Minor in Jazz Studies: Program Requirements

Click here for a downloadable completion checklist.

Prerequisites Courses: (4 cr.)
MUS 001 (3 cr.): Elements of Music Theory
Theoretical and written coverage of notation, scales, keys, intervals, terms, rhythms, and chord structure and progression. Introduction to music literature, with emphasis on rudimentary aural analysis. Concurrent registration in Mus 2 is required for music majors.
MUS 061 (1 cr.): Class Piano
Study of the rudiments of musical notation and piano playing in a small classroom setting; designed to take students who do not read music to a beginner's level of proficiency.

Core: (19 cr.)
Theory and Musicianship Sequence
MUS 002 (2 cr.): Comprehensive Musicianship I
Aural and Keyboard skills development through dictation, sight singing, and performance and improvisation at the keyboard.

MUS 010 (2 cr.): Jazz Musicianship
Aural and keyboard skills development through dictation, sight singing, and performance and improvisation at the keyboard, with emphasis given to skills associated with Jazz performance.

MUS 070 (3 cr.): Jazz Harmony
This course develops the ability to analyze and write tunes in jazz/pop styles. Study of rhythmic characteristics, voice-leading, and chord/scale relationships within a jazz context.

MUS 161 (3 cr.): Electronic Music I
Fundamental electronic and computer music concepts. Analog and digital sound synthesis techniques and theory, MIDI, studio recording techniques, signal processing, properties of sound, acoustics and psycho-acoustics, history and aesthetics.

History and Literature Courses
MUS 008 (3 cr.): History of Jazz
Introduction to the styles, composers, and performers of jazz music from its origins to the present.
Performance Courses
Jazz Performance Techniques (MUS 059-060 or 159-160) (4 cr.)
Ensemble (MUS 052 or 055) (1 cr.)
Must be take for 2 consecutive semesters

TOTAL CREDITS IN MINOR: 19 cr. (23 cr. with prerequisites)