Commercial Music and Jazz
The Commercial Music and Jazz concentration offers a number of courses, ensembles, and professional experiences designed to give you the most contemporary knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful performer, recording engineer, composer/songwriter, and/or entrepreneur. This includes courses in improvisation, commercial arranging, commercial styles, recording technology and careers in music. Commercial Music and Jazz faculty are unique in that they teach in a variety of musical styles and each is active professionally in their field. You can expect a variety of large and small ensemble experiences, covering a wide array of genres and numerous live and studio performance opportunities.
BA Commercial Music and Jazz - Music
Ensembles Offered
Jazz Big Band
Jazz Combos
Funk/R&B Band
Rock/Pop Band
Songwriting
Masterclasses
Performance Spaces
Wheelwright Auditorium
Wheelwright Recording Studio
Outdoor Stage
Edwards Recital Hall
Courses
Foundations
(32 Credits)
Ensemble (4 semesters)
MUS 100 - Recital Class (7 semesters)
MUS 119 - Introduction to Music Technology
MUS 115 - Concepts and Elements of Music Theory
MUS 116 - Principles of Harmony and Voice Leading
MUS 215 - Chromatic Harmony and Modulation
MUS 216 - Musical Structures
MUS 117-218 - Ear Training and Sight Singing I-IV
MUS 172-273 - Class Piano I-IV
MUS 253-254 - History of Western Music I-II
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Performance Requirements
Applied Music (8 semesters)
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Ensemble - 4 additional semesters
3 Credits of Health & Wellness
Specialization
(19 Credits)
MCJ 310 - Careers in Music
MCJ 381 - Improvisation and Jazz/Pop Theory
MCJ 382 - Commercial Performance Styles
MCJ 385 - Improvisation and Jazz/Pop Theory II
MCJ 391 - Recording Technology I
MCJ 392 - Recording Technology II
MCJ 421 - Contemporary Jazz/Commercial Arranging
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5-10 credits of Music Electives at the 300-400 level
Recitals
MUS 300 - Junior Recital
MUS 400 - Senior Recital
Program Faculty Spotlight
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Tim Fischer
Associate Professor of Music, Jazz Guitar, Recording Technology
Dr. Tim Fischer is the coordinator of Commercial Music and Jazz and the Master in Music Technology programs. He teaches guitar, jazz combo, and recording.
David W. Carter Jr.
Assistant Professor, Music Education
Most recently, Carter served as the Director of Education and Outreach for Charleston Jazz–a non-profit organization focused on preserving and promoting the art of jazz.
Student and Alumni Work
Other Concentrations in Music
Popular Certificates and Minors
Application Requirements
Get in Touch
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