Courses in Jazz and Commercial Music are within this program.

 The Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver is internationally recognized for the quality if its professional music instruction, and the Jazz Studies program is one of the most highly recommended programs in the world*. Since its inception in 1924, the Lamont School of Music has been training successful musicians of the highest caliber to achieve their professional ambitions. The goal of the Lamont School of Music has been, and continues to be, to provide the aspiring musician with an environment to achieve their professional goals.

We have a commitment to the future. From MIDI, sound synthesis and reinforcement, through video production, CD technology, and digital processing, we realize that todayÕs musicians need education and experience with the technology of tomorrow. To provide this, we offer a wide range of experiences and classes to educate you with the future in mind. We also incorporate Computer Assisted Learning technologies throughout the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music curriculum.

We've adapted ideas from the most successful jazz and commercial music programs in the world, and added our own special twist to forge a new type of degree program. A program that is as diversified as your interests, and as rigorous as our experienced faculty knows is indispensable for you to attain your goals. When you graduate from our program you will have the performance, composition, business, and musical skills and experience that will enable you to function as a professional musician.

The combo program is at the core of the musical experience in the Jazz Studies and Commercial Music Program, because we honor the fact that the African-American experience is vital to the development of the music that we do. Our faculty of professional musicians, unique to the region, provides combo coaching in the literature and performance practice of jazz and commercial musics. From Scott Joplin, throug Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis to Stevie Ray Vaughan, our program allows you to gain knowledge and experience in all types of African-American Musics.

The Houston Fine Arts Center is the home of the Lamont School of Music, and contains two beautiful performances halls, the Margaret Foote Music Hall and the Corkin Theatre, where jazz groups frequently perform, in addition to ample practice and rehearsal rooms, classrooms incorporating the latest technology, the Music Library, and an expanding music technology laboratory. Also, if you come to DU as a Music Major, you will have dormitory accommodations located across the street from the Houston Fine Arts Center, providing a "hot house" environment for your musical growth.

BM JAZZ STUDIES

The Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies is a degree to prepare students in the performance practice, theory, literature, and the business of jazz music. One of the two optional tracks provided is ideal for those who want to be professional studio players, freelance musicians, jazz composers and arrangers, or want to operate their own private teaching studio.

Within the context of a liberal arts degree, and according to the chosen degree option, the jazz studies music major will be trained in several specialized areas which are necessary for a successful future as a jazz musician.

  1. Students will receive traditional training on their instrument from our performance faculty, including instruction in the new electronic instruments of each area.
  2. The degree includes in-depth studies in jazz improvisation techniques and styles.
  3. There is a full compliment of style studies through our extensive combo curriculum.
  4. An intensive study of jazz theory is undertaken by all, augmented with training in composition and arranging.
  5. Also included is a unit in business and law, as these relate to being a professional, performing musician.

BM COMMERCIAL MUSIC

The Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music is a degree to prepare students for today's high-tech world of synthesizers, MIDI, electronic equipment, and the business of commercial music. One of the three optional tracks provided is ideal for those who want to be professional studio players, freelance musicians, commercial composers and arrangers, or want to operate their own private recording and/or sound reinforcement business.

Within the context of a liberal arts degree, and according to the chosen degree option, the commercial music major will be trained in several specialized areas which are necessary for a successful future as a commercial musician.

  1. Students will receive traditional training on their instrument from our performance faculty, including instruction in the new electronic instruments of each area.
  2. The degree includes studies in basic electronics sufficient to provide an understanding of electronic equipment, and the necessary skills for basic maintenance.
  3. Also included is a unit in business and law, as these relate to being a professional, performing musician.
  4. There is a full compliment of studies in electronic music, studio and location recording techniques, and the theory of modern sound reinforcement.
  5. An intensive study of commercial music theory is undertaken by all, augmented with training in composition and arranging, including post production video, for composition and arranging students.
Upon completion of the requirements of the Jazz Studies or Commercial Music degree, students will have earned a Bachelor of Music degree preparing them to take their place in the fast-moving and progressive world of the music industry.

*Everett, Carole J., The Performing Arts Major's College Guide, 2nd edition, 1994, Macmillan Inc., NY

 

Malcolm Lynn Baker, Director Jazz Studies and Commercial Music Program Internet: mbaker@du.edu

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