Program Overview
Jazz Composition
The jazz composition curriculum closely follows the jazz performance course of study. All jazz composition students study with an applied studies teacher on their principal instrument. Students in the jazz composition program begin the sequence of courses in private composition in their first year and explore a variety of styles and idioms. Jazz composition study culminates with the public presentation of original works for jazz ensembles of various sizes on students’ junior and senior recitals.
A student works on a musical composition.
Photo credit: William Bradford
Program Facts
- Program Type: Major
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- Bachelor of Music (BM)
- Division: Jazz Studies
Program Director
Jay Ashby,
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
Quick Links
Guest composer/arranger Michael Mossman ’82 directs the Oberlin Jazz Ensemble.
Photo credit: Walter Novak
Oberlin Jazz Ensemble
The Oberlin Jazz Ensemble features jazz as well as classical performance majors. The group performs in Finney Chapel during the academic year and appears at college festivals throughout the United States. The jazz ensemble presents standard repertoire and new works including pieces by student composers. Recent guest solo artists include Etienne Charles, Nicholas Payton, Michael Mossman, Rufus Reid, John and Gerald Clayton, and Eddie Henderson.
Faculty
Jay Ashby
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
Upcoming Jazz Composition Events
Details: Date, Time, and Location
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Finney Chapel
Conservatory Orientation Recital
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Finney Chapel
Concert: Oberlin Jazz Ensemble
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Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse, Hales Annex
Concert: Small Jazz Ensembles
Details: Date, Time, and Location
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Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse, Hales Annex
Concert: Small Jazz Ensembles
Details: Date, Time, and Location
Date
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Time
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Location
Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse, Hales Annex
Concert: Small Jazz Ensembles
Details: Date, Time, and Location
Date
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Time
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Location
Cat in the Cream Coffeehouse, Hales Annex
Concert: Small Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Composition News
Excellence, Innovation, and Engagement: The 2026–27 Oberlin Artist Recital Series
The 2026–27 season represents the Artist Recital Series at its best, offering audiences an opportunity not only to listen, but also to engage deeply with some of the finest musical artistry across genres, traditions, and time periods.
Artemis Visits Oberlin, Leads Master Classes and Panels
Jazz supergroup provides valuable lessons in music, artistry, and mentorship by engaging with students and community members through a presentation, Q&A, master class, and career talk.
Five Faculty Earn Excellence in Teaching Honors
Annual awards celebrate distinguished and sustained leadership across the college and conservatory.
