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Students playing in jazz ensemble

Jazz Studies - Minor

The Jazz Studies minor promotes the development of fundamental skills in jazz. The minor provides instruction in performance, composition and arranging.

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Jazz Studies - Minor

The Jazz Studies minor can be paired with any undergraduate major at Kent State, including other programs offered by the Glauser School of Music. 

Program Information for Jazz Studies - Minor

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Create music that is informed by the study of the history, theory and performance practice of jazz.
  2. Analyze music that is informed by the study of the history, theory and performance practice of jazz.
  3. Perform music that is informed by the study of the history, theory and performance practice of jazz.

Admissions for Jazz Studies - Minor

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to this minor is selective. Students are required to do a program/scholarship audition. Information regarding audition days and requirements can be found at www.kent.edu/music/undergraduate-audition, or inquiries can be sent to musicadmission@kent.edu.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Minor Requirements

Minor Requirements (min C grade required in all courses)
MUS 41341JAZZ IMPROVISATION I 1
MUS 42162JAZZ STYLES AND ANALYSIS 3
MUS 45231JAZZ ENSEMBLE (taken twice)2
or MUS 45313 NOVA JAZZ SINGERS
Minor Electives, choose from the following:6
MUS 16001
APPLIED MUSIC JAZZ 1
MUS 17013
FUNDAMENTALS OF JAZZ PIANO
MUS 41342
JAZZ COMPOSING AND ARRANGING
MUS 41351
JAZZ IMPROVISATION II
MUS 42161
HISTORY OF JAZZ (DIVD)
MUS 45231
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
MUS 45312
JAZZ COMBO DEVELOPMENT
MUS 45313
NOVA JAZZ SINGERS
Minimum Total Credit Hours:12
1

Repeatable for up to two semesters.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Minor GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.250 2.000
  • A minimum C grade is required for all minor courses.
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
  • Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
  • Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Jazz Program Features

Through the Jazz Curriculum and Ensemble Performances, 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.
  • The Jazz Studies Program also regularly collaborates with the Kent State Stark Campus to produce recordings.
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