Magazine Award "Graduate College Outstanding Performance"
• 2016 Western International Band Conference, Seattle, WA
• 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 Outstanding College Jazz Ensemble, Reno International Jazz Festival, Reno, NV
• 2008 Downbeat Magazine Award "College Outstanding Performance"
• 2005 International Association of Jazz Educator's Convention, Long Beach, CA
• 2003, 1997 Northwest Music Educator's Conference, Portland, OR
• 2023, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2009, 2008, 2002, 1998 Oregon Music Educator's Association Conference, Eugene, OR
• 2002 Western International Band Conference, Seattle, WA

The U.O. Jazz Quintet

The U.O. Jazz Quintet has also received awards, including:

• 2015, 2011, 2001, 1999 Outstanding College Combo, Reno International Jazz Festival

Performance Opportunities

Oregon's renowned program in jazz studies boasts outstanding performing ensembles, including:

• Three big bands
• A jazz guitar ensemble
• A Latin jazz ensemble
• Multiple combos

Curriculum

The comprehensive curriculum includes courses in:

• Theory
• Performance practice
• Improvisation
• Piano
• Repertoire study
• Arranging and composition
• History
• Pedagogy
• Program planning and development
• Studio instruction

Ensembles

The program offers a variety of ensembles, including:

• Oregon Jazz Ensemble
• Jazz and Studio Guitar Ensemble
• Jazz Lab Bands II and III
• Latin Jazz Ensemble
• Jazz Combos I through X
• Jazz Ensembles
• Student Groups

Facilities

The program has dedicated facilities, including:

• Practice space for jazz drummers and small groups
• A studio for jazz instruction, rehearsal, and student recording projects

Scholarships

School of Music and Dance scholarships and financial aid are available. For complete information about financial aid, including loans, see the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships section of the UO catalog.