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.
Faculty
| Joey Skoch, piano | Samir Al-Hadid, vocal ensembles |
| Maria Jacobs, vocal | Dustin May, percussion |
| Aidan Plank, bass | Bobby Selvaggio, Director of Jazz Studies, saxophone |
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.
Teaching and Learning
Special Events and Outreach
- The Kent State University Jazz Studies Program organizes and participates in major School of Music events including Saxophone Day, the High School Jazz Invitational and tours with the Kent State Wind Ensemble.
- Now well-established, the popular Kent State Saxophone Day hosts 80+ saxophonists annually, with participants coming from Ohio and Pennsylvania. Including both jazz and classical areas, participants experience masterclasses with Kent State faculty and guest artists, rehearsals and performances throughout the day-long event.
- Featuring two high school jazz ensembles, the Kent State High School Jazz Invitational is an annual all-day event that includes interactive rehearsals, masterclasses and an evening performance open to the public. High school students and Kent State Jazz Studies students also have opportunities to interact and collaborate throughout the day.
Curriculum: A Unique Conservatory-Style Approach
Unique to the region, the conservatory-style curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of jazz while working towards creating a personal voice for each student. It includes:
- Classes include Jazz Improvisation 1 and 2
- Jazz Composition and Arranging
- Jazz History
- Jazz Styles and Analysis
- Fundamentals of Jazz Piano
- Applied Jazz
Enriching Masterclass and Clinic Experiences
The Kent State University Jazz Studies Program offers also offers insight into the professional musician’s life through regular masterclasses with jazz giants currently on the scene today.
Past guests include:
- Kenny Werner, pianist and composer
- Carl Allen, drummer and educator
- Aaron Goldberg, pianist
- Donny McCaslin, saxophonist
- The Dave Liebman Quintet
- The Hal Galper Quartet featuring saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi
- Nir Felder, guitarist
- Glenn Zaleski, composer and keyboardist
- Paul Tynan, trumpeter and composer
In addition to opportunities to learn from these renowned guest artists in masterclasses, students often have the opportunity to perform with them in intimate settings.
Degrees and Programs Offered
| B.A. in Music: Jazz Studies | Minor in Jazz Studies* |
*The Jazz Studies minor can be paired with any undergraduate major at Kent State, including other programs offered by the Glauser School.
Questions or Want More Information?
| Contact Glauser School Admissions musicadmissions@kent.edu | 330-672-2172 |
Contact Bobby Selvaggio Director of Jazz Studies rselvagg@kent.edu | 330-672-2965 |
Listen and Watch