Considered by many to be America's only original art form, jazz pulses with the beat of a nation constantly changing and on the move. Pitt State offers a complete program of courses including improvisation, composition, arranging, jazz history, pedagogy, jazz music appreciation, combos and big band ensembles. These courses are designed to give the serious student a well-rounded background in all aspects of jazz and commercial music. Pittsburg State University receives CD recordings from MAMA Records as part of the MAMA Foundaton's Music For Schools Program. Jazz Ensembles Keeping current with the literature of the professional big bands of today and the standards of the past, the jazz ensembles perform innovative music in numerous jazz, studio, and jazz-rock styles.
Membership is open to all PSU students regardless of major.
The P.S.U. Jazz Combos give the student an opportunity to play jazz in a small group format. Members of the combos learn to develope and cultavate improvisational skills while being coached by PSU faculty. Jazz Improvisation Courses in jazz improvisation assist the student in developing improvisational abilities in various jazz styles. Learning the theoratical basis of chords, playing patterns, transcribing solos, and working with standards are intergal to this class. A minimum knowledge of music theory is needed.