The College of Music is set to launch an exciting addition to its curriculum this fall鈥攖he new Bachelor of Music in Vocal Jazz degree in our Thompson Jazz Studies Program will offer intensive development of all aspects of musicianship as a jazz vocalist with study in jazz improvisation, theory, arranging, repertoire and history as well as individual study and performing in our jazz ensembles.听
Professor of Jazz Studies John Gunther shares details of the long-anticipated program: 鈥淭hanks to the generous support of Jack and Jeannie Thompson, this program is finally coming to fruition. Jack and Jeannie are astute supporters of the College of Music and are very involved and aware of the needs of the college.鈥�
He continues, 鈥淭he program is not only for aspiring jazz vocalists, as we hope it will serve the College of Music more broadly. Jazz improvisation is such an important part of the history of performance of American music and the skill sets that our musicians need to have in the 21st 肠别苍迟耻谤测.鈥�
The听methods incorporated into the Thompson Jazz program reflect a commitment to providing real-world experiences. Unlike traditional audition-based ensemble formation, the program embraces a unique approach. 鈥淓nsembles are formed without auditions and then rotated every few weeks, fostering an environment where students of varying ages and experience levels come together and collaborate,鈥� Gunther explains.
鈥淭his approach encourages students to build relationships, learn to communicate effectively and navigate the dynamics of working with musicians of varying backgrounds鈥攎irroring the professional world, where collaboration is essential and musicians must adapt to different skill sets within the group.鈥澨�
Developing and implementing the new degree program was both a response to internal recognition and driven by external demand. 鈥淭he Jazz Studies department had been receiving inquiries from high school directors and prospective students eager to know when such a program would be offered,鈥� Gunther says. 鈥淭he call among young musicians for a broader experience is a clear recognition of the importance of engaging with contemporary music making, improvisation and diverse styles beyond their primary focus.鈥�
Additionally, the jazz program has introduced a new extracurricular ensemble鈥擱alphie鈥檚 Ramblers鈥攃ommitted to embodying the spirit of New Orleans brass bands. Ralphie鈥檚 Ramblers ensures that students across disciplines have the opportunity to experience and collaborate in jazz in meaningful ways.
Looking ahead, over spring break, faculty and students from Thompson Jazz will spend a week-long intensive in Havana, studying and performing with master musicians of Afro-Cuban jazz, underscoring the College of Music鈥檚 commitment to providing a comprehensive education beyond the classroom walls. 鈥淲ith nearly 30 participants鈥�20 students and 10 faculty鈥攚e鈥檒l immerse ourselves in the culture and vibrant musical landscape of Havana,鈥� shares Gunther. 鈥淭his trip will broaden our understanding of Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz, and our appreciation for the cultural nuances that shape these genres.鈥�
In sum, the opportunities within the jazz program at the College of Music extend beyond traditional education. In addition to immersive experiences, cultural exchanges and a comprehensive curriculum, students are actively engaged in shaping their musical journeys by producing their own music, composing original pieces, overseeing the production process and independently releasing their works. According to Gunther, the program鈥檚 commitment to fostering this creativity is further exemplified by its record label, Thompson Jazz Records, and strong student support: 鈥淲e not only encourage but actively support students in entering professional recording studios, ensuring their artistic projects receive the attention they deserve. Our faculty supports students throughout the process鈥攚hether it鈥檚 recording in the studio or securing copyrights.鈥�
As the Thompson Jazz Studies Program continues to empower students to be performers鈥攁s well as creators and contributors to the ever-evolving landscape of jazz music鈥攊t serves as a hub for innovation and artistic expression, and a space to pursue limitless creative possibilities.
