Jazz Studies Program
One of the oldest jazz studies degree programs in the country, Wayne State's Department of Music offers a Bachelor of Music in jazz studies and a Master of Music in jazz performance. With an emphasis on composition, arranging, and improvisation, the WSU jazz program challenges students in a competitive and rewarding environment in the heart of Detroit’s Midtown Cultural Center. Students can qualify during their audition for talent-based scholarships ranging from full-tuition with first year campus housing to partial scholarships. The jazz program offers graduate assistantships, with stipend. For specific program information, contact: Professor Christopher Collins, Director of Jazz Studies (313) 577-1780 or jazz@wayne.edu Big Band at Detroit Jazz Festival
Winter '09 Artist-in-Residence: John Clayton
Seven-time Grammy nominated bassist/compooser/conductor was artist-in-residence at WSU in April 2009. John Clayton's talents are consistently requested by the movers and shakers in the jazz industry, such as Quincy Jones and Tommy Lipuma. Clayton says, "When composing or arranging for the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, I am a disciple of Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones and Gil Evans, to name just a few." Regarding his bowing techniques, he cites the radically different techniques of Slam Stewart, Major Holley and Paul Chambers as influences. There is no doubt, however, that John has created a niche for himself wherein he stands alone.
Past Artists-in-Residence
Eddie Daniels and WSU Big Band Kurt Elling at Detroit Jazz Fest John Cooper Jerry Bergonzi
Branford Marsalis with jazz students Joe Lovano Chick Corea Marion Hayden John Clayton
Wayne State has played host to a vast array of visiting jazz clinicians,including Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Chick Corea, John Clayton, Walter White, Jon Faddis, Elvin Jones, Steve Houghton, Dave Liebman, Kenny Werner, Fareed Haque, Marvin Stam, and Woody Shaw.
Recent Photos
Jazz Week@Wayne 2008 high school students at Wayne State workshops and Campus Martius performance.
Jazz Lab I Big Band Jazz Lab II Big Band Jazz Lab III Big Band
Jazztets/Jazz Combos Guitar Ensemble I Guitar Ensemble II
Jazz Lab I Big Band (closed to jazz studies/performance majors only)
Contact: Professor Christopher Collins, Director
Course number: MUA 2820
Credit hours: 1
Rehearsal times: Tuesday, Thursday - 12:50 to 2:40 p.m.
Jazz Lab II Big Band (open to all university students; requires audition)
Contact: Professor Russ Miller, Director
Office: 2310, Old Main
Phone: (313) 577-9467
E-mail: ac5188@wayne.edu
Course number: MUA 2820
Credit hours: 1
Rehearsal times: Tuesday, Thursday - 6 to 7:50 p.m.
Jazz Lab Band II, the second big band, offers its members playing experience and an introduction to jazz literature. Performs on campus twice a year.
Jazz Lab III Big Band (open to all university students and community musicians)
Contact: Ernest Rodgers, Director
E-mail: ad9394@wayne.edu
Course number: MUA 2820
Credit hours: 1
Rehearsal times: Tuesday, Thursday - 3 to 4:50 p.m.
Jazz Band III divides into small ensembles, giving students a chance to work on solo and improvisational skills. Performs on campus twice a year.
Jazztets and Jazz Combos
Contact: Dennis J. Tini, Director
E-mail: aa5272@wayne.edu
Phone: (313) 577-2545
Course number: MUA 2824/7824 (Jazztets) and MUA 2826/7826 (Combos)
Credit hours: 1
Rehearsal times: Days and Times Arranged
While the Faculty Director will organize Jazztets – Jazz Combos personnel and concerts, suggest creative directions, offer guidance and supervise designated graduate students to assist combos, Jazztet – Jazz Combo students are expected to develop their own unique ensemble sound and group concept by fusing the creative, artistic, and technical abilities of the individuals in each small group. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore original compositions, “head charts”, free group improvisation, and unique arrangements of standard jazz repertoire. Students are welcome to consider possible Jazztet collaborators in advance and sign-up as a complete combo, following the professor's approval. Each Jazztet – Jazz Combo will have a designated student leader who will serve as the student liaison between the Jazztet and Faculty Director.
Jazz Guitar Ensemble I
Contact: Steven Carryer, Director
Office: 2368, Old Main
Phone: (313) 577-3268
E-mail: scarryer@wowway.com
Course number: MUA 2820
Credit hours: 1
Rehearsal times: Tuesday, Thursday - 12:50 to 2:40 p.m.
The Wayne State Jazz Guitar Ensembles first began during the winter 1990 semester. Starting with one ensemble and growing to three within a year, the ensembles provide a much needed developmental tool for the students. The first ensemble began using charts from the library that Mr. Carryer wrote and compiled while teaching a guitar ensemble at Oakland University for nearly 15 years. He has continued to expand the library to its current size of over 150 charts in a variety of styles.
In addition to the biannual campus concerts of all three ensembles, Guitar Ensemble I has also performed 4 times at the Aquinas Jazz Festival and performs occasional concerts off campus. They also performed at the Plymouth Music in the Park series and at the International Detroit Jazz Festival.
Jazz Guitar Ensemble II
Contact: Steven Carryer, Director
Office: 2368, Old Main
Phone: (313) 577-3268
E-mail: scarryer@wowway.com
Course number: MUA 2820
Credit hours: 1
Rehearsal times: Tuesday, Thursday - 3 to 4:50 p.m.