Bachelor of Music Music with a Major in Jazz Studies (BM)
John Toomey and Douglas T. Owens, Program Advisors
The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies major serves students on an advanced level and provides a comprehensive approach to prepare contemporary jazz musicians. The Jazz Studies major features studies to enhance creative performance, improvisation, and expression through jazz and jazz-related genres.
Students in the ODU Jazz Studies program benefit from the existing music and jazz-specific connections in the Hampton Roads community. The partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival presents several participatory jazz clinics at the Diehn School of Music with renowned jazz musicians. During regular workshops presented at ODU, the jazz musicians work directly with Diehn School of Music students by modeling their practice routines, performance skills and sharing their experiences as professional musicians. ODU has hosted the following jazz artists in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival: Walter Blanding, Howard Curtis, Ryan Keberle, Alex McArthur, Steve Nelson, Janis Siegel, Gary Thomas, Bobby Watson, Steve Wilson, and more.
The annual ODU Jazz Residency is part of the F. Ludwig Diehn Concert Series. Jazz Studies majors will participate in the various workshops, clinics and performances in the five-day residency. Past Jazz Residency artists include Chris Whiteman, Dr. Lisanne Lyons, John Fedchock, Lori Williams, Houston Person, Katie Thiroux, Dick Oatts, Kenny Washington, John D'earth, Glenn Wilson, Nicki Parrott, Darmon Meader, Randy Brecker, Terrell Stafford, Bob Mintzer, Clark Terry, and John Abercrombie.
Requirements
Lower-Division General Education
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication | 6 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Language and Culture | 0-6 | |
| Information Literacy and Research | 3 | |
| Human Behavior | 3 | |
| Human Creativity | 3 | |
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| The Nature of Science | 8 | |
| Impact of Technology | 3 | |
Written Communication: Grade of C or better required in both courses and in ENGL 110C before declaring major
Language and Culture: French, German, or Italian is strongly recommended.
Human Creativity: Cannot be met by MUSC 126A or MUSC 264A
The Impact of Technology requirement is satisfied in the major with MUSC 335T
Upper-Division General Education
- Option A. Approved Minor, 12-24 hours; also second degree or second major.
- Option B. Interdisciplinary Minor, 12 hours specified by the department, 3 of which may be in the major area of study.
- Option C. An approved certification program such as teaching licensure
- Option D. Two Upper-Division Courses from outside the College of Arts and Letters or from the Social Science Component within the College of Arts and Letters that are not required by the major (6 hours).
Requirements for Graduation
Requirements for graduation include the following:
- Minimum of 120 credit hours.
- Minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward the major.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward a minor.
- Completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better. The W course must be taken at Old Dominion University.
- Completion of Senior Assessment.
Jazz Studies Major
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| Complete lower-division requirements | 38-44 | |
| Complete upper-division requirements (minimum of 6 credit hours) | 6 | |
| Departmental Requirements | ||
| MUSC 150 | Freshman Seminar for Music Students | 1 |
| MUSC 160 | Music and Ideas | 1 |
| MUSC 221 | Music Theory 1 * | 2 |
| MUSC 222 | Music Theory 2 * | 2 |
| MUSC 223 | Aural Skills 1 * | 1 |
| MUSC 224 | Aural Skills 2 * | 1 |
| MUSC 266 | Music in World Cultures | 1 |
| MUSC 309 | Principles of Conducting | 1 |
| MUSC 321 | Music Theory 3 * | 2 |
| MUSC 323 | Aural Skills 3 * | 1 |
| MUSC 335T | Music Technology Survey (Satisfies Impact of Technology) | 3 |
| MUSC 361 | History of Western Art Music from Ancient through Baroque ** | 3 |
| MUSC 362W | History of Western Art Music from Classical through Modern * | 3 |
| Applied Hour Lessons | 16 | |
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Hour Lesson | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| MUSC 101 | Beginning Piano Class | 1 |
| MUSC 102 | Beginning Piano Class | 1 |
| MUSA 139 | Half-Hour Lesson | 1 |
| MUSA 140 | Half-Hour Lesson | 1 |
| MUSC 230 | Jazz Keyboard Techniques | 2 |
| MUSC 326 | Jazz Theory and Aural Skills | 3 |
| MUSC 333 | Music Business and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MUSC 337 | Jazz Improvisation I | 2 |
| MUSC 338 | Jazz Improvisation II | 2 |
| MUSC 417 | Jazz Pedagogy and Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 418 | Jazz Arranging | 2 |
| MUSC 419 | Jazz Performance Practice Workshop | 2 |
| MUSC 460 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| Choral/Instrumental Ensemble | 2 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble | 8 | |
| MUSC Elective | 3 | |
| Recital Attendance Required ++ | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 120-126 | |
- *
Students must earn a C or better in these courses.
