Bachelor of Arts Major in Jazz Studies

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Jazz Studies provides students a foundation in both traditional and innovative approaches to development as a jazz artist or composer. Courses in jazz history, theory, improvisation, and composition are combined with solo performance, small ensemble and large ensemble experiences. The curriculum culminates in a four-semester sequence of research-based seminars that investigate the performance techniques and historical development of jazz. In consultation with the program director, students select additional coursework from a broad range of disciplines in the arts and sciences. Facility Recognize, identify, and demonstrate analytical and performance facility in major jazz idioms. Improvisation Integrate theoretical understanding of harmony, melody, form, structure, and chord/scale relationships with performance and fluency in the jazz language. Composition/Arranging Create original compositions and develop experience arranging original and standard literature for small groups and big bands. Knowledge Knowledge of Jazz history and literature—Incorporate knowledge of jazz history and literature, as well as the cultural sources and influences of jazz into analysis, composition/arranging, and performance. Bachelor of Arts Major in Jazz Studies Students must complete a minimum of 124 units with a Pacific cumulative and program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in jazz studies.