Jazz Studies


Welcome to the Jazz Studies webpage for Marshall University! Here you will find information on our concert series, our jazz festival, and information regarding admission into our program.

Jump to:

As a Jazz Studies major at Marshall University, you will be provided the tools necessary to succeed as a jazz musician in the rigors of today’s music scene. We offer degrees at both the Undergraduate and Graduate levels. Marshall University offers 13 courses in jazz studies that focus on performance, arranging and history:

Classes in Jazz Studies

  • Jazz Improvisation I-IV
  • Jazz Theory
  • Jazz Arranging
  • Jazz History
  • Studio Lessons
  • Jazz Ensembles
  • Jazz Combos/Small Group/Rock Band
  • Jazz Literature
  • Jazz Pedagogy
  • Jazz Styles
  • Jazz Class Piano

2013 Jazz Festival - January 31-February 2

 

The 44th Annual Marshall University Jazz Festival Featuring The Airmen of Note

The festival begins the evening of January 31 with the performance of a high school Honor Ensemble, followed by performances and clinics on February 1 and 2. Our guest clinicians include members of the Airmen of Note, Dr. Kurtis Adams (Saxophone, Shepherd University), Steven Roberts (Trumpet, University of Alabama, Birmingham) and Dr. Tim Pitchford (Trombone, Illinois Wesleyan University) and Dr. David Glover (Drums, Slippery Rock University). Each band will perform in the beautiful Joan C. Edwards Center for the Performing Arts, have the opportunity to work with the guest clinicians, attend a mid-afternoon concert by the Marshall University Jazz Ensemble, participate in instrument-specific clinics, and much more.

In addition to the performances and clinics, we host an ensemble called the “Thundering Herd All-Stars”. Directors nominate students to perform in the ensemble that rehearses at 9 a.m. on February 1 through 2. The ensemble will perform on January 2 before the Airmen of Note.

January 31

7:00 p.m. – Concert – High School Honor Band, Marshall University Student Combos

February 1

7:00 p.m. – Marshall University Alumni Big Band, Marshall University 12.0 with Guest Artists

February 2

7:00 p.m. – Thundering Herd All-Star Big Band, The Airmen of Note

For more information, please contact Dr. Sean Parsons, parsonss@marshall.edu, 304-696-6459

 

Marshall University Jazz Audition Requirements

If you have any questions regarding the required material for the jazz audition, (piece specifics, finding copies of the required music, etc) please contact Dr. Ed Bingham or Dr. Sean Parsons.

Jazz (non-rhythm section)

  • Major scales, two octaves.
  • One blues in a key selected by student. Perform both melody and improvisation. May use play-along recording. Suggested blues include C Jam Blues, Straight No Chaser, Now’s the Time, Sonnymoon for Two, Billie’s Bounce, etc.
  • One jazz standard. Perform both melody and improvisation. May use play-along recording. Suggested standards include Take the A Train, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Oleo, All The Things You Are, Body and Soul, Summertime, Stella By Starlight, etc.
  • One jazz solo transcription (written out solo performed by a reknowned jazz musician). Solo may be transcribed by student or purchased. Student should consider the style and inflection that is demonstrated by the solo artist.

Jazz (Piano and Guitar)

  • Same as above but comp (play harmonies) for one chorus after playing the melody and before soloing.

Jazz (Bass)

  • Same as above but walk a bass line for one chorus play the melody and before solo. Miles Davis’ “So What” is a good jazz standard for bass.