Program Overview

Jazz Performance

At Oberlin, Jazz Performance students build the skills and capabilities necessary to best express themselves musically. Principal private study in jazz performance is available in saxophone, trumpet, trombone, voice, piano, guitar, percussion, and double bass. Students are grounded in an understanding of genres and influences while their talents are developed through the cultivation of technique and artistic vision. These foundations are established through the guidance of a world-class faculty that is steeped in tradition and maintains an eye on the future.

Program Facts

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

Jazz Division Director

Jay Ashby,
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies

Contact

Julie Baker, Administrative Assistant

(440) 775-6633

Julie.Baker@oberlin.edu

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Oberlin Jazz Ensemble

The Oberlin Jazz Ensemble features primarily jazz performance majors, though some classical performance majors audition and perform with the group. They perform in Finney Chapel during the academic year and have appeared at college festivals throughout the United States. The jazz ensemble presents standard repertoire and new works including pieces by student composers. Recent guest artists who have led or soloed with the ensemble include Maria Schneider, Etienne Charles, Nicholas Payton, Michael Mossman, Rufus Reid, John and Gerald Clayton, and Eddie Henderson.

Performance Ensembles

Jazz Performance Curriculum

Jazz performance students are supported in defining and developing their individual voice through principal private study with a highly acclaimed faculty and an emphasis on small ensemble performance.

Required courses, such as JAZZ 290 Intro to African American Music, provide a comprehensive understanding of the genre’s roots so that you may see clearly its evolution and better anticipate how past musical ideas will affect your artistry.

Oberlin’s small jazz ensembles are a defining feature of the department. Student-formed groups perform twice each semester and receive regular guidance from faculty coaches. You’ll be engaged in repertoire choices and write music for these ensembles.

Student ensembles also perform in nearby Cleveland and recent tours have taken students to Italy, South Africa, Brazil, New York City, and San Francisco.

More about the Jazz Studies Division

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week Winter Term each January encourages students to discover the value of immersive and self-directed study. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Projects can take place on or off campus. Ensembles such as the Oberlin Sonny Rollins Jazz Ensemble or the Performance and Improvisation group Genre Nova often perform on tour during Winter Term.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Jazz students are often involved in many campus student groups and clubs including the Oberlin Jazz Society, Oberlin Black Musicians Guild, WOBC-FM campus radio station, and the Oberlin Review. There are more than 175 student organizations available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.