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 working on a musical composition
A student works on a musical composition.
Photo credit: William Bradford

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major
    • Bachelor of Music (BM)
  • Division: Jazz Studies

Program Director

Jay Ashby,
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies

Contact

Julie Baker, Administrative Assistant
(440) 775-6633
photo of man conducting jazz group
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.

Performance Groups

Jazz Composition News