Instrumental and vocal arranging for various jazz ensembles from duos to large jazz band and studio orchestra. Two hours.

This course is focused on the development of students’ instructional skills within the jazz idiom. The course offers a practical approach to teaching and learning core subjects including Jazz Theory, Ear Training, Improvisation, and History in both institutional and private settings. Conducting, repertoire and organization of Large and Small Jazz Ensembles is also addressed.

An exploration of various forms of gospel music, from its roots in African American spirituals to mainstream contemporary gospel choir music. Students develop their ability to ‘learn by ear’ through a rote style of teaching and develop improvisation skills in solo and group settings.

Individual instruction on major instrument or voice. One hour weekly (to a total of 24 lessons).

Individual instruction on major instrument or voice. One hour weekly (to a total of 24 lessons) and recital.

While a major ensemble for students enrolled in jazz performance, this ensemble is open to other performers by audition. Students rehearse and perform in concerts as assigned by the Performance Division throughout the academic year. Attendance at all assigned sessions is required. Six hours minimum.

The Hybrid Ensemble is a unique and collaborative chamber group made up of a mix of Jazz and Classical students. The group performs music in many styles, includes some improvising, and encourages composing. No improvising experience is necessary, but a positive and curious mind is highly encouraged.

This course examines the artistic and technical aspects of improvised jazz performance. Analysis of improvised solos and group performances, approaches to practicing, developmental techniques and exercises, and general performance skills are among the topics covered. One hour.

Students are assigned to small jazz ensembles by audition, rehearsing with faculty for one hour and independently for an additional two hours each week. Repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary jazz styles. Attendance at all assigned sessions is required. Three hours minimum.

While a major ensemble for students enrolled in jazz performance, this ensemble is open to other performers by audition. Students rehearse and perform in concerts as assigned by the Performance Division throughout the academic year. Attendance at all assigned sessions is required. Six hours minimum

Studies leading to the development of a personal and creative compositional style. Analysis of selected compositions. Two hours.

To develop the skills necessary to produce arrangements for large ensembles. These principles of arranging will be applied to various combinations of instruments including but not limited to 5 saxophones, 5 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, drums, and voice.

Continuation of JMU420H1.

An exploration of various forms of gospel music, from its roots in African American spirituals to mainstream contemporary gospel choir music. Students develop their ability to ‘learn by ear’ through a rote style of teaching and develop improvisation skills in solo and group settings.

Individual instruction on major instrument or voice. One hour weekly (to a total of 24 lessons).

Individual instruction on major instrument or voice. One hour weekly (to a total of 24 lessons) and recital.

While a major ensemble for students enrolled in jazz performance, this ensemble is open to other performers by audition. Students rehearse and perform in concerts as assigned by the Performance Division throughout the academic year. Attendance at all assigned sessions is required. Six hours minimum.

The Hybrid Ensemble is a unique and collaborative chamber group made up of a mix of Jazz and Classical students. The group performs music in many styles, includes some improvising, and encourages composing. No improvising experience is necessary, but a positive and curious mind is highly encouraged.

This course examines the artistic and technical aspects of improvised jazz performance. Analysis of improvised solos and group performances, approaches to practicing, developmental techniques and exercises, and general performance skills are among the topics covered. One hour.

Students are assigned to small jazz ensembles by audition, rehearsing with faculty for one hour and independently for an additional two hours each week. Repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary jazz styles. Attendance at all assigned sessions is required. Three hours minimum.

While a major ensemble for students enrolled in jazz performance, this ensemble is open to other performers by audition. Students rehearse and perform in concerts as assigned by the Performance Division throughout the academic year. Attendance at all assigned sessions is required. Six hours minimum.

An intensive research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The project must be academically/artistically demanding and uniquely suitable for the individual student. Students propose a topic that is currently not covered in the curriculum or one that warrants further exploration related to research interests and/or musical goals. Available to 4th year students, upon completion of 3rd Year Jazz curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 (B+), and availability of a full-time advisor from the Jazz division. Modes of assessment are determined through discussion between student and supervisor, but will usually include a public presentation of the research project.

A survey of career paths that begin with an undergraduate degree in music. Discussion of the competencies required in various musical professions and strategies to develop them during undergraduate study. Classes led by members of the Faculty of Music teaching staff and guest lecturers.

This practical, activity-based course explores the key qualities, insights, and skills required to build a career in a creative discipline. We will learn how to develop ambitious, flexible, and realistic professional goals that align with our interests, and how to identify and connect to the people and opportunities most likely to support them.

This course helps you develop and express a clear and authentic vision of yourself as a creative individual, and to build professional artefacts, experiences, and relationships that bring your vision to life. Consisting of both individual and group exercises, assignments include reflective journals, debates, analytical writing, peer feedback, and a final project presented in class, online, on stage, or in-community.

This course is a continuation of MMU200, designed to help students develop a personalized roadmap for future professional work. Assignments include creating a digital "Mini-festo," team debates, group role-playing exercises, video journals, analytical writing, and a major project.

This course provides students with an introduction to music finance in areas such as accounting, budget preparation, cost estimates, pricing, cashflow, and taxes. The course examines how income and expenses flow through music enterprises, highlighting the range of options within the modern music industry.

This course focuses on developing potential business or project opportunities that are centered on music. The course provides tools to move from opportunity identification to idea generation and the launch of a music enterprise. Students develop an assessment process to determine the desirability, feasibility, and sustainability of a new enterprise.

An intensive interdisciplinary project under the supervision of the Program Director and another faculty member. The project must be academically/artistically demanding and uniquely suitable for the individual student. Students propose a topic that is currently not covered in the curriculum or one that warrants further exploration related to research interests and/or musical goals. Available to 4th year students upon completion of 3rd Year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 (B+), and availability of a full-time advisor. Modes of assessment are determined through discussion between student and supervisor but will usually include a public presentation of the project.

Rehearsals for major operatic productions. Scenes or extracts from the operatic repertoire.