School of Music
Programs of Study
Jazz
Programs of Study in Jazz
The Jazz Studies Program at Texas Tech University builds upon the mission of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the School of Music by offering its students engaging jazz performance opportunities synchronized with in-depth study of the jazz tradition and practice. A thorough curriculum of jazz courses is designed to enhance performance ability and prepare future music educators to teach jazz in their communities. Course opportunities include jazz improvisation, jazz harmony, jazz history, applied private lessons in jazz improvisation and performance, and independent study classes on a variety of topics, such as jazz arranging, jazz pedagogy, and jazz literature. The Texas Tech Jazz Studies Program includes performance opportunities in the two full jazz big bands, several small jazz combos, and commercial and popular music ensembles.
concentrations In jazz
What Sets Us Apart
Opportunities for Growth
Amid this enriching program, students find themselves at the center of a musical journey teeming with opportunities. A curriculum brimming with jazz courses, including jazz improvisation, jazz harmony, jazz history, and applied private lessons in jazz improvisation and performance, is designed to enhance performance abilities and prepare future music educators. Independent study classes covering a variety of jazz-related topics, from jazz arranging to jazz pedagogy and jazz literature, provide students the chance to delve deep into their passion.
Student Success
Graduates of the program have a demonstrated record of success in student employment outcomes and job placement, with opportunities for future careers in the music industry, promising a fulfilling and prosperous journey in the world of music.
Collaboration with Renowned Jazz Artists
Students have the privilege of performing and collaborating with internationally recognized jazz artists, offering invaluable insights and mentorship. Recent guest artists include Tom Harrell, Jaleel Shaw, Allen Vizzutti, Steve Houghton, Bill Watrous, Ingrid Jensen, Rich Perry, Geoffrey Keezer, Jon Riley, Conrad Herwig, Dick Oatts, Wayne Bergeron, and many others.
Collegiate Jazz Festivals
The premier ensemble in the program, Texas Tech Jazz Orchestra, takes the stage at major collegiate jazz festivals nationwide, including the Crescent City Jazz Festival in New Orleans, UNC Greeley Jazz Festival, University of Kansas Jazz Festival, and Wichita Jazz Festival.
Ensembles and Performance Opportunities
Within the Texas Tech Jazz Studies program, students have the chance to explore a diverse range of performance opportunities. These include participation in two large jazz ensembles, engagement with several small jazz combos, and involvement in commercial and popular music ensembles.
Program Highlights
Facilities & Technology
Texas Tech Jazz Studies offers students access to the School of Music's state-of-the-art recording studio led by Professor Hideki Isoda. Additionally, students may use Texas Tech's Crossroads Recording Studio, a professional multi-track recording facility with experienced recording engineers on staff. CRS is experienced in recording projects of diverse musical styles, jingles, voice-overs, 5.1 audio, and audio for video. The studio is free for all Texas Tech students, faculty, and staff. While on campus, Texas Tech Jazz students also have exclusive access to a jazz-specific practice and rehearsal laboratory. The lab has a computer with licensed, recent versions of Transcribe, Band-In-A- Box, and access to the entire library of Jamey Aebersold recordings. The lab also features a high-quality sound system, a large screen television, a high-definition webcam for virtual meetings/lessons, basic multi-track recording equipment, and a full complement of rhythm section instruments.
Texas Tech's Crossroads Recording Studio
Admissions
Apply Now
In order to apply for admission into Jazz Studies and the School of Music, follow these instructions.
Auditions
Curriculum
Jazz Ensembles
Large Jazz Ensembles (Jazz Ensemble I and II)
These groups are traditional ‘big bands' and perform a variety of classic, modern, and original literature. In addition to on-campus performances, Jazz Ensemble I tours regularly and has performed at major collegiate jazz festivals around the country. These ensembles may be counted toward the major ensemble requirement for undergraduate students TWICE during their four-year degree. They meet ALL major ensemble requirements for graduate students.
Jazz Combos
The Texas Tech small jazz ensembles, ranging in size from quartet to octet, focus on developing the art of improvisation in a chamber environment. These jazz combos are highly selective and perform a variety of small group jazz repertoire from classic to modern.
Undergraduate Jazz Classes
MUTH3205 – Intro to Jazz Harmony
MUAP3205 – Beginning Jazz Improvisation
MUAP 1001-4002 – Applied (private) improvisation lessons
MUEN 3105 – Large Jazz Ensembles (May be counted twice for major ensemble requirement)
MUEN 3106 – Jazz Combos
MUSI 4000 – Individual Studies (independent study seminars on a variety of jazz topics.)
MUHL 2304 - History of Jazz
Graduate Classes
MUAP5205 – Jazz Improvisation
MUAP5001 - Applied (private) improvisation lessons
MUEN5105 – Large Jazz Ensembles (May be counted for all major ensemble requirements)
MUEN5106 – Jazz Combos
MUAP6301 – Master's Recital I
MUAP6302 – Master's Recital II
MUAP5302 – Applied Music Literature (Jazz)
MUAP5303 – Applied Music Pedagogy (Jazz)
Alumni Success
Graduate Accomplishments
Recent alumni from the program have gone on to win professional posts with organizations and schools across the country.
- Samuel Bigott - Director of Bands/Jazz, Tom Moore High School, Ingram, TX
- Devin Collins - Instructor of Commercial Music, South Plains College, Lubbock, TX
- Jacob Diewald - Associate Director of Bands/Jazz, Plano Senior High School, Plano, TX
- Jesus Fuentes - Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
- Harlan Hodges - Professional composer, arranger, and performer, Los Angeles, CA
- Keith Morales - Director of Bands/Jazz, Del Valle High School, El Paso, TX
- Rex Novak - Director of Bands/Director of Jazz Studies, Sunnyvale ISD, Sunnyvale, TX
- Tracy Patterson - Associate Professor of Music (Jazz, Saxophone), Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
- Jonathan Rice - Lecturer of Music Theory and Applied Woodwinds, Franklin College, Franklin, IN
- Andrew Schoen - Instructor of Saxophone, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
- Colt Shires - Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant, UT Arlington, Arlington, TX
Professor Stephen Jones Dr. Ben Haugland Dr. Kevin Whalen Dr. Fabio Augustinis
Director of Jazz Studies, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies (Jazz Saxophone)
Chair of Jazz Studies, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies (Jazz Piano)
Associate Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies (Jazz Trumpet)
Assistant Professor of Practice in Commercial Music and Drum Set
School of Music
-
Address
18th and Boston Avenue Box 42033, Lubbock TX 79409-2033 -
Phone
806.742.2274 | Fax: 806.742.2294 -
Email
schoolofmusic@ttu.edu