Jazz Studies (Instrumental and Vocal)

Jazz Studies (Instrumental and Vocal)

Jazz Studies

The Rowan University Jazz Program is designed to prepare the serious jazz musician for a career in jazz and commercial music. Acceptance into the program is based on performance auditions, tests of musical ability, previous academic standing and score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. All students study a major instrument with an artist/teacher, engage in private study in jazz improvisation, perform in small jazz ensembles and gain experience playing in a large jazz ensemble. Classes include small jazz groups, jazz composition, arranging, music business and jazz history. All students perform a jury examination at the conclusion of each semester and prepare and present a full recital their junior and senior year.

The challenging but family like atmosphere of Rowan University creates an ideal environment in which to study jazz. Our faculty is composed of in demand working professional musicians/educators dedicated to preserving this uniquely American art form.

 
Prorgram Guide

View Program Guide Here: 

  • Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies 
  • Bachelor of Music, Music Education - Jazz 
    • A modest selection of Jazz courses added to the Music Education degree program. Graduating students will be certified to teach K-12 but will have more experience with improvised music, arranging and rehearsing jazz ensembles.

Course Offering includes: 

  • Lab Band
  • Computer Technology in Music
  • Jazz Arranging
  • Jazz Band
  • Jazz Theory
  • Rehearsal Techniques
  • Small Jazz Ensembles
  • Jazz Composition
  • Jazz Improvisation
  • Individual Instrument - Private Lessons in Jazz Improvisation
  • Recording Techniques
  • Business of Music Classes
Faculty
How to Apply

Students interested in pursuing the Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies degree should complete a Rowan University Admissions Application. Applicants should then register for an audition. 

See Music Audition Requirements 

Annual Jazz Festival
Instructional Videos

Faculty Instructional Videos

Denis DiBlasio - A Life of Jazz

Denis DiBlasio on Creating

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Tips; The Importance of Good Time

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Tips; Solo on One Scale

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Tips; Some Ways to Use a Metronome

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Tips; What Jazz Tunes Should I Learn?

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Tips; Chord Confusion

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Tips; Transcribing Solos

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Improvisation Techniques; Scales

Denis DiBlasio, Sight-Reading

Denis DiBlasio, Jazz Articulation

Denis DiBlasio, Singing Into the Flute 1

Denis DiBlasio, Singing Into the Flute 2

Denis DiBlasio, Singing Into the Flute 3

Denis DiBlasio, Stress free Fermata Technique

Denis DiBlasio Talks About His Pathways to Improvisation Book

Denis DiBlasio and Gerry DeLoach Live at Chris's in Philadelphia

Denis DiBlasio and Brian Betz Playing the Blues

Denis DiBlasio returns to the ISU Jazz Camp

Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz Studies

In the year 2000 Rowan University bestowed the only Honorary Docorate degree ever given to jazz legend Maynard Ferguson. It was a dream come true for me to be one of the people that helped make the event happen. To give something back to a man that gave so much to myself and others was not only a natural thing to do but a necessary one. Maynard had over 70 recordings in his career, books have been written about him, he's been on countless television shows, played for royalty and was all over the world many times. And I mean ALL over. What could I give him that he didn't already have? The answer was an honorary doctorate from a university.

Maynard ("Boss" to those of us who played for him) was gracious with his talent, knowledge and friendship and dedicated to creating an atmosphere where you felt safe to risk and learn. He set up a safety net that allowed the people in his band to fail (As long as you worked at improving). The space he created allowed for the growth of countless musicians to grow in countless ways. This is one of the reasons why he is so loved by so many different people. Bass players, drummers, trombonists, saxophone players, arrangers, composers, and of course trumpet players, all loved this man for the opportunities he gave them.

If you met Maynard for five minutes you would know him as well as someone who has known him for a decade. He had no layers to get through. To meet him was to know him.

When Maynard received his doctorate there was also a decision to create The Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz Studies at Rowan University. The Institute helps support the Rowan Jazz Program in its quest for training young jazz musicians. As director of Jazz Studies at Rowan University, I try and maintain the same atmosphere at Rowan that Maynard created for me, a safe place to learn, risk and achieve. As great a performer as he was, he was also one of the best jazz educators on the planet. Don't just believe me, simply ask anyone who has ever played for him.

When we try and achieve great things we stand on the shoulders of those who have helped us. Sometimes those shoulders are pretty big and you feel a great gratitude for the opportunity to be standing there.

This Institute is a lasting tribute to man who encouraged and allowed.

- Denis DiBlasio