Jazz Studies

Julian Lage and Sonoma State University instructors George Marsh and Randy Vincent play "You and the Night and the Music" at jazz forum 3/9/11.

The Bachelor of Music - Jazz StudiesConcentration is a comprehensive program. Areas of study include performance, history, arranging, composition and pedagogy. Our faculty encourages creativity and versatility in our students to prepare them for careers as jazz performers, writers and educators. 

Advising Checklist – Jazz Major (PDF)

Advising Checklist – Jazz Minor

Jazz Forum

Jazz Ensembes

Core Jazz Classes

 

Auditions for SSU Jazz Ensembles

Auditions for SSU Jazz Ensembles will be held during the second day of classes,

WED, August 22 in Green Music Center - room 1029.

ALL JAZZ MAJORS and ANYONE INTERESTED IN CONCERT JAZZ ENSEMBLES (SMALL GROUPS) OR LATIN BAND MUST AUDITION BETWEEN 1:00 AND 6:00 PM
NON-JAZZ MAJORS ONLY INTERESTED IN JAZZ ORCHESTRA WILL AUDITION BETWEEN 7:00 AND 9:00 PM

Please email Doug Leibinger (leibinge@sonoma.edu) with your availability, and he will assign you a 10-minute slot.

One audition can place you in any of the jazz ensembles. We will ask for your availability and preference on the day of the audition. All jazz majors MUST audition for a jazz ensemble. Other music concentrations and non-music majors are welcome and encouraged to audition.

Instrumentalists, download your audition piece(s) here:
http://db.tt/gLADwfNc
The file is an entire big band chart - please print out and learn the part that coincides with your instrument.
Here is a recording of the tune for your reference:
http://db.tt/GUosMVNO

Bring a play-along CD with a tune of your choice to improvise on (optional for jazz orchestra). We will also sight-read.

Drummers be ready to play various styles - i.e. swing, bossa, samba, afro, salsa, jazz waltz, etc.

Vocalists - please bring two contrasting tunes to sing on play-along CD if possible (you may also use an accompanist) - scatting a plus!