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College Catalog

Jazz Studies

Description and requirements Faculty Courses

Description:

The jazz studies program is a dynamic, intensive, professional training experience for the aspiring jazz performer.

The performance-driven curriculum strives to emphasize the practical, bringing “the street into the classroom.” With world-class performance and rehearsal facilities, the program enjoys an acclaimed reputation among today’s leading institutions.

Jazz majors are mentored by some of the leading jazz artists on the scene today, and performance opportunities abound on campus, locally in Westchester County and Connecticut, and in leading New York City venues.

Bachelor of Music Requirements:

In addition to meeting   General Education requirements and other degree requirements, undergraduate jazz studies majors must complete the following conservatory requirements (101 credits), as outlined below by semester and year. Of the 101 credits, up to 8 credits of music history may be counted toward the liberal arts requirement (30 credits minimum) for the degree.

Freshman: 29 credits

Sophomore Year: 29 credits

Junior Year: 26 credits

Senior Year: 17 credits

  • * Jazz Keyboard Studies (MPE1015, MPE1025, MPE2015, MPE2025) is not required for students who have a Jazz Piano Concentration.

Master of Music requirements:

Graduate music majors who concentrate in jazz studies must meet the following conservatory requirements (42 credits) and earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at Purchase College.

First Year: 21 credits

Second Year: 21 credits

Music Artist Diploma Requirements:

To earn the Artist Diploma in jazz studies, students must meet the following conservatory requirements (18 credits for the one-year program; 36 credits for the two-year program): 

First Year: 18 credits

Second Year: 18 credits

Music Performers Certificate Requirements:

To earn the Performers Certificate in jazz, students must meet the following conservatory requirements (18 credits for the one-year program; 36 credits for the two-year program):

First Year: 18 credits

Second Year: 18 credits


Faculty

  • Kate Baker

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies, Voice

    BA, William Patterson University

  • James Burton

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies, Trombone
    • The Julliard School, Artist Diploma, Jazz Studies
    • The Julliard School, MM Jazz Studies
    • Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, BM Jazz Studies

  • Jon Faddis

    Professor of Music, Trumpet
    • Studied at the Manhattan School of Music

  • Pasquale Grasso

    Visiting Affiliate Artist, Guitar
    • BM, Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini, Bologna, Italy
    • MM, Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini, Bologna, Italy

  • Knoelle Higginson

    Lecturer, Soul Voices

  • Andrew LaVerne

    Visiting Affiliate Artist, Piano
    • Studied at The Juilliard School, Berklee College, and New England Conservatory

  • Michael Mossman

    Lecturer, Jazz Studies

    MM, Rutgers University 

  • James Shipp

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies, Vibraphone

  • Noriko Ueda

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies, Composition

    BM, Berklee College of Music

  • Matthew Wilson

    Visiting Affiliate Artist, Drums
    • BM, Wichita State University

  • Adam Birnbaum

    Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies
    Co-Chair Jazz Studies
    • B.S. Boston College
    • A.D.The Juilliard School

  • Maxilmilien Darché

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies, Trumpet

  • Andy Farber

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies, Arranging

    BM, Manhattan School of Music

  • David Hazeltine

    Visiting Affiliate Artist, Piano
    • BA, University of Wisconsin

  • Ralph Lalama

    Lecturer of Music, Saxophone
    • BMEd, Youngstown State University

  • Pete Malinverni

    Professor of Jazz Studies, Piano
    Co-Chair Jazz Studies
    • BM, SUNY Potsdam
    • MM, Purchase College, SUNY

  • Ugonna Okegwo

    Lecturer of Jazz Studies
    Bass
    • BFA, Long Island University

  • Gary Smulyan

    Lecturer of Music, Saxophone

    Studied at SUNY Potsdam and Hofstra University

  • Kenny Washington

    Lecturer of Music, Drums

    Studied with Rudy Collins

  • David Wong

    Lecturer, Jazz Bass

Official Catalog: Published September 27, 2024

Course Frequencies

Since actual course offerings vary from semester to semester, students should consult the myHeliotrope course schedule to determine whether a particular course is offered in a given semester.

Information Changes

In preparing the College Catalog, every effort is made to provide pertinent and accurate information. However, information contained in the catalog is subject to change, and Purchase College assumes no liability for catalog errors or omissions. Updates and new academic policies or programs will appear in the college’s information notices and will be noted in the online catalog.

It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information (particularly degree and major requirements) through frequent reference to current materials and consultation with the student’s faculty advisor, chair or director, and related offices (e.g., enrollment services, advising center).

Notwithstanding anything contained in the catalog, Purchase College expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable, to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing; and to change or modify any academic or other policy.