Jazz Studies

Students at the University of Minnesota have the opportunity to make jazz study and performance a substantial part of their overall studies, from ensemble performance opportunities that include both big bands and small group combos, to theory, arranging, and improvisation courses. While there is no formal jazz degree offered, undergraduate and graduate music majors, as well as students majoring in other fields, take advantage of jazz offerings, prolific faculty, and performance opportunities that Minneapolis-St. Paul provides.

Faculty

• Dean Sorenson
• Philip Hey

Jazz Ensembles

Students in the School of Music have opportunities to perform in jazz ensembles and combos among other talented and passionate musicians. Players of all instruments can find a place in one of our jazz combos, and players of traditional big band instruments may join a combo or University Jazz Ensemble.

Degrees

The Bachelor of Arts in Music allows for great flexibility in incorporating a comprehensive study of jazz into degree coursework.  Students work closely with the Director of Jazz study to select courses of jazz theory, jazz history, jazz arranging lessons, jazz ensemble work to focus their degree program.