Offered in: Chicago

The Jazz and Contemporary Music program prepares students  interested in contemporary American vernacular musics and jazz for 21st-century careers as performers, recording artists, and literate, technically competent musicians.

The program's objectives are to:

• help each student realize their unique voice as a performer and as an arranger/composer;
• develop students' historical and practical understanding of the richness and diversity of contemporary musical idioms and styles;
• develop musicianship skills and performing ability so that students can conceive and execute musical ideas in a variety of performing situations;
• in keeping with Roosevelt University's mission, foster habits and ideals of social justice consistent with the important role music plays in social, political, and cultural movements.

The ENS 236 JAZZ COMBO sequence is designed so that each group is devoted to a particular style emphasis. Assignments rotate each semester so that over the course of the degree, students will acquire experience in a broad array of contemporary and jazz idioms, and learn important repertory and composers associated with each through the creation of stylistically faithful improvisations.

Technical and repertory requirements for each semester of applied study are published in the Music Conservatory Handbook (Academic Supplement). These intensify as the student progresses through the program, culminating in the senior recital, which displays the student's creativity, musical and technical abilities, understanding of the historical context and cultural significance of the music being presented, and preparation, rehearsal, and leadership skills.

Admission Requirements

Please consult the CCPA Admission and Audition Information web page for audition requirements for prospective Jazz/Contemporary majors.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

A student must earn at least 60 credit hours at Roosevelt University.

MINIMUM GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Bass, guitar, drumset, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone may be used as the major Applied subject. C- is the minimum passing grade in Applied Music 271 and the associated PERF 261 FRESHMAN JURY. At the completion of the student's second year, they must receive a minimum grade of B- in the fourth semester of Applied Music 271 and PERF 261 to be admitted to the upper division. In the upper division, the candidate must not receive a grade lower than B- for Applied Music 371, PERF 361 JUNIOR JURY, and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL .

A grade lower than C- in any JAZZ course will be considered a failing grade.

A student must earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in all major subject coursework.

Course Requirements

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Enrollment in ensembles is contingent upon placement and assignment. All students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are required to participate in all ensembles to which they are assigned by the Chair and Program Director of Ensembles. Assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

A student must earn at least 60 credit hours at Roosevelt University.

MINIMUM GRADE REQUIREMENTS

C- is the minimum passing grade in PIA 271 JAZZ PIANO and PERF 261 FRESHMAN JURY. At the completion of the student's second year, they must receive a minimum grade of B- in the fourth semester of PIA 271 JAZZ PIANO and PERF 261 FRESHMAN JURY to be admitted to the upper division. The grade of B- is the minimum passing grade in upper division applied study: PIA 371 JAZZ PIANO , PERF 361 JUNIOR JURY, and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.

A grade lower than C- in any JAZZ course will be considered a failing grade.

A student must earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in all major subject area coursework.

Course Requirements (Piano)

¹

Enrollment in ensembles is contingent upon placement and assignment. All students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are required to participate in all ensembles to which they are assigned by the Chair and Program Director of Ensembles. Assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

A student must earn at least 60 credit hours at Roosevelt University.

MINIMUM GRADE REQUIREMENTS

C- is the minimum passing grade in VOI 271 JAZZ VOICE and PERF 261 FRESHMAN JURY. At the completion of the student's second year, they must receive a minimum grade of B- in the fourth semester of VOI 271 and PERF 261 to be admitted to the upper division. The grade of B- is the minimum passing grade in upper division applied study: VOI 371 JAZZ VOICE , PERF 361 JUNIOR JURY , and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL.

A grade lower than C- in any JAZZ course will be considered a failing grade.

A student must earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in all major subject area coursework.

Course Requirements (Voice)

¹

Enrollment in ensembles is contingent upon placement and assignment. All students in the Interdisciplinary Conservatory are required to participate in all ensembles to which they are assigned by the Chair and Program Director of Ensembles. Assignments are made at the beginning of each semester following placement and seating auditions.

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

Degree Map (Instrumental)

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

Degree Map (Piano)

Your degree map is a general guide suggesting courses to complete each term on the academic pathway to your degree. It is based on the most current scheduling information from your academic program. Your program’s degree map is reviewed annually and updated as schedules change (although you retain the same course requirements as long as you are continuously enrolled in your degree program).

Always work closely with your academic advisor to understand curriculum requirements and scheduling, as each student’s academic plan can look slightly different.

Degree Map (Voice)