JAZZ STUDIES
Our jazz studies program values both rigorous training in traditional forms of jazz and also the most experimental approaches to improvised and arranged music.
The Program
Embedded in a program that focuses on both historical and contemporary improvisation, our jazz studies students engage deeply in solo and large ensemble work but also devote significant time to small group playing.
As they develop their skills, our jazz studies students get to work with some of the region’s leading practitioners and have frequent opportunities to learn from a host of visiting artists, including established legends and rising stars.
We recognize the importance of history, theory, arranging and improvisation and we believe deeply in the need to connect with our community. Our students have access to a rich, jazz-loving environment and often have opportunities to perform across campus and in our community.
Performance Opportunities
Encompassing over 100 students, our jazz bands and combos perform repertoire from the traditional and contemporary jazz lexicon.
Director of Jazz Studies
Mark Williams
Director, Jazz Studies
Associate Artist-in-Residence, Jazz Studies
1130E The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
MD,
20742
Jazz Studies Faculty
Thomas Baldwin
Lecturer, Jazz Double Bass
Jazz Studies
Combo Coach, Jazz Ensembles
1118 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
MD,
20742
Steve Fidyk
Lecturer, Jazz Drumset
Jazz Studies
2539 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
MD,
20742
Chris Gekker
Distinguished University Professor, Trumpet
Jazz Studies
1130B The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
MD,
20742
Gerard Kunkel
Lecturer, Jazz Guitar
Jazz Studies
1118 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
MD,
20742
Tim Powell
Assistant Clinical Professor, Saxophone
Winds & Percussion
1114 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park
MD,
20742
Curriculum
B.A.
| Course | Duration | Credits |
| Lessons | 5 semesters | 10 |
| Jazz Ensemble | 5 semesters | 5 |
| Class piano | 2 semesters | 4 |
| Music theory | 5 semesters | 17 |
| Music history | 4 semesters | 12 |
| Improvisation | 1 semester | 3 |
| General education, languages, and electives | 69 |
B.M.
| Course | Duration | Credits |
| Lessons + Senior recital | 8 semesters | 18 |
| Jazz Ensemble | 8 semesters | 8 |
| Jazz Combo | 8 semesters | 8 |
| Class piano | 2 semesters | 4 |
| Music theory | 5 semesters | 15 |
| Music history | 5 semesters | 15 |
| Jazz Arranging | 1 course | 3 |
| Improvisation | 1 course | 3 |
| Conducting | 1 semester | 2 |
| General education and electives | 42 |
M.M.
| Course | Duration | Credits |
| Lessons + Recital | 4 semesters | 10 |
| Large Ensemble | 4 semesters | 4 |
| Small Ensemble | 4 semesters | 4 |
| Improvisation | 1 course | 3 |
| Jazz Arranging | 1 course | 3 |
| Research Methods | 1 course | 3 |
| Jazz Theory | 1 course | 3 |
| Jazz History | 1 course | 3 |