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Eastern Illinois University

Music Performance: Jazz Studies

The Jazz Studies program offers a comprehensive study of jazz music through academic and performance experiences. Classroom instruction in improvisation, history, and composing and arranging provide a deep knowledge of the discipline. Students rehearse and perform in big bands and combos with several performances per semester.

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Music Performance: Jazz Studies

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Music
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
127 Total, 91 in Major
Careers
Drama,, Postsecondary, Musicians, Singers, Directors, Composers
Music Performance: Jazz Studies students at EIU

Why Study Music Performance: Jazz Studies at EIU?

  • Study improvisation with dedicated teachers
  • Perform in big bands and combos directed and coached by excellent faculty
  • Develop a deep knowledge of jazz and its theory and history
  • Interact with great guest artists, including at the annual EIU Jazz Festival
"I chose EIU because of the outreach from the professors and staff here. They personally called me and made me feel like they really wanted me at EIU"
Ryan Cooper
MUSP | Class of 2028

Hands-On Experience

  • Students play music every day. They learn jazz standards, further their improvisational skills, and write new music. Their work is regularly featured in performances on campus and across the region.
  • Recent guest artists have included Randy Brecker, Fred Hersch, John Clayton, and Chuck Israels.
  • The EIU Jazz Ensemble’s latest recordings, My Favorite Thing (2026) and Body and Soul (2025) are available on streaming platforms.
  • Jazz majors perform regularly in combos and big band and complete three recitals before graduation. Jazz combos and senior jazz recitals feature original student compositions and arrangements.
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Music Performance: Jazz Studies students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Eastern offers a comprehensive study of jazz through academic and performance experiences. Students study improvisation, history, composition, and arranging.  This program is a fit if you are a committed musician who wants to take your skills to the next level.  You receive individualized training on your primary instrument, with weekly one-on-one lessons, and perform in big bands and combos with several performances each semester.  

View in Catalog
$49,236
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Art, Drama, & Music Teachers,…
  • Musicians & Singers
  • Music Directors & Composers

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit ArtisticArtistic interest typeYou like to create. This could mean visual art, performance, writing or music, or using design to shape objects and materials.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Shellie Gregorich
Chair, School of Music | Professor of Music Theory