One of our most distinguished alumni, Dave Brubeck ’42, put University of the Pacific on the map with his excellence in jazz, and we continue this tradition. With coursework in improvisation, theory and applied performance, Jazz Studies will provide you with real-life skills needed for a career in jazz.
Faculty
How to apply and audition
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
Program highlights
Hands-on Experience
Jazz Studies provides you with real-life skills needed for a career in jazz. In addition to performances on campus, students also perform at our off-campus Take 5 Jazz Club. This is a program that invests in you reaching your full potential.
Program Highlights
Experienced Faculty
Students have the flexibility to study independently with any jazz faculty providing a breadth and diversity of musical exposure. World-class jazz musicians serve as our artists-in-residence on regular basis.
Program highlights
Performance Opportunities
Our program has been well-represented and awarded at festivals and competitions on both coasts. Students also perform for local schools and events, and at our off-campus Take 5 Jazz Club.
Performance Track
If you want to focus on a career in jazz performance. You will learn skills needed for work in recording studios, on cruise ships, in armed forces ensembles, or as a leader/sideman in a live band. This track may lead to a graduate degree.
Composition Track
If you are interested in writing and composing jazz music. Performance education is still a large element of this track. You will be exposed to a wide range of musical styles from which you can develop your own compositional voice.
Accelerated Three-Year Honors
A unique degree designed for students with a high level of jazz performance skills enabling you to go directly into higher division courses. Usually one summer session is advised.
Minor in Jazz Studies
This path is for you if you have an interest in jazz but want to major in another area. Typically, a candidate played in a high school jazz ensemble and would like to continue personal musical development and exploration. Comprising 20 units, the jazz studies minor still gives you the opportunity for applied lessons and participation in ensembles.
Our alumni play in top jazz clubs
Pacific’s Jazz Studies alumni play around the world in top jazz clubs including Dizzy's Club in NYC, the Monterey Jazz Festival, Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, CA, or The Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan. They receive jazz assistantships at top graduate schools and serve in military bands all over the country.
Pictured: Joel Ross, vibraphone, in Blue Note, Tokyo 2019
Community Engagement
The Jazz Studies Department is actively engaged in the community. Pacific Jazz Ambassadors perform nationally and locally. Take 5 Jazz Club features weekly jazz sessions during academic year. In summer, we invite pre-college jazz musicians to learn and play music with the Conservatory faculty and students at Pacific Summer Jazz Colony. Pacific Jazz Festival is our annual two-day jazz event featuring live performances and master classes with conservatory faculty and renowned guest artists.
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