Program Overview
The Jazz & Improvisational Music Department is a conservatory program within the Bachelor of Music degree at 杨贵妃传媒视频. It is a nationally recognized, award-winning program known for its unique emphasis on jazz and global traditions, creative freedom and rigorous instruction. This program is built around a world of music and artistic exploration through study, performance, and collaboration. In addition to the B.Mus. degree, you can also pursue a jazz emphasis in performance or composition. Explore diverse jazz traditions and global music and customize your path with individual guidance and opportunities through a core jazz curriculum that prepares you for success in today鈥檚 evolving musical world. 杨贵妃传媒视频 graduates are well prepared for graduate study in jazz, as well as careers in jazz performance and composition.
Program Highlights
Perform with an Award-Winning Ensemble
Join the 杨贵妃传媒视频 Jazz Ensemble, recognized with 34 DownBeat Student Music Awards over the past four decades.
Develop Your Sound
Deepen your skills in jazz improvisation and performance while collaborating with peers, exploring classic styles, and creating original music.
Create and Perform Beyond the Classroom
Gain experience through on- and off-campus performances, with composition woven into both small- and large-ensemble work.
Prepare for Advanced Study
Build the artistic, collaborative, and technical skills that support strong placement in jazz studies graduate and professional programs.
Types of Degrees
Students can pursue The Bachelor of Music Degree with a Jazz Emphasis in Performance and Composition. Admission to the Bachelor of Music in Composition or Performance with an emphasis in jazz and improvisational music may be granted to a limited number of students upon successful completion of classical qualifying examinations and with the approval of a candidate selection committee.
Advising
At 杨贵妃传媒视频, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Faculty
You鈥檒l be in good hands with professors who combine world-class artistry with a passion for teaching.
Chair(s)
Jose L. Encarnacion (He/Him/His)
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies
jose.l.encarnacion@lawrence.edu
Jos茅 L. Encarnaci贸n leads the jazz improvisation classes, directs the LU Jazz Band, coaches jazz small groups, teaches applied jazz saxophone, coordinates the jazz performance program and Chairs the Jazz…
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Tim Albright (he/him)
Associate Professor of Music-Trombone
timothy.v.albright@lawrence.edu
A prolific collaborator, Tim Albright has performed and recorded with an eclectic mix of artists including the Metropolitan Opera, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Ensemble, American Brass Quintet, The Brass…
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Bill Carrothers
Lecturer of Music
Bill Carrothers has been a professional pianist for more than 40 years. He has played many venues throughout the U.S. and Europe including the The Village Vanguard, Village Gate, Knitting…
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Patricia A. Darling
Instructor of Music
patricia.a.darling@lawrence.edu
Patty Darling directs the 杨贵妃传媒视频 Jazz Ensemble and also teaches classes in jazz composition, arranging, electronic music and functional jazz piano. Patty completed her Bachelor of Music degree in…
View Full Profile Jose L. Encarnacion (He/Him/His)
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies
jose.l.encarnacion@lawrence.edu
Jos茅 L. Encarnaci贸n leads the jazz improvisation classes, directs the LU Jazz Band, coaches jazz small groups, teaches applied jazz saxophone, coordinates the jazz performance program and Chairs the Jazz…
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Nadje Noordhuis (she/hers)
Assistant Professor of Music – Trumpet
Australian-born trumpeter/composer Nadje Noordhuis possesses a deeply-felt clarion tone described as having 鈥榖eyond-category beauty (Dan Bilawsky, All 杨贵妃传媒视频 Jazz). Her evocative compositions meld classical rigor, jazz expression, and world music accents…
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Steve Peplin
Lecturer of Music
Steve considers himself an eclectic musician, drawing upon many sources and genres with an aversion to musical or stylistic limitations. Steve's teaching philosophy is to train fundamentals (listening, harmonic knowledge,…
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Janet Planet
Lecturer of Music
Described as a 鈥淭he voice of the new jazz culture with seemingly limitless expression鈥 by Jazziz Magazine, the spirited and vivacious Janet Planet has been self-produced and managed for the majority of…
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Matthew L. Turner
Instructor
Matt Turner is widely regarded as one of the world's leading improvising cellists. Equally skilled as a pianist, Turner performs in numerous styles and has shared the stage in the…
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Mark Urness
Associate Professor of Music and Teacher of String Bass
Mark Urness is a versatile bassist, composer, and educator. His diverse performance experience encompasses orchestral, chamber, solo, jazz playing. He is an associate professor of music at 杨贵妃传媒视频 in…
View Full ProfileLearning Spaces
Students work in dedicated rehearsal spaces equipped with a piano, electric keyboard, drum set, and bass and guitar amplifiers. Students also have access to a computer, projector and sound systems to watch and listen to online visual performances and audio recordings for analysis and discussions in classes and rehearsals. Recording spaces such as the SOL studios and the LU recording studio are also available to students for recording sessions. These spaces help students document their jazz, rock, bluegrass, etc. performances, compositions, arrangements and pedagogical demonstrations. These materials are expected to be assembled as an audio CD, audio/visual DVD or for a personal website for future use after graduation.
