Jazz Studies
As the quintessential American art form, jazz is unique: the aspiring jazz student must master history, theory, and performance, all at equally high levels of competence. Under the direction of a faculty of world-renowned jazz musicians, the UCI Jazz Studies Program applies rigorous standards of excellence in both scholarship and performance. The comprehensive curriculum stresses exposure to the great composers of the jazz tradition encompassing the entire history of the art, along with intensive training in both large and small-group performance. During the third and fourth years, the undergraduate jazz major will also intensely study jazz composition, with the objective of preparing a body of original work for the culminating senior recital.
Jazz students perform constantly on campus, from large ensemble concerts to small-group “gigs” in student facilities. There are also numerous off-campus performance opportunities; these provide excellent preparation for professional performance careers after graduation.
Undergraduate Application Information
Jazz Studies Faculty: