The Jazz Studies Degree offers students a unique experience in studying jazz. Students are able to perform in one of Bellarmine's many jazz combos or the Nouveau Gumbo Ensemble. All of these ensemble perform at local area Jazz Clubs and University functions. The Bellarmine University Jazz Faculty lead very active performance schedules teaching and performing locally and internationally including The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, The Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy, The Montreaux Jazz Festival in Montreaux, Switzerland, The Island of Barbados, and several other venues throughout the US & abroad. This real world experience is brought into the classroom and allows students to not only grow as aspiring musicians, but to also model the life and career of a professional musician.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of our Jazz Studies Program is not to simply "churn out" jazz musicians, but to provide an environment where students can take responsibility for their own musicianship. It is not our intention to make clones of ourselves or the "ideal" jazz alto, piano, drummer, etc.
We mentor our students and give guidance while holding them accountable for understanding the proper work ethic needed for optimum success.
We support you
as you figure out for who you are as a human being and what you want to express through your music. We believe that having a firm grasp of the fundamental tools of improvisation, instrumental technical skill, and overall musicianship is essential to your development.
The Bellarmine University Jazz Guitar Clinic is held annually during the summer and provides students an opportunity to study and perform with jazz guitar greats, including Jack Wilkins, John Stowell, and Gene Bertoncini. Not only are students equipped with the fundamentals for successful careers in music, but they are aided by some of the regions most respected and sought after musicians.
Program Overview
Students study a core music curriculum that includes jazz harmony & arranging, jazz improvisation, history of jazz, music technology, and private lessons. The Jazz Studies Program has seven goals for its degree program:
Students should be prepared for a career in music, graduate study or teacher certification in music.
Students should develop an understanding of music history and theory in all of the jazz genres.
Students should develop the ability to perform in various jazz genres.
Students should develop skills in jazz composition & arranging.
Students should develop skills in improvisation covering several styles including New Orleans jazz, swing, bebop, and commercial music.
Students should develop skills in basic music technology, including basic digital manipulation and recording/editing techniques.
Students should develop an understanding of historical and theoretical aspects of jazz performance and in turn seek answers to questions such as: Why do we do what we do? How does the music reflect and understanding of society and of ourselves?
Entrance Requirements
All jazz studies majors will be accepted into Jazz Studies Program upon successful completion of the following: an interview with the program director and audition on an instrument or voice. These requirements are designed to allow the jazz studies faculty members an opportunity to assess your musical skills and background so that we may better advise you to the most suitable courses upon entry to the music department. Successful completion of the course requirements for the degree and consistent improvement of your musical and technical skills are necessary to maintain major status.
What courses will you take?
Block
Courses
Hours
Applied Jazz (Private Lessons) -
16 credit hours
Applied Instrument I
2
Applied Instrument II
2
Applied Instrument III
2
Jazz Improvisation Labs
Applied Instrument IV, V, VI and VII require each student to enroll in a co-requiste Jazz Improvisation Lab that meets once a week for one hour.
Jazz Labs are a study of jazz improvisation techniques, focusing on the interpretation of both traditional and contemporary jazz performance.
Applied Instrument IV with Improvisation Lab
2
Applied Instrument V with Improvisation Lab
2
Applied Instrument VI with Improvisation Lab
2
Applied Instrument VII with Improvisation Lab
2
Applied Instrument VIII
2
Jazz Ensembles
- 4 credit hours - minimum
Students in the Jazz Studies Degree Program are required to participate in four jazz ensembles at the 300 and 400 level. This is the minimum requirement. Most students participate in eight or more ensembles during their undergraduate study.
4
MUSE 140 - 441 Jazz Trio
MUSE 142 - 443 Jazz Combo I
MUSE 144 - 445 Jazz Combo II
MUSE 146 -447 Nourveau Gumbo Ensemble
Jazz Related Courses
- 7 credit hours
MUSC 322 Jazz Harmony and Arranging I
This course is a study of harmony and music theory focusing on the interpretation of both traditional and contemporary jazz nomenclature. This course also studies basic arranging techniques for small jazz ensemble.
2
MUSC 325 Jazz Harmony and Arranging II
A continuation of MUSC 343 with continued study of arranging techniques expanded to large jazz ensembles of up to 20 players/vocalist.
2
MUSC 340 History of Jazz
Jazz is America’s only contribution to the arts, and consequentially holds a special place in the study of American music. This course is designed to bring understanding to jazz practices and forms by looking at its historical development. By examining the cultural, sociological, historical and musical facets of jazz, the listener and the performer gain a better understanding of jazz and its practices. This understanding not only sheds insight on music and American culture of the past, but also can serve to illuminate where the art form of jazz is going.
3
Music Theory
12 credits
MUSC 101: Music Theory I
3
MUSC 102: Music Theory II
3
MUSC 105: Aural Skills I
1
MUSC 201: Music Theory III
3
MUSC 202: Music Theory IV
3
MUSC 205: Aural Skills II
1
MUSC 206: Aural Skills III
1
Music History
8 credit hours
MUSC 211 or 231: Music History I,II
3
MUSC 311: Music History III
3
Other Music Courses - 3 credit hours
MUSC 110: Introduction to the Study of Music
2
MUSC 410: Senior Recital/Project
1
Additional Requirements
All students must pass a sophomore proficiency examination, taken upon completion of the fourth semester of study in the applied major, in order to retain their major status.
All students must pass a piano proficiency examination to fulfill the keyboard skill requirement for degree conferral
Students are highly encouraged to take at least one semester of a foreign language.
Students are highly encouraged to take at least two semesters of Music Technology.
Study Abroad
Participation in a study abroad program is strongly recommended.
Students who study in the KIIS Salzburg Program fulfill the University IDC. 301 requirement and an additional course in the Jazz Studies major. Other courses may also be fulfilled depending upon course offerings in Salzburg.
