Certificate In Jazz Studies
Jazz has been a significant influence on music in the United States since 1900, and has become a part of the language for musicians in any musical career, including education, performance, research, and business. The Certificate in Jazz Studies is intended to allow students the opportunity to gain a depth of understanding and skill in performance, improvisation, composition and arranging, history of jazz, and jazz pedagogy as they pursue an undergraduate degree in music at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
The Certificate in Jazz Studies may form the backbone of the Bachelor of Arts in Music, requiring no additional hours beyond the 120 required for the degree. For the Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in Performance, Composition, Music Marketing and Music Education, substitutions may be possible with advisor approval that will limit additional hours to a minimum.
For more information, contact Dr. James Balentine
APPLICATION for ADMISSION to the Certificate Program in Jazz Studies
To participate in the Certificate Program, a student must complete an application and audition for a committee of the Jazz Faculty (The audition may be at the same time as the audition for admission as a music major). The audition should demonstrate fundamental technique on the instrument, and will include some sightreading. It is not necessary that the student be able to improvise before being admitted to the program, but rather that they have the technique and experience on their instrument to begin to pursue the specific skills required for jazz performance.
Students in the Certificate of Jazz Studies Program must complete a minimum of 16 semester credit hours, including the following courses.
The student should inform the COLFA Advisor that they have completed the requirements for the Certificate in Jazz Studies when they apply for graduation. The Certificate will be awarded independently of the UTSA Diploma, and will be indicated on the student's transcript.