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.

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
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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-
Jay Ashby
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
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John Petrucelli
Postdoctoral Fellow in Jazz History
Jazz Composition News
John Petrucelli Named Oberlin’s First Postdoctoral Fellow in Jazz History
June 27, 2022
Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble Performs March 13
March 9, 2022
$1.6M Gift Supports Endowed Fellowship in Jazz History at Oberlin Conservatory
February 16, 2022