Master of Music in Jazz Studies
with Majors in Performance or Commercial Music Production

Brian Gorrell, Jazz Studies Division Head & Graduate Advisor

The Master of Music in Jazz Studies is a specialized program allowing the student to concentrate in a traditional performance option or commercial music production (instrumental or vocal). Both options develop a high level of performance proficiency in jazz and commercial music styles and expand creative skill, pedagogical practice, composition, arranging and music technology at a more comprehensive level than can be obtained on the undergraduate level.

This program meets the need for a graduate course of study preparing students for successful careers in the jazz and commercial music industry. Many skills needed in commercial music production are closely related to skills needed in jazz improvisation, composition and arranging. Two areas of specialization allow students to focus primarily on the performance or production of jazz and commercial styles culminating in either a graduate recital or the completion of a graduate CD album.

I. Admission Requirements for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies:

A. Hold a degree from an accredited institution.

B. Schedule a meeting with Brian Gorrell to discuss the program.
    Mr. Gorrell can be reached via e-mail at bgorrell@ucok.edu or by phone at (405) 359-7989     x 278.

C. Apply for admission to the Jackson College of Graduate Studies & Research (JCGS&R). Forms     are available online: http://www.ucok.edu/graduate
    Note: No student will be admitted to this program or to the Jackson College of Graduate     Studies & Research who does not meet the program admission standards of an overall GPA     of 2.50 overall, or 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours attempted.

D. Take the written Entrance Advisory Examination in Jazz Studies and perform an audition on     your primary performance medium (instrumental or vocal). This should be done prior     attending classes. Information regarding the exam is given below.

E. Following the Entrance Advisory Examination, meet with Mr. Gorrell to work out a formal plan     of study. A copy of this plan should be filed with the JCGS&R no later than the end of the     second week of classes.

F. Any prerequisites and deficiencies for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies degree as outlined     in the formal plan of study are to be completed as soon as possible.

II. Entrance Advisory Examination in Jazz Studies

The required Entrance Advisory Examination is given the week prior to the start of the semester.
Consult Mr. Gorrell for specific details. Students should take this exam prior to attending classes. The student’s qualifications are assessed by means of the Entrance Advisory Examination administered by the Jazz Studies Division. The examination includes tests in jazz theory & analysis, aural skills, keyboard proficiency, and jazz history. A passing grade of 70% is required in each test. Students falling below 70% may make up deficiencies in one of two ways:
    1. Retake the test and score a passing grade.
    2. Enroll in course(s) as recommended and make a B or better.
        Note: Deficiencies must be removed prior to the Comprehensive Final Exam.

III. Audition

All candidates will perform an audition in his/her applied performance area. This audition must be completed prior to the first meeting of classes. Candidates should plan to present a 20 minute audition. An accompanist is not required for instrumental auditions. Vocalists should bring either an accompanist or appropriate backing-tracks. Candidates should consult with Mr. Gorrell regarding music selection and other requirements.

IV. Advisory Committee

Every candidate for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies shall select an advisory committee consisting of Mr. Gorrell, the candidate’s primary applied music instructor, and one additional faculty member. The Advisory Committee shall serve as jury for the candidate’s graduate recital or completed CD album and will evaluate the final comprehensive examination.

V. Final Comprehensive Examination

Every candidate for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies must, at the conclusion of coursework, pass a final comprehensive examination based on all courses taken. Students should apply no later than the 5th week of the semester in which he/she plans to take the examination. A date will be selected and the exam administered by the Advisory Committee. A grade of 80% is required to pass the examination. Students not at the 80% level will be required to complete additional studies as mandated by the Advisory Committee.

VI. Graduate Recital (Performance) or Graduate CD Album (Commercial Music Prod.)

In addition to the final comprehensive examination, every candidate for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies with a Major in Performance must perform a graduate recital. The Advisory Committee must approve all material performed on the graduate recital. The Advisory Committee must also attend and approve a preview recital scheduled no later than two weeks prior to the actual recital date. The graduate recital must be comprehensive and represent a variety of styles in jazz and commercial music with a minimum length of 60 minutes. The recital must include at least one selection composed and arranged by the candidate. The recital must be professionally recorded and a copy submitted to Brian Gorrell no later than 10 days after the
event.

In addition to the final comprehensive examination, every candidate for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies with a Major in Commercial Music Production must complete a graduate CD
album. The Advisory Committee must approve all material included on the finished album. The completed CD album must be commercial viable and mixed/mastered to an acceptable standard with a minimum length of 45 minutes. A minimum of two tracks on the album must be composed by the candidate. All tracks must be solely arranged and produced by the candidate. All tracking, overdubs, editing, mixing, and mastering must be completed by the candidate utilizing recording technology at the UCO Jazz Lab or within the School of Music.

