Jazz Studies Minor

The Jazz Studies minor offers interested students an opportunity to explore the basics of jazz style via classroom study and ensemble performance. The minor strengthens skills in small ensemble (combo) and large ensemble (big band) performance, basic music theory, and techniques of jazz improvisation. The Jazz Studies minor expands students’ appreciation of this unique, Black American art form.

Open to all undergraduate students at JMU, the jazz studies minor helps students majoring in other disciplines understand and perform the jazz art form. The minor requires the successful completion of 14-15 credit hours in specified music courses and four credit hours in jazz ensembles. Students must earn 50 percent of the required curriculum at JMU.