Jazz Studies
LEARN TO GIVE YOUR MUSIC SOUL
Jazz studies students train in music research and music development. Students develop fundamental research skills through transcription and performance of seminal and contemporary jazz works. The application of these principles to the creation of new music, informed by life experiences and aesthetic values, is crucial to students’ development as artists. Composition and improvisation are at the heart of the jazz studies curriculum.
WHY STUDY JAZZ AT UW-STEVENS POINT?
Major Pairings
Jazz studies majors commonly choose these programs as double majors or minors to expand your employment options:
- Music Performance
- Music Education
- Art, Entertainment and Media Management
Get Involved!
Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of fraternities, honorary societies, and clubs at UWSP. Music service and pre-professional organizations include Phi Mu Alpha, Delta Omicron, Pointer Pep Band, Music Teacher’s National Association (collegiate chapter), and American String Teacher’s Association (collegiate chapter).
Visit the UW-Stevens Point Information Network (SPIN) for more information or to find a group, join an organization, sign up for an event, volunteer, get around campus, access campus resources and more!
COFAC Alumni
Whether you are a recent graduate or a longtime alum, you can make an important difference for today’s students in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. By volunteering to share your story, your network, your career advice, and your successes, you can help guide students through the start of their professional lives as they discover their purpose. You are a vital part of our Pointer family, and we look forward to hearing from you!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Students frequently learn from guest artists, who teach master classes during their visits to campus. Artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center and Otis Murphy offer expert instruction as well as insight about the life of a professional musician. When not in class, students can participate in:
- Jazz Repertory Concerts
- Jazz Composer’s Concerts
- UW-Stevens Point Jazz Festival
- Jazz Jam Sessions at the Dreyfus University Center
- Student Jazz Recitals
There are many opportunities to perform outside in the community including:
- The Riverfront Jazz Festival
- Summer Ensembles
- Summer Music Venues
Upon graduating, our students find career placement in positions including:
- Jazz Performer
- Composer
- Jazz Music Producer
- Instructor/Teacher of Jazz
- Music Therapy
- Music Publisher
- Recording Artist
- Songwriter
- Music Archivist
jazz studies major (bm)
This 78 credit program is administered by the area of Music in the School of Performing Arts. Admitted by audition only. All majors must present a junior half recital and a senior recital.
Jazz studies minor
This minor is administered by the area of Music in the School of Performing Arts. 24 credits, open to any major, but admitted by audition only.
Meet Your Faculty and Staff
Our faculty work professionally as performers, directors, and composers who through their experience and dedication help ensure our students are successful.
View the Department of Music Faculty and Staff Directory
Mathew Buchman
- Department Chair – Music
- Professor – Jazz Studies
Brent Turney
- Director of Jazz Studies
- Professor – Trumpet
National Association of Schools of Music
Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 637 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.
The College of Fine Arts and Communication at UW-Stevens Point is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
School of Performing Arts – Department of Music
College of Fine Arts and Communication
254 Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
(715) 346-3107
For ticket information: 715-346-4100
Email: music@uwsp.edu