It is well known in the region for its high quality instruction and successful graduates. We offer a strong foundation in improvisation, jazz history and theory, arranging, and ensemble performance. Our staff is comprised of established performers, writers, and teachers such as arranger Allan Horney and jazz pianist Michael Stryker . Admission Requirements Students who wish to become Jazz Studies majors are required to perform the standard instrumental audition, plus demonstrate improvisational ability and jazz skills related to their particular instrument. Teacher Certification Jazz Studies Majors may also elect to pursue teacher certification by completing all requirements listed in the University General Catalog.
All students study privately with an applied teacher.
In addition, all jazz studies majors have the opportunity to study jazz privately on a weekly basis as part of the curriculum. For more detailed information please see the Jazz Handbook . Awards and Honors EIU ensemble and student awards include Downbeat Magazine's award for best big band and college soloist, as well as numerous Outstanding Performance awards for the big band, sextet, and numerous soloists awards at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. The Jazz Ensemble has been selected twice to perform at IAJE and was featured at the IMEA conference in 2000. The EIU Jazz Studies program is committed to bringing top professional performers and teachers to the campus.