UMD Music: Degree Options

Colleges and universities everywhere have come to the understanding that jazz music and related forms represent an important contribution to the musical culture of the world. The innovators of jazz have been uniquely American. With this in mind, UMD's School of Fine Arts and Department of Music have committed energy and resources to jazz as an American Art form. The Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Jazz Studies prepares the student for a career in jazz and contemporary music. The curriculum will make students aware of the rapid changes in vocational possibilities for the contemporary musician. Students will participate in performance ensembles and additional coursework which will develop skills in composing, arranging, analyzing, and teaching of jazz music. Other career possibilities include performance in theatres, nightclubs, tour bands, service bands, radio and television.

For many years, the music department has supported an interest in jazz as part of a diverse musical education. The Jazz Studies degree program mainstreams jazz students into the existing program, building upon a core curriculum in music which includes theory, history, literature, and applied study. The students majoring in Jazz Studies will specialize in jazz-related topics to prepare them for graduate-level professional training or entry-level professional engagements. Course offerings include: jazz arranging and composition, improvisation 1-6, sound reinforcement, jazz theory, MIDI applications and electronic music, music industry and the analysis of jazz, commercial and theatre music.

Instrumental: UMD's bands include the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band, and the Bulldog Pep Bands. There is a full symphony orchestra as well as a chamber orchestra. The jazz bands include Jazz Ensemble I, which has won Midwest competitions, several other jazz ensembles, a guitar ensemble, and a number of jazz combos. Jazz ensemble 1 has a strong history of performance excellence, including several award winning efforts. The annual Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival provides the opportunity for students to perform and work with internationally renowned jazz artists. Past clinicians have included Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Foster, Rufus Reid, Bobby Shew, Jim McNeely, Freddie Hubbard, Steve Turre, Randy Brecker, Slide Hampton, and Claudio Roditi.

Vocal: UMD vocal ensembles include the University Singers, which tours internationally, Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Opera Workshop, which presents a full opera production in the spring with orchestra.

Other Performance Opportunities: Auditions are open for both vocal and instrumental performers in UMD Theatre's musical productions. Selected UMD music majors also perform in the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, the Twin Ports Wind Ensemble or the Big Time Jazz Orchestra. Vocal students often participate in the church choirs of the community.