Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Music, Jazz Studies Concentration, B.M.


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Requirements for the Concentration

The B.M. Jazz Studies degree program is designed to furnish the training and background needed for students seeking to work as jazz performers, arrangers, composers, or teachers.

Private Instruction, Juries and Ensemble Requirement

Students in the B.M. Jazz Studies degree program are required to enroll in private instruction on their major instrument or voice every semester in residence. Students must pass a juried performance at the end of each semester with a minimum score of 75%. Students are required to enroll in a minimum of one (1) semester of the appropriate jazz ensemble, each semester in residence. Students must enroll in at least one semester of MUS 490 Jazz Orchestra. In addition, instrumentalists must take one (1) semester of a vocal ensemble; and vocalists must take a minimum of one (1) semester of an instrumental ensemble.

Capstone Experience

Students enrolled in the B.M. Jazz Studies degree programs must complete a Junior Recital and a Senior Project (MUS 490, 2 units). The Junior Recital comprises approximately 30 minutes of music. The Senior Project is a recital performance unless otherwise determined by the Director of Jazz Studies. Information about Recitals is located under the “Current Students” tab on the Department website.

Concentration Preparatory Coursework


(credit not applicable toward major; students may challenge by exam):

History/Literature: 6 Units


Choose 2 of the following:

Music Electives: 3 Units


Performance Ensembles: 2 Units


Specific ensemble requirements for students in the B.M. in Jazz Studies concentration:

Jazz Studies Major Ensembles


Instrumental Ensembles


In addition to the required jazz ensembles, students in the jazz studies concentration must participate at least one semester one of these classical instrumental ensembles:

Jazz Forum: 4 Units


Total Concentration Units: 26


Program Roadmaps


Sample Four-Year Program


The Four year Plan is a sample study plan. The sequence and specific courses given are suggestive; please see an advisor each semester to plan your personal program and track your progress using the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MYSSU.

Courses may be interchanged fall and spring semester depending on course offering each semester.

General Education Notes:

  • GE Areas A2 and B4 should be completed by the end of the first year. Some students may take year-long courses for GE A2 and/or B4.
  • GE Area A1 and A3 should be completed by the end of the second year
  • Students should enroll in Upper Division GE courses after completion of Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 with a C- or better, lower division GE in that area, and 45 units total.
  • Not all First-Year Learning Communities (FLC’s) meet the same GE areas.
  • GE Area D must be taken in two different subject areas across the nine total required units in lower division (LD) and upper division (UD).
  • Students must take American Institution requirements in U. S. History and U. S. Constitution/California State and Local Government. These requirements may be met in GE.

Music, B.M., Jazz Studies Concentration


Freshman Year: 32 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (17 Units)

Sophomore Year: 32 Units

Fall Semester (16 Units)

Spring Semester (16 Units)

Junior Year: 34 Units

Fall Semester (18 Units)

Spring Semester (16 Units)

Senior Year: 28 Units

Fall Semester (15 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

Total Units: 124


Total Units in Major Core: 47-52 (includes 6 units that count for GE)

Total Units in GE: 48

Total Units in Concentration: 26

Total Units in University Electives: 0-2

Total Units Required for Graduation: 120

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