Through the Jazz curriculum and ensemble performance, students:

• Are provided the opportunity to improve individual musicianship.
• Create a personal voice.
• Learn from and be inspired by the rich history, and understand the evolutionary process and modern trends of jazz. 
• Become musical leaders and positive contributors to the Kent State University experience.

An Active Performance Life 

• The Kent State University Jazz Studies Program offers numerous performance opportunities to students including the Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Workshop Ensemble, combos, and two full vocal jazz ensembles. 
• Performances are held in various venues on campus, with several opportunities to play at venues throughout Northeast Ohio. 
• Off-campus performances regularly take place at Nighttown and Blu Jazz, high school jazz festivals, The Tri-C and Lakeland Jazz Festivals, and Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. 
• In 2018 and 2020 the Jazz Orchestra and Nova Jazz Singers will travel to New York City to perform at Shapeshifter Lab, among other venues. 
• The Jazz Studies Program also regularly collaborates with the Kent State Stark Campus to produce recordings.