Jazz Studies Minor

Program Overview

The Jazz Studies Minor at Western Oregon University provides a thorough foundation in jazz music. Core courses cover jazz history, improvisation, ensemble performance, and musicology. Students complete elective courses tailored to their interests and prepare for careers in music through specialized training in areas such as performance, production, and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Jazz Studies Minor at Western Oregon University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of jazz music. The program aims to develop students' artistic proficiency in areas such as performance, composition, writing, production, research, and teaching. It also emphasizes the role of music in society and encourages students to develop their intellectual and aesthetic focus.

Outline:

The Jazz Studies Minor requires a total of 27 credits. The program is structured around core courses, approved musicology courses, and upper division electives.

Core Courses:

• MUS 103 Jazz History (3 credits): This course explores the history of jazz music from its origins to the present day.
• MUS 220 Improvisation (2 credits): This course focuses on the development of improvisation skills in a jazz context.
• MUEN 161 Western Oregon Voices (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Western Oregon Voices choir.
• MUEN 162 Jazz Orchestra (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Jazz Orchestra.
• MUEN 163 Latin Jazz (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Latin Jazz ensemble.
• MUEN 361 Western Oregon Voices (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Western Oregon Voices choir.
• MUEN 362 Jazz Orchestra (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Jazz Orchestra.
• MUEN 363 Latin Jazz (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Latin Jazz ensemble.
• Approved Musicology Courses (Choose One):
• MUS 267 Music in America: 1800-1945 (3 credits):
This course explores the history of music in America from 1800 to 1945.
• MUS 268 Music in America: 1945-1967 (3 credits): This course explores the history of music in America from 1945 to 1967.
• MUS 269 Music in America: 1967-Present (3 credits): This course explores the history of music in America from 1967 to the present day.
• Approved Upper Division Elective (13 credits): Students can choose from a variety of upper division elective courses in music.
• MUEN 361 Western Oregon Voices (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Western Oregon Voices choir.
• MUEN 362 Jazz Orchestra (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Jazz Orchestra.
• MUEN 363 Latin Jazz (1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to participate in the Latin Jazz ensemble.
• MUP 305 Music Performance - American Vernacular Studies (2-4 credits): This course focuses on the performance of American vernacular music, with an emphasis on jazz improvisation studies.
• MUS 322 Jazz Methods (3 credits): This course explores various jazz methods and techniques.
• MUS 345 Careers in Music (3 credits): This course provides students with an overview of career opportunities in the music industry.
• MUS 380 Recording Session Preparation for Performing Musicians (3 credits): This course prepares students for recording sessions as performing musicians.
• MUS 381 Introduction to Audio Production (3 credits): This course introduces students to the basics of audio production.
• MUS 382 Digital Music Production (3 credits): This course explores digital music production techniques.
• MUS 383 Advanced Music Production (3 credits): This course provides students with advanced training in music production.
• MUS 414 Jazz Theory (3 credits): This course covers the theoretical foundations of jazz music.
• MUS 415 Jazz Arranging I (3 credits): This course introduces students to the principles of jazz arranging.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a faculty of experienced music educators, including:

• Dirk Freymuth
• Ike Nail
• Kevin Walczyk
• James Reddan (Associate Professor)
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with a focus on performance, improvisation, and ensemble work.

Careers:

The Jazz Studies Minor prepares students for a variety of careers in the music industry, including:

• Musician
• Composer
• Arranger
• Producer
• Music educator
• Music therapist

Other:

The Music Department at Western Oregon University offers a variety of other programs and services, including:

• Professional and liberal arts degrees in music
• An active schedule of performances
• Large and small ensembles in vocal and instrumental music
• Up-to-date facilities for electronic music production and recording
• Course offerings leading to degrees with concentrations in composition, instrumental performance, vocal performance, jazz and popular music, and pre-teaching.