
Jazz Performance
Principal private study is available in the following areas: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, voice, piano, guitar, percussion, and double bass. Jazz performance students’ talents are developed through the cultivation of technique and artistic vision with the goal of building the skills and capabilities necessary to best express themselves musically. These foundations are established through the guidance of a world-class faculty that is steeped in tradition and maintains an eye on the future.

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.
Sample Courses
- JAZZ 120 - Jazz Theory 4 credits
- JAZZ 130 - Basic Arranging/Composition Techniques 2 credits
- JAZZ 201- Jazz Improvisation I 4 credits
- JAZZ 290 - Introduction to African American Music 4 credits
Jazz Performance Faculty
-
Chris Anderson
Director, Oberlin Jazz Ensemble -
Jay Ashby
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies -
Gary Bartz
Professor of Jazz Saxophone -
Gerald Cannon
Visiting Associate Professor of Jazz Bass -
Bobby Ferrazza
Professor of Jazz Guitar -
Jamey Haddad
Professor of Advanced Improvisation and Percussion -
La Tanya Hall
Associate Professor of Jazz Voice -
Billy Hart
Associate Professor of Jazz Percussion -
Eddie Henderson
Teacher of Jazz Trumpet -
Paul Samuels
Visiting Teacher of Jazz Studies -
Dan Wall
Associate Professor of Jazz Piano