BM in Performance, Jazz Studies Concentration

About the Jazz Studies Program

In the Fall of 1989, the University of Southern Maine began offering aBachelor of Music in Performance with a Jazz Studies Concentrationto complement the school's excellent program in Classical Music Performance. During the Fall of 1993, USM added an Elective Concentration in Jazz Education as an option for students majoring in Music Education. In addition, students may use jazz courses to satisfy elective requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Music Minor.

Our approach to jazz education encourages the student to combine a thorough knowledge of the jazz idiom with a solid background in their traditional musical studies. Jazz students will greatly benefit from their exposure to our concert band, jazz ensemble, jazz combos, orchestra and chorale ensembles, as well as our applied music faculty. Experience has shown that a jazz musician with this diversity of training will find greater opportunities for professional musical employment upon graduation.

Jazz Studies Concentration

This degree concentration is designed as foundation studies for those who wish to prepare for careers in jazz or commercial music performance, and jazz instruction. and those who plan to pursue graduate work in jazz studies. This program aims to instill a thorough understanding of this unique American art form and its relationship to contemporary society. Applied music, jazz improvisation, jazz arranging, jazz history, jazz pedagogy, and jazz ensembles are emphasized. A basic understanding of the standards and performance opportunities for professional performance leads the student to realistic expectations for a career as a performer or teacher.