Jazz Studies
DOWNBEAT AWARD WINNERS!!!
In 2022, The Washington State University Jazz Big Band was selected the Graduate College Winner in the Asynchronous Large Jazz Ensemble category. The band received this tremendous honor based on virtual performances recorded and submitted in the 1920-21 school year. DownBeat is the most important journal in jazz, often called the “Jazz Bible.” DownBeat Student Music Awards are national in scope, awarded to top jazz programs from around the country. The WSU recordings submitted to DownBeat are included on the CD, “Jazz During Lockdown,” which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, wsurecordings.com and other online sites.
Award-Winning Virtual Performance by the WSU Jazz Big Band
Among the Best
The Washington State University Jazz Studies Program has earned a national reputation. Ensembles and individuals have received awards from Down Beat magazine and earned top honors at major festivals. University groups regularly present invited performances at prestigious conferences. Additionally they tour, record, and perform with distinguished guest artists.
Students in the Jazz Studies Program work with an internationally recognized faculty and have the opportunity to perform in a variety of award-winning ensembles including jazz big bands and combos. Additionally, classes are offered in improvisation, jazz theory, jazz composition and arranging, and jazz history. Degrees offered include a Master of Arts with a Jazz Option, a Bachelor of Music in Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz, and a Jazz Minor.
Washington State University graduates are performing, recording, and touring world-wide with some of the biggest names in jazz. Many WSU graduates have accepted prestigious positions at universities, colleges, and leading public school programs.