The Music - Jazz Studies (B.M.) at Illinois State University is designed for aspiring musicians who aim to excel as jazz performers, composers, and arrangers. This undergraduate program immerses you in the rich traditions of jazz while fostering your individual creativity and originality. You will explore essential concepts through dedicated study of improvisation, theory, arranging, and jazz history, building a robust understanding of the discipline. This degree is ideal for students committed to developing sophisticated musical skills and a distinctive artistic voice within the vibrant jazz landscape.
This full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Music degree is structured over four years, requiring a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 senior-level hours. Your daily experience will involve intensive applied music instruction, participation in jazz ensembles, and coursework covering advanced jazz improvisation and composition. You will engage with practical application through performance opportunities and dedicated study of arranging techniques. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths, including professional performance, music education, and further graduate studies in jazz.