The bachelor of music in jazz studies provides professional training in all aspects of jazz music. Our faculty of artist-teachers is dedicated to expanding your creativity while providing the experience and knowledge necessary to build a career in jazz.
In today's jazz industry, musical versatility and diversity is key. With ensemble offerings, classes, guest artists, and a robust performing and recording schedule, our students are equipped to go straight from graduation into careers in performing, composing, arranging, recording and arts management.
Students can choose from any of the following areas of jazz study:
- Bass
- Drums
- Guitar
- Piano
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Voice
- Woodwinds
- Composing and arranging
About Our Program
Audition and Portfolio Requirements
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All Instruments and Voice
Prepare three pieces that you feel best exemplify your talent. You’re encouraged to choose contrasting pieces from the standard canon of jazz tunes, in which you perform the melody and then improvise. We're looking for performances that demonstrate musicality, technical skill and an understanding of standard chord progressions, e.g. blues form, chord scales, two five ones, etc. Audition requirements are the same for all instruments as well as voice.
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Composition and Arranging
- Submit musical scores of at least two contrasting works. Submit corresponding recordings of your scores, and any additional works you'd like to share. You may either submit the audio files or link to them on YouTube, Soundcloud, Google Drive, etc.
- Audition on your primary instrument or voice with three pieces that you feel best exemplify your talent. You’re encouraged to choose contrasting pieces from the standard canon of jazz tunes, in which you perform the melody and then improvise. We're looking for performances that demonstrate musicality, technical skill and an understanding of standard chord progressions, e.g. blues form, chord scales, two five ones, etc.
For more information, visit the Jazz studio page.
Degree Requirements
The bachelor of music in jazz studies consists of 194 total credits, 132 of which come from music. Students receive weekly one-on-one lessons, participate in two ensembles per quarter, and take coursework in music theory, musicology, arranging, conducting and music technology.
In addition to satisfying DU's common curriculum requirements, students must fulfill requirements for piano proficiency, sophomore performance proficiency, music beyond the primary culture, Convocation attendance, and junior and senior recitals.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full course requirements
