The Program
The Jazz program at Villa is Western New Yorks only jazz-specific music degree program. Courses focus on developing solo improvisational skills and working in ensemble environments. Students will also work one-on-one with a professional musician as well as explore the history of jazz - America’s only indigenous music form!



The Requirements
Course requirements within the degree programs are as follows:

Jazz (40 credit hours)

  • Applied Jazz Music Major I MUJ 221
  • Applied Jazz Music Major II MUS 222
  • Applied Music Major I MUS 121
  • Applied Music Major II MUS 122
  • Basic Keyboard I MUS 131 or Applied Music Minor I MUS 133
  • Basic Keyboard II MUS 132 or Applied Music Minor II MUS 134
  • Jazz Keyboard I MUJ 231 or Applied Jazz Minor I MUJ 233
  • Jazz Keyboard II MUJ 232 or Applied Jazz Minor II MUJ 234
  • Aural Skills I MUS 103 and Aural Skills II MUS 104
  • Jazz Aural Skills I and Jazz Aural Skills II MUJ 203 MUJ 204
  • Music Theory I MUS 101 and Music Theory II MUS 102
  • Jazz Theory I MUJ 201 and Jazz Theory II MUJ 202
  • Jazz History I and Jazz History II MUJ 211 MUJ 212
  • Music Appreciation MUS 108
  • Introduction to Recording MUS 250
  • Jazz Improvisation Lab and/or Jazz Ensemble (4 semesters)

Liberal Arts
The liberal arts core, a combination of humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, essential to a solid career foundation, is required.

The liberal arts core for Jazz is 21 credit hours.


Employment Opportunities
The Jazz program prepares students for transfer to a four-year program. Articulation agreements are currently being arranged with a number of four-year institutions. In addition to professional performance, career options include education, music therapy, and music production including recording and composing.


Special Program Notes
Ample individual practice space, a 168-seat recital hall, a 1400-seat auditorium, and impressive collections of CD’s, albums and books are available to students.

Admittance into the Jazz program is based on successful completion of an audition. A music theory placement examination is also required prior to admission to the Jazz program.

Students participate in solo and ensemble performances.

For Further Information