As a result, jazz is a broad term sometimes interpreted as everything from dance music to avant-garde concerts, from popular instrumentals to computer-generated movie soundtracks, from saxophone/Indian tabla duos to big bands playing Duke Ellington tunes, from vocal standards to symphony orchestras with Latin/jazz percussionists. However, most professional jazz musicians perform their creative improvisations in three- to six-piece groups, generally in local venues, on concert tours and for recordings. Many supplement their income by working in more commercial forms of entertainment in clubs, restaurants, theaters and recording studios.

The jazz studies program at the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) teaches the fundamentals of classical music, stylistic elements of each historical jazz period, strategies for enhancing originality, techniques of electronic media, and today’s cutting-edge trends that defy categorization. By receiving a wide musical perspective and the command of a broad jazz language, the student is equipped to pursue a future in jazz art music. At the same time, this thorough course of study serves as the best preparation for related careers in commercial music.

Career Possibilities:

Graduates of this major pursue many different careers. While most specialize in jazz, many perform in other areas of contemporary music. A few examples include:

• Touring and recording jazz soloist
• Jazz combo and orchestra musician
• Composer and arranger
• Studio musician or producer
• Musical theater musician or accompanist
• Rock/pop/dance band performer
• Cruise ship musician
• Military band member
• Musical instrument instructor
• High school band director (for graduates with music education/jazz specialization degree)
• College music professor (for graduates who continue with graduate study)