- **
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in these courses.
- ++
All Bachelor of Music Jazz Studies majors are required to enroll in and pass MUSC 311+, the zero credit Recital Attendance class, for a total of six semesters in order to be eligible for graduation. Refer to the MUSC 311+ syllabus and the Music Student Handbook for complete information.
Elective Credit
Elective credit may be needed to meet the minimum of 120 credits required for the degree.
Additional Requirements and Information
Ensemble Options for Bachelor of Music and Music BA Majors
Each degree program has specific ensemble requirements, which are listed under the course requirements above.
For the purposes of fulfilling large Choral or Instrumental ensemble requirements, students may use only Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Concert Choir, or Symphonic Band (based on general wind/brass/percussion ensemble audition).
For the purposes of fulfilling small ensemble requirements, students may use a variety of ensembles including, but not limited to: Madrigal Singers, Opera and Musical Theater Production and Performance, New Music Ensemble, Diehn Chorale, Brass Choir, Contemporary Music Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Flute Choir, Jazz Choir, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Combo, Chamber Music groups of varied sizes and instrumentation (brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, string, piano, mixed ensembles, etc.), Saxophone Quartet, Collegium Musicum, and more.
Students in the Jazz Studies major must select eight semesters of a jazz or jazz-related ensemble. This includes Jazz Choir, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Combo or other jazz -related ensemble of varied sizes and instrumentation.
Ensemble offerings may vary each semester; check the class schedule for the latest ensemble availability. Ensemble participation should be made in consultation with the appropriate Area Director/s, Applied Instructors, and Program Advisors.
Other ensembles are offered for credit, such as and including Athletic Bands. Some ensembles are also open to non-music majors with enrollment based on an audition and instrumentation needs.
All of these ensembles are led by and/or coached by a DSoM faculty member.
Students should be aware of the necessity for ensemble diversity, and are encouraged to participate in as many different ensembles as their schedules and advisors will allow.
Applied Lesson Continuance Policy
If a student fails two semesters of applied lessons, he or she will be required to re-audition for applied lesson placement and may be advised to choose another degree program that does not require applied lessons. If a student has five or more unexcused absences in one semester, he or she will fail applied music for that semester. An audition is required to re-enter applied music after an absence of two consecutive semesters or more.
Jury Examinations
Applied music students taking hour lessons at the MUSA 141, MUSA 151, MUSA 161 level or higher must play a jury examination each semester. Failure to perform a required jury will result in a final applied grade of F. The jury grade counts as 50% of the final applied grade. The remaining 50% is based on progress in lessons and is determined by the student's teacher. Students auditing Applied Music take juries in the first semester in which they are enrolled for credit. Audit status is normally allowed for one semester only and is granted on the auditioning committee's recommendation that the student will likely be ready for credit study after one semester of audit study. A student with audit status will audition for credit study during the jury examination period at the close of the audit semester.
Accompanying
All keyboard students are expected to accompany at least once a semester on a General Student Recital, Performance Session, or Applied Music Jury Examination after they have attained the Applied Music numbering of 241 and above or 251 and above, and after they have studied keyboard at Old Dominion University for a minimum of one semester.