VII. Master of Music in Jazz Studies Curricullum

A. Major in Performance
Sample Plan of Study
Formal Plan of Study

1. Ensemble Participation: 6 credits
    To be chosen from Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Band,     Orchestra, Choir, or other ensemble approved by the Graduate Advisor. For at least two     semesters, candidates must participate in two concurrent ensembles. Jazz Ensemble is     required every semester.
2. Applied Music (primary instrument/voice): 8 credits
3. Applied Jazz Improvisation: 4 credits
4. Jazz History: 3 credits
5. Computer Music Available only in Fall Semest eTr echnology: 2 credits
6. Jazz & Commercial Music Arranging: 3 credits
    Available only in Spring Semester
7. Arts Management: 3 credits
    Available only in Spring Semester
8. Jazz Pedagogy: 3 credits
9. Graduate Jazz Recital: 2 credits
_______
Minimum Requirements for Major in Performance: 34 credits

B. Major in Commercial Music Production

Sample Plan of Study
Formal Plan of Study

1. Ensemble Participation: 6 credits
    To be chosen from Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Band,     Orchestra, Choir, or other ensemble approved by the Graduate Advisor. For at least two     semesters, candidates must participate in two concurrent ensembles. Jazz Ensemble is     required every semester.
2. Applied Music (primary instrument/voice): 4 credits
3. Applied Jazz Improvisation: 4 credits
4. Jazz History: 3 credits
5. Computer Music Technology: 2 credits
    Available only in Fall Semester
6. Jazz & Commercial Music Arranging: 3 credits
    Available only in Spring Semester
7. Arts Management: 3 credits
    Available only in Spring Semester
8. Advanced Recording Technology: 3 credits
    Available only in Spring Semester
9. CD Album Pre-Production: 2 credits
    Available only in Fall Semester
10. CD Album Production: 4 credits
    Available only in Spring Semester
______
Min. Requirements for Major in Commercial Music Prod: 34 credits

VIII. Educational Objectives

OVERALL JOINT OBJECTIVES
This program satisfies the need for a graduate level course of study preparing students for careers in the jazz and commercial music industry. Many skills needed in commercial music production are closely related to skills needed in jazz improvisation, composition, and arranging. The concept of having two majors available within one degree is not only relevant but efficient because there are a number of courses which are applicable to both areas of study including: Ensemble Participation, Applied Music, Jazz History, Computer Music Technology, Jazz & Commercial Music Arranging, and Arts Management. Students wishing to specialize primarily in the performance of jazz and commercial music would be better advised to follow the performance tract. The skills required of a professional jazz artist have proven to be the same necessary skills in many styles of commercial music. Students wishing to be directly involved in the recording and production aspects of jazz and commercial music would be better advised to follow the commercial music production tract. Commercial music production requires a high level of proficiency in composition, arrangement, and recording technology. Commercial music producers are not however required to be as technically proficient in the actual performance of such music.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Master of Music in Jazz Studies – Major in Performance
At the completion of this graduate degree, the student shall demonstrate musical skills equivalent to working professional jazz and commercial musicians in major cities of the United States. (E.g. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, OKC, Austin, etc.)
• The student shall be a technically proficient sight-reader.
• The student shall have memorized at least thirty jazz standards commonly performed by
  professional musicians.
• The student shall perform on his/her primary instrument/voice with a level of technical   proficiency expected in the professional music business. (E.g. tone, style, technique, etc.)
• The student shall possess an appropriate level of technical proficiency on ‘doubling’   instruments in their area as determined by his/her applied music instructor. For example:
  Saxophonists are expected to double on clarinet and flute; Bassists are expected to perform on   acoustic and electric bass; Etc.
• The student shall demonstrate professional arranging skills including writing for small and large   ensemble combinations.
• The student shall demonstrate a high level of proficiency in composition.
• The student shall demonstrate competency in the use of computer music technology including   notation, MIDI sequencing and audio recording.
• The student shall demonstrate skills necessary to successfully promote, market, and manage   his/her professional career.
• The student shall demonstrate a working knowledge of the techniques used in teaching jazz   and commercial music styles on both a one-on-one basis as well as working with small and   large ensembles.
• The student shall be technically proficient at sight-reading chord symbols and number charts   on his/her primary instrument/voice and at the keyboard.
• The student shall demonstrate competent knowledge of jazz history, influences of all major   artists, and current stylistic trends.
• The student will demonstrate competency in scholarly writing by presenting research in jazz   history, music analysis, and recital studies.
• The student shall perform a minimum sixty-minute recital that includes at least one original   composition.

Master of Music in Jazz Studies – Major in Commercial Music Production
At the completion of this graduate degree, the student shall demonstrate skills equivalent to professional commercial music producers in major cities of the United States. (E.g., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, Houston, OKC, Austin, etc.)
• The student will be a technically proficient sight-reader.
• The student will have memorized at least ten jazz standards commonly performed by   professional musicians.
• The student will perform on their primary instrument/voice with a demonstrated level of   technical proficiency as determined by their applied instructor.
• The student will demonstrate professional arranging skills writing for small and large   ensembles.
• The student will demonstrate professional composition skills writing for small and/or large   ensembles.
• The student will demonstrate professional skills in the use of computer music technology   including notation, MIDI sequencing, and audio recording.
• The student will demonstrate the basic skills necessary to successfully promote, market, and   manage their professional career.
• The student will be technically proficient at sight-reading chord symbols and number charts at   the keyboard.
• The student will demonstrate professional level skills working with computer based digital   audio workstation software such as Digital Performer.
• The student will demonstrate professional level skills in the techniques of microphone selection   and optimum placement; gain structure, and pre-amp choices.
• The student will demonstrate professional level skills in the techniques of tracking, mixing and   mastering music.
• The student will demonstrate a competent knowledge of jazz history, influences of all major   artists, and current stylistic trends.
• The student will demonstrate competency in scholarly writing through the presentation of   research in jazz history, music analysis, music technology, and CD liner notes.
• The student will independently compose, arrange, and produce a professional and   commercially viable CD album with a minimum of two original compositions. This completed   CD will be at least 45 minutes in length.

For more information about a Master of Music in Jazz Studies degree, contact the graduate music advisor at:rhowell@ucok.edu or call (405) 974-5758.

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Page updated 1/17/08