For the Prospective Student A variety of courses and performance opportunities are available to all EIU students. Auditions for all EIU jazz groups are held at the beginning of each fall semester. Auditions consist of sight reading and prepared material.
Improvisation is optional for big band auditions but required to play in a combo.
The Jazz Studies Option For those students who may be interested in pursuing a college degree in jazz , Jazz Studies is available as an option within the Bachelor of Music Degree. This degree program is designed to offer the student a comprehensive study of jazz music from academic and performance perspectives. 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 .