JAZZ STUDIES

The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance is designed to accommodate undergraduate students who desire the rigor of a traditional music degree but with an emphasis on a jazz performance perspective. Our jazz students study with an artist faculty who are deeply connected to and regarded as leaders in Houston’s vibrant jazz community. The emphasis in jazz performance provides specialized training in the jazz genre for musicians who qualify on any of the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, percussion/drums, and piano/keyboards.

In addition to studies in traditional music theory and music history, jazz majors also take course work in jazz theory and improvisation and study their primary instrument with both our classical and jazz faculties. Our jazz students perform primarily in our big bands and jazz combos. MSM’s premier big band is the Jazz Orchestra.

Jazz students also enjoy exposure to guest artists and clinicians each year. This exposure is particularly highlighted in the annual Moores School of Music Jazz Festival.

For more information, please contact Professor Noe Marmolejo, Jazz Area Head, at nmarmolejo@uh.edu