BM with an emphasis in Jazz Studies: Performance
- Program Description
- Admission and Audition Requirements
- Ensemble Requirements
- Candidacy Examination
- Degree Requirements
- Required Courses
- Course Descriptions
Webster offers the bachelor of music (BM) with an emphasis in performance or music technology for vocalists and instrumentalists. The Webster jazz studies program is based around the small group performing experience. Students participate in jazz combos, Big Band, or Jazz Singers in addition to an academic curriculum that balances courses in jazz and classical music instruction.
Admission and Audition Requirements
To be admitted as an undergraduate music major or music minor, applicants must complete an in-person audition/interview with the music faculty and complete a music theory diagnostic examination. The examination is used to assist faculty in placing students in the proper classes. The score does not affect acceptance or denial to the department.
Auditions are arranged through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (314-968-7001 or 1-800-75-ENROLL). Students who are unable to audition in person may submit a videotape but will also have a telephone interview and complete the theory placement examination.
Specific information on the audition requirements for each music degree program is available from the Department of Music (314-968-7032) or the department's Web site. Students will not be accepted into the department or nominated for financial aid before the completion of an application, which includes submission of official transcripts, ACT or SAT test scores, two letters of recommendation (with at least one letter from a current or former music teacher), and a completed essay.
Priority consideration for financial aid is given to students who complete all admission requirements before March 30 of the application year.
Each of the undergraduate degree programs in music includes multiple semesters of participation in a major ensemble. Depending upon specific degree requirements, the major ensembles include the following: Chorale, Choral Society, Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble (combo), Jazz Singers, Big Band, and New Music Ensemble.
Music scholarship students are expected to participate in performing ensembles in addition to those for which they receive credit. In general, music majors are expected to participate in at least two ensembles per semester.
Each undergraduate music major must take a Candidacy Examination in spring of the sophomore year or upon completion of 45 or more credit hours as music majors (whichever comes first). The Candidacy Examination assesses a student's success in the first two years of music study. The examination helps the music faculty determine a student's potential for graduation within a given degree program.
The examination includes the performance of one or more works and an interview with the faculty. While most students declare their intention from their first semester (BM in performance, BA in music, and so on), no student is actually accepted into the department as a major until the Candidacy Examination is completed successfully.
- 88 required credit hours
- 12 general election credit hours
- 28 elective credit hours
| MUSC 4003 Applied Music: Jazz Studies | 16 hours |
|
MUSC 2300, 2310, 3300, 3310 Jazz Improvisation I-IV |
12 hours |
|
MUSC 4320 Jazz Education Methods 1 or |
2 hours |
|
MUSC 4340, 4350 Jazz Scoring and Arranging I, II |
6 hours |
|
Junior and Senior Recitals |
0 hours |
|
MUSC 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 Music Theory I-IV |
12 hours |
|
MUSC 1810, 1820 Musicianship I, II |
4 hours |
|
MUSC 2030, 2040 Survey of Music History I, II |
6 hours |
|
MUSC 1370, 1380 Jazz Theory I, II |
6 hours |
|
MUSC 2370, 2380 Jazz Theory III, IV |
6 hours |
|
MUSC 1080, 1085, 2001, 2501 Applied Music: Class Piano, Secondary and Non-Major Piano (four consecutive semesters required; minimum two hours of applied instruction in individual lessons) |
4-6 hours |
|
MUSC 3170, 3180 Jazz History I, II |
6 hours |
|
MUSC 0890 Recital Attendance (six semesters required) |
0 hours |
Major Ensemble — 8 hours to be selected from the following:
| MUSC 4960 Webster University Jazz Ensemble (combo) | 1 hour per semester |
| MUSC 4950 Webster University Jazz Singers | 1 hour per semester |
| MUSC 4970 Webster University Big Band | 1 hour per semester |
The Department of Music recommends at least 40 credit hours in courses outside the department. Music majors with an emphasis in jazz studies will also spend time as performance assistants for recitals.
470 East Lockwood Avenue