2022-2023 Academic Catalog

Offered in: Chicago

The Contemporary Major will be offered beginning in the Fall 2023 semester.

It is the goal of the Jazz and Contemporary Music program to prepare students who are 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 her or his 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.
• Foster habits and ideals of social justice consistent with the important role music plays in social, political, and cultural movements as well as Roosevelt University's mission.

The 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 the Jazz and Contemporary Music audition requirements.  

Requirements

C- is the minimum passing grade in VOI 271 JAZZ VOICE , VOI 272 JAZZ VOICE, and VOI 273 JAZZ VOICE and the related jury exams. At the completion of the student's second year, they must receive a minimum grade of B- in VOI 274 JAZZ VOICE  and PERF 262 SOPHOMORE JURY 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 through VOI 374 JAZZ VOICE, PERF 361 JUNIOR JURY, PERF 362 SENIOR JURY, and PERF 314 SENIOR RECITAL. 

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

Required Courses

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.

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.