Jazz Studies

Ralph Barrett, Chair

212 C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall

Department Telephone: (919) 530-7213

Fax: (919) 530-7540

Email: rbarrett5@nccu.edu

Ira Wiggins, Ph.D., Director of Jazz Studies

Department Telephone: (919) 530-7214

Fax: (919) 530-7979

Email: iwiggins@nccu.edu

The Master of Music in Jazz Studies degree program is designed to prepare students for excellence in musical performance, composition and teaching. This is achieved through a comprehensive program that focuses on performance and compositional skills, while developing cognitive skills that enhance one’s critical thinking and creativity. Completion of the program will enhance career opportunities in teaching at the secondary and post secondary levels, as well as professional performance and composition in the jazz and contemporary music fields. Currently, the Master of Music in Jazz Studies is recognized as the terminal degree and requires 33 credit hours of study beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Prerequisites:

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance or a Bachelor of Arts in Music with extensive experience in jazz performance and/or teaching.

Students entering the Master of Music in Jazz Studies program must have a 2.7 cumulative grade point average and a 3.0 average in their undergraduate major.

Completion of undergraduate courses in Jazz Theory and Improvisation (Performance Majors)

Completion of undergraduate courses in Jazz Arranging and Composition (Composition Majors)

Extensive jazz big band and or small combo experience (Vocal or Instrumental)

Application Process

Graduate Application Form (Graduate Admissions)

Two official undergraduate transcripts

Two letters of Recommendation

GRE Examination

Audition Procedures

Students auditioning for the program must be proficient in improvisation on the following three song forms: (1) the blues, (2) rhythm changes, and (3) select standards, including ballads, and Latin compositions.

A performance of each of the sub-styles listed above will be required to provide evidence of the applicant’s improvisational skill.

Additionally, applicants may submit recordings (small or large ensemble) that provide evidence of applicant’s musical development.

Students seeking the Composition track must provide written scores and recordings as evidence of successful writing ability.

A successful performance audition and a written and oral theory exam are required for acceptance into the program.

Curriculum

Graduate Faculty

Ira Wiggins (Associate Professor)

B. A., North Carolina Central University

M.M., Virginia Commonwealth University

Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Candace Bailey (Professor)

B.M., University of North Carolina at Greensboro

M.A., Duke University

Ph.D., Duke University

Baron Tymas (Associate Professor)

B.A., Howard University

M.M., Howard University

Edmund Paolantonio (Assistant Professor)

B.S., State University of New York

M.M., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jonathan Horton (Lecturer)

B.M., North Carolina Central University

M.M., Queens College New York

Robert Trowers (Visiting Assistant Professor)

B.A., City College of New York

M.S., Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York

Arnold George (Visiting Assistant Professor)

B. A., North Carolina Central University

M.A., University of Miami, Coral Gables

Lenora Helm Hammonds (Adjunct Faculty)

B. M., Berklee College of Music

M.M., East Carolina University, Greenville