The Webster jazz studies program is based around the small group performing experience. Jazz majors participate in jazz combos, Big Band, or Jazz Singers. In addition to core music classes, students study improvisation, jazz theory, scoring and arranging, jazz pedagogy and history. The latter includes MIDI techniques, studio recording and related courses. The M.M. in jazz studies allows for students to emphasize composition, history or performance.
Students work directly with a faculty mentor on graduate projects.
Paul DeMarinis, director of jazz studies, is an internationally known saxophonist and composer. Webster sponsors a summer jazz combo camp in St. Louis and the International Summer Jazz Academy in Poland, which is directed by Michael Parkinson, chair of the Department of Music. Recent guest artists have included Carl Allen, Lynne Arriale, Nick Brignola, Gary Foster, Manfredo Fest, Stanley Jordan and Gerald Trottman. These programs are designed for students who wish to teach music in elementary, middle or secondary school music programs. Through the B.M.Ed., students follow a curriculum designed to meet and exceed certification requirements in choral or instrumental music in Missouri's K-12 public and private schools.