Hayes School of Music

Based on a long tradition of excellence in Jazz education and performance at Appalachian State University, the Hayes School of Music is proud to announce a new Bachelor of Music in Performance with a Concentration in Jazz Studies!

Currently, the following instruments may audition for this program: Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, and Drum Set.  This is a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree program with a focus on Jazz Studies. Sheet music reading ability is required.

Interested students can audition on our Nov 2024 and Jan/Feb 2025 dates for entry in Fall 2025. 

You will have two auditions on audition day:

1. Your first audition will be for your specific instrumental studio and will occur in the AM slots. Prepare all of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Music Performance for your instrument. The material for this first audition can be found by opening your instrument's section on the Audition Requirements page. 
2. Your second audition, which is specifically for the Jazz Concentration, will be performed for the jazz faculty. This audition will occur after 2pm and can take up to 20 minutes. The material for the jazz-specific audition can be found on the Audition Requirements page in the Jazz Concentration section. 

Visit the Apply & Audition page for full details of the process to enter this degree program, including requirements and available audition dates. 

The Jazz Concentration prepares students to perform commercially in live and recorded settings in Jazz and related styles informed by a knowledge of theoretical, compositional, improvisational, pedagogical, historical, and cultural understandings.  Through applied and academic study, and participation in large and small ensembles, students will develop the skills necessary to present jazz repertoire from traditional to contemporary influences.  Through the acquisition of knowledge and performance skills, students will be informed and empowered to educate others while advocating for and cultivating the appreciation of the jazz idiom and its unique place in American society.

 Coursework for the Music Performance - Jazz Concentration includes:

• Required participation in the large Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos.
• Applied Jazz Lessons with Jazz Faculty as well as Traditional Applied Lessons that are instrument specific.
• Jazz performance classes covering Jazz Improvisation 1 and 2 and Jazz Piano.
• Music Survey courses including Jazz in American Society, Intro to World Music, and Contemporary Jazz.
• Theoretical applications in Contemporary Musicianship, Jazz/Pop Theory and Jazz/Commercial Arranging 1 and 2.
• Music Business courses: Technology for Musicians, Musician as Entrepreneur
• Jazz Pedagogy
• Junior and Senior Recital

The Jazz Concentration is designed to support students in attaining the following skills:

1. Comprehensive technical and musical performance capabilities in various jazz and studio settings through experience with solo and ensemble (both large and small). 
2. Perform, improvise, compose, arrange, and score repertoire that is representative of multiple styles with the idiom of jazz.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of jazz history and literature, including the cultural sources and influences of jazz.
4. Explore areas of individual interest related to music and jazz repertoire.
5. Develop performance experiences and experiential listening activities with a broad range of repertoire including original compositions and/or arrangements for a variety of audiences and settings that mirror the professional opportunities for jazz musicians that will serve as a foundation for the development of their career.
6. Develop pedagogical skills in jazz studies appropriate to individual students’ musical growth  as well as large and small ensemble performances
7. Utilize evolving technology for the dissemination of their performance.
8. Develop a basic understanding of the entrepreneurial skills - including copyright, licensing, and permission requirements - necessary to teach and actively perform as a jazz musician.

Visit the Apply & Audition page for full details of the process to enter this degree program, including requirements and available audition dates. A successful audition is required. Apply early for the best scholarship opportunities!

In the meantime, we invite you to attend or watch a live-stream of one of our many performances! Visit the Performances page to find a calendar of upcoming events.