CCM's Jazz Studies program is designed for the student seeking a professional career in jazz and related fields of contemporary music. The philosophical objective is to develop the special talents of the creative jazz artist as well as the flexible skills required of the successful, well-rounded musician.
Frequent rehearsals, recitals, and concerts provide the opportunity for students to work closely with the faculty and, in some cases present student/faculty collaborative performances. In addition to the 12 jazz faculty in residence, numerous visiting artists present workshops and joint performances with students. Jazz Studies majors also enjoy the advantage of the myriad of classes, ensembles and workshops offered by CCM's many other departments.
the first 'college affiliate' invited to be in residence on tour with the world-renowned Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Cincinnati Business Courier
The comprehensive curriculum includes weekly private lessons with jazz artist/teachers in residence, improvisation study in small classroom workshops, extensive courses in jazz theory, arranging, composition, jazz history, and jazz keyboard skills, plus integrally related courses like electronic music, digital recording and editing, sound reinforcement technology, the business of music, and ethnic and world music.
For the student seeking a professional career in jazz and related fields of contemporary music. The curriculum includes weekly private lessons in both jazz and classical music, courses in jazz improvisation, theory, arranging, composition, jazz history, and jazz keyboard skills, plus integrally related courses like sound reinforcement and recording, digital recording and editing, electronic music, and the business of music. There are supportive courses in classical music theory, musicianship, music history, secondary piano, and conducting, as well as a wide choice of theory, history, ethnic and world music electives. General studies in English and academics round out the degree to provide a comprehensive education.
Students present a public recital in the senior year with works representing a variety of historical and contemporary jazz styles and at least one original composition and arrangement. This performance is in addition to the numerous collaborative combo and big band concerts given by all students during each year of study.
For the student wishing a degree leading to licensure to teach public school music, pre-kindergarten through 12. (This license is reciprocal with 44 other states.) The student takes many of the same courses as Jazz Studies Majors plus Music Education requirements.
Includes all the requirements of both the BM in Music Education and the B.M. in Jazz Studies. This course of study generally takes five years to complete.
For the student wishing to pursue a more liberal arts oriented program of studies while maintaining their concentration in music. Jazz courses and private lessons in jazz and classical music are available as part of the BA in Music degree.
For the advanced jazz student or the professional jazz artist wishing further study in performance, arranging, composition, and research. The MM in Jazz Studies also provides the academic credentials required for college teaching. The curriculum focuses on advanced concepts in improvisation, styles and analysis, jazz pedagogy, composing and arranging, and jazz history. There are weekly private lessons with a jazz artist/teacher as well as extensive combo, big band, and large jazz orchestra experience. Other studies are elective and emphasize areas of particular interest to jazz musicians, such as sound reinforcement, digital recording and editing, electronic music 20th Century music theory and history, and ethnic and world music.
Each entering student must take a diagnostic examination in Jazz History, Jazz Theory and Arranging, and Functional Jazz Piano. If test results show that additional study is needed in these areas, the student will take courses in these subjects without degree credit. If the student passes all diagnostic examinations, it is possible to complete the M.M. requirements in one academic school year plus one summer semester. However, most students choose to take two school years to complete the degree.
Each student presents a public recital with works representing a variety of historical and contemporary jazz styles and at least one original composition and arrangement. This performance is in addition to the numerous collaborative combo and big band concerts given by all students during each year of study.
Many of the Master of Music Degrees and Doctoral Degrees at CCM offer the possibility of a Cognate (minor) in Jazz Studies. Other degrees may offer the possibility of electives in the jazz area. Please contact the Department Chair of the individual graduate programs or contact the Director of Jazz Studies for more information.
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CCM's admissions process begins on August 1 (undergraduate) and September 1 (graduate) for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.
The Visiting Jazz Artist Workshop Series features clinics by jazz greats who perform with the students and present clinics, critiques, and lectures. There are approximately 15 guest artists each year.
* Performed in concert with the CCM Jazz Ensemble, CCM Jazz Combos or other CCM student jazz groups.