Degree Program Guide
The Degree Program Guide is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 110C | English Composition (Grade of C or better required) | 3 |
| MUSA 139 | Half-Hour Lesson (Classical) | 1 |
| MUSA 141 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 150 | Freshman Seminar for Music Students | 1 |
| MUSC 101 | Beginning Piano Class | 1 |
| MUSC 160 | Music and Ideas | 1 |
| MUSC 221 | Music Theory 1 * | 2 |
| MUSC 223 | Aural Skills 1 * | 1 |
| MUSC 337 | Jazz Improvisation I | 2 |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| Choral or Instrumental Ensemble *** | 1 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C |
Writing, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required) or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics |
3 |
| MUSA 140 | Half-Hour Lesson (Classical) | 1 |
| MUSA 142 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 102 | Beginning Piano Class | 1 |
| MUSC 222 | Music Theory 2 * | 2 |
| MUSC 224 | Aural Skills 2 * | 1 |
| MUSC 266 | Music in World Cultures | 1 |
| MUSC 338 | Jazz Improvisation II | 2 |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| Selected Choral or Instrumental Ensemble *** | 1 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUSA 241 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 230 | Jazz Keyboard Techniques | 2 |
| MUSC 321 | Music Theory 3 * | 2 |
| MUSC 323 | Aural Skills 3 * | 1 |
| MUSC 361 | History of Western Art Music from Ancient through Baroque (Grade of C- or better required) | 3 |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUSA 242 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 326 | Jazz Theory and Aural Skills * | 3 |
| MUSC 362W | History of Western Art Music from Classical through Modern * | 3 |
| MUSC 419 | Jazz Performance Practice Workshop | 2 |
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUSA 341 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 309 | Principles of Conducting | 1 |
| MUSC 335T | Music Technology Survey (Satisfies Impact of Technology) | 3 |
| Nature of Science I | 4 | |
| Information Literacy and Research | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUSA 342 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 417 | Jazz Pedagogy and Conducting | 2 |
| MUSC 460 | History of Jazz | 3 |
| Nature of Science II | 4 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| MUSC 311+ | Recital Attendance | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| MUSA 441 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 418 | Jazz Arranging | 2 |
| Music Elective Select from MUSC 336, MUSC 416, MUSC 461, MUSC 462 or other advisor-approved three-credit course | 3 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| Human Creativity | 3 | |
| Option D Required Course | 3 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| MUSA 442 | Hour Lesson (Jazz) | 2 |
| MUSC 333 | Music Business and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Human Behavior (May not use MUSC 264A or MUSC 126A) | 3 | |
| Option D Required Course | 3 | |
| Selected Jazz Ensemble ** | 1 | |
| Music Performance Recital | 0 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
- *
Students must earn a C or better in these courses to advance to the next level.
- **
Select one faculty-approved jazz ensemble via audition (Jazz Choir, Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Combo, etc.).
- ***
Select one ensemble in the Choral or Instrumental area (Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, etc.).
The Language and Culture requirement (0-6 credits) is not included in this degree program guide. Please see the requirements section or consult with your advisor for details.
BA or BS to MBA (Master of Business Administration) Linked Program
The linked BA/MBA or BS/MBA program is an early entry to the MBA program of study. The early-entry program is designed for well qualified non-business undergraduate ODU students to start their MBA program prior to completing their undergraduate degree. Well qualified non-business undergraduate students may take MBA-level courses as early as three semesters prior to graduation and count up to 12 graduate credits toward their undergraduate degree. Students participating in the early-entry program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree). Early-entry program students should carefully consider their undergraduate degree program requirements when planning their course of study. Students in the early-entry program work in close consultation with the MBA Program Office and should refer to information in the Strome College of Business section in the graduate catalog to develop an individualized plan of study based on the required coursework.
BA or BS to MPA (Master of Public Administration) Linked Program
The linked BA/MPA or BS/MPA program provides qualified Old Dominion University undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn a master's degree in public administration while taking credits in the MPA program as an undergraduate student. The program is designed for highly motivated students with the desire to immediately continue their education after the bachelor's degree. The program is especially relevant to individuals seeking to work (or currently working) in the public or non-profit sectors, but is suitable for students from any undergraduate major. Graduate courses may be taken during the fall and spring semester of the student's senior undergraduate year. Up to 12 graduate credits can count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree and can meet upper-level General Education requirements. After receiving the undergraduate degree, a student will continue with the MPA program, taking MPA courses until completing the required 39 credit hours. Students in the linked program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree).
Requirements for admission to the graduate program can be found in the School of Public Service section of the Graduate Catalog. For additional information, please contact the School of Public Service in the Strome College of Business.