A unique Jazz Studies curriculum taught by a world-class faculty of artist-teachers.

Fostering a “Real World” atmosphere and promoting the development of fundamental skills in Jazz.

Program Features

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.

Jazz Studies Testimonials

Listen and Watch

Undergraduate Admissions and Audition Requirements

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Complete an application for admission to Kent State University.
Complete an audition for admission to the Glauser School of Music.

English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students:
All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a

Minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version),
Minimum 75 MELAB score,
Minimum 6.0 IELTS score,
Minimum 48 PTE score or
Minimum 100 DET score; or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program.

For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

Jazz Studies

INSTRUMENTALISTS:

Bachelor of Arts with a Jazz Concentration:

All 12 major scales played up to the 9th and down.
Pick a piece to perform from the following:
- Just Friends (G major)
- Lady Bird
- Stella By Starlight
- All The Things You Are
- Green Dolphin Street (Eb major)
- Blue Bossa
- Au Privave
- There Will Never Be Another You
Sight Reading
If you have done a transcription, please bring in an example.

Jazz Minor:

All 12 major scales played up to the 9th and down.
Pick a blues piece to perform from this list:
- Now’s The Time
- Billie’s Bounce
- Tenor Madness
- Bessie’s Blues
- Chi Chi
Sight Reading

VOCALISTS:

Be prepared to sing from the standard repertoire in swing, ballad and Latin styles. (Bring a CD of the accompaniment. Jamie Aebersold play-along CDs are recommended)
The purpose of the audition is to show your skill level and preferences.

Audition Dates and Procedures | Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship & Financial Aid

Undergraduate Music Scholarships

Music majors are eligible for scholarships and other forms of financial assistance from a variety of sources.

Several of these programs are administered directly by the School of Music, others are coordinated through Student Financial Aid. It is possible to receive combined assistance from more than one source.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Awarded for outstanding musicianship upon recommendation of the audition committee at the time of acceptance to the School of Music. One audition applies to both acceptance and scholarship application.
Scholarships range in a variety of amounts per academic year and may be available for up to four years (eight semesters) provided students meet academic and performance expectations for renewal.
Most of these scholarships are awarded soon after our March audition date.

Questions about School of Music Scholarships?

Contact:
H. Gerrey Noh, Undergraduate Studies Coordinator
hnoh@kent.edu | 330-672-2397

KSU ORCHESTRA SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS

Service scholarships awarded by the society in support of the activities of Kent State University Orchestra.
Awarded to exceptional candidates by the Orchestra Director.
Amount of awards vary according to talent and need and may be renewable.
May be awarded in addition to other School of Music Scholarships.
Continuation of the scholarship is based upon artistic development and fulfillment of service responsibilities.

Marching Golden Flash Award

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

$1,000 divided into two $500 installments between the fall and spring semesters.
Recipients must participate in ALL required activities of the Marching Golden Flashes.

ELIGIBILITY

Incoming Kent State University first-year students.
Past returning members of the Marching Golden Flashes.
Must be enrolled in classes at Kent State.
Open to students of ANY major at Kent State.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS SCHOLARSHIP?

Email bands@kent.edu

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