The CCM Jazz Orchestra is the college's premier big band and it performs a wide variety of styles including historical swing, bebop, post-bop, fusion, Latin, and avant-garde. Special emphasis is placed on the idiom's great art-music composers such as Thad Jones, Bill Holman, and Bob Brookmeyer, on projects like the annual All-Ellington transcription concert, and on the performance of student arrangements. Concerts have included historical tributes to Woody Herman and Stan Kenton, as well as composer residency programs featuring artists like Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely, Slide Hampton, Tim Hagans, and Kenny Wheeler as guest conductors/performers. The Jazz Ensemble has been invited to appear at numerous professional festivals, educational conferences and radio broadcasts. Many internationally recognized artists have performed as soloists with the big bands and combos, including Eddie Daniels, John Fedchock, Frank Foster, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Garrett, Joe Henderson, Ahmad Jamal, Dave Liebman, and Joshua Redman. Serenade in Blue, the most recent compact disc recording by the CCM Jazz Orchestra on Sea Breeze Records continues to receive wide recognition and enthusiastic reviews. Cadence Magazine called it "a necessary part of any big-band enthusiast's library."
The CCM Jazz Lab Band also performs an eclectic repertoire written for 17-18 players. Many styles from Count Basie to the present are performed, as well as original works by CCM students. The group performs frequently on campus and is often invited to appear at Cincinnati area jazz clubs.
The extensive Chamber Jazz Program includes approximately 10 combos. It ensures that all jazz majors perform in a supervised combo every year of their study. Specialized combos such as the Brazilian Ensemble are offered periodically. CCM combos have received awards from DownBeat magazine and numerous festivals.
CCM Jazz Students enjoy the advantages of the comprehensive performing arts and electronic media facilities of the newly constructed and renovated CCM Village. Jazz performing groups present concerts and recitals in Corbett Auditorium, Patricia Corbett Theater, Watson Recital Hall, and in the new Werner Recital Hall.
In addition, specific Jazz Studies Program facilities include a new digital recording and editing studio, a MIDI lab, computer workstations for music notation and sequencing programs, a state of the art computer-based teaching/presentation “smart classroom,” and rehearsal halls for jazz combos, big bands, and other student-organized performing groups. For larger recording projects, the Electronic Media Division offers extensive state-of-the art recording facilities. Jazz wind players, pianists, and vocalists utilize the newly constructed practice rooms in Memorial Hall, while jazz guitarists, bassists, and drummers have dedicated practice and storage rooms in close proximity to the rehearsal halls and performance theaters. In addition to CCM’s Gorno Memorial Music Library, the Jazz Studies Program has its own Jazz Record Library housing over 10,000 historic LP’s.
The metropolitan area of Greater Cincinnati and the tri-state region provide a busy and diverse working environment for jazz, classical, and commercial musicians, and many students find professional playing opportunities off campus. In addition to major arts organizations like the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, venues such as Riverbend Music Center, US Bank Arena, and Aronoff Center for the Arts present music by international touring artists. Numerous jazz clubs feature local groups, often including CCM students. Many students like the fact that Cincinnati is a major cultural center, but still a city that is a “liveable” size.
Several Graduate Assistantships are awarded in Jazz Studies. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of performance and/or writing ability in the jazz idiom. Teaching experience is very desirable but not required. Computer skills are also very desirable. Depending on the qualifications of the applicant, duties may include coaching jazz combos, directing a big band, teaching improvisation, arranging, or secondary jazz piano, supervision of the Jazz Music Library, supervision of the Jazz Recordings Library, supervision of the Jazz Computer and Recording Studio, office work, equipment supervision, sound reinforcement and recording, or assisting the 12 jazz faculty members. Awards cover full tuition plus stipend. Applications for graduate assistantships will be reviewed beginning on the first audition date in January. They will be considered until appointments are made.
All applicants to CCM are automatically considered for a scholarship based primarily on ability as demonstrated at the audition/interview. Applicants for financial aid based on need must apply to the University Student Financial Aid Office. Contact the CCM Admissions Office for additional information about talent-based scholarships, academic-based scholarships and need-based aid. Please note carefully the deadlines for all scholarship and financial aid applications.
February 14, 2024
Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's Spring 2024 t-shirt and hoodie designs can be ordered online now through March 18, 2024.
December 5, 2023
UC's College-Conservatory of Music kicks off its fall performance season in September with a variety of concerts starring the next generation of performing and media artists. Local media featured the college's upcoming events in preview coverage shared by CityBeat, Movers and Makers, Behind the Curtain Cincinnati and All About the Arts.
November 17, 2023
CCM's collegiate and preparatory ensembles celebrate the holidays with a variety of upcoming performances! CCM's winter holiday concerts include the Jazz Nutcracker on Nov. 19 and Feast of Carols on Dec. 2 and 3.
