Capital's jazz studies program is one of the pioneering programs of its kind, with a strong emphasis on both classroom and applied experiences, including improvisation and composition. The program features a highly intensive study of jazz and contemporary music, combined with traditional theoretical studies, ensemble experience and courses in the arts and sciences.
In addition to preparing students for success as performers, an undergraduate education in jazz studies is excellent preparation for entrance into the nation's most prestigious graduate programs. Several of Capital's jazz studies majors also have chosen to expand their career options by earning their teaching certification.
Degrees Offered:
Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies-Performance
Masters of Music Education/Pedagogy, Jazz Studies (Three Summer Program)
Jazz Studies majors have the opportunity to play in numerous ensembles, such as:
- Big Band
- MIDI band
- Fusion band
- Rock Ensemble
- Jazz Consort
- Birdland Combo
- Vanguard Combo
- Savoy Combo
- Jazz Percussion Ensemble
- Guitar Workshop
- Jazz Guitar Ensemble
- World Music Ensemble
- Vocal Jazz Ensemble
The Capital University Jazz Ensembles have appeared around the world, including:
International Association for Jazz Education International Conference, Anaheim, CA
International Association for Jazz Education Regional Conference, Chicago, IL
Elmhurst Jazz Festival, Elmhurst, IL
Tri-C Jazz Festival, Cleveland, OH
Notre Dame Jazz Festival, Southbend, IN
Aquinas College Jazz Festival, Grand Rapids, MI
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
Jazz a’ Vienne, France
North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland
Jazz a’ Brienze, Switzerland
Umbria Jazz Festival, Italy
Tuscani Jazz Festival, Italy
Kansas City, KS
Puerto Rico
Full-Time Faculty/Position-Courses Taught in Area:
- Dr. Lou Fischer-Jazz Area Head, Graduate Coordinator, Jazz Ensemble Director, American Pop/Jazz Theory, Fusion Band, Jazz Arranging, Studio Orchestration
- Stan Smith-Jazz Ensemble Coordinator, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Guitar Workshop, Birdland Combo, American Pop/Jazz Theory, Jazz Composition, guitar
- Dr. Michael Cox-American Pop/Jazz Theory Audiation Lab, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Styles & Analysis, saxophone
- Eric Paton-World Music Ensemble, Ethnic Percusssion Ensembles
Adjunct Faculty:
- Roger Hines-Jazz Consort, Jazz Bass, American Pop/Jazz Theory Audiation Lab
Notable alumni from the program include names such as:
- Cozy Cole: World-renowned drummer
- Stan Smith: Capital University faculty, Columbus, OH
- Vince Andrews: Jazz/gospel saxophonist, Florida
- Tom Wolfe: Director of Jazz Studies, University of Alabama
- Lee Hill: Former bass trombonist with DIVA; Columnist, Kansas City Star
- Larry Spencer: Professional Jazz Trumpeter, Dallas/Ft. Worth
- Brian Fullen: Author, "Country Styles," Afred Reed Publishing; Nashville Studio Drummer
- Wes Orr: Lead Trumpet, Columbus Jazz Orchestra
Annual Jazz & World Music Festival The Jazz and World Music Festival is a week-long event featuring student and faculty ensemble concerts, both on campus and in the community, and world-class jazz artists in clinics, workshops, and in concert.
In addition, one day is earmarked for the Jazz Ensemble Invitational (Friday, April 18, 2008) that brings together middle and high school, collegiate and community jazz ensembles from within a five-state region for a friendly non-competitive atmosphere in an educationally emphasized setting. Adjudication is provided by regionally-, nationally- and internationally-recognized judges. The event is sanctioned by the International Association for Jazz Education as a non-competitive festival.
Spectrum
Capital's Jazz Studies program boasts a faculty jazz group comprised of:
Stan Smith, guitar; Robert Breithaupt, drums; Dr. Michael Cox, saxophones; Roger Hines, bass; Mark Flugge, piano; Scott Belck, trumpet
For more information about the Jazz Studies program, contact Dr. Lou Fischer, Jazz Area head, at (614) 236-6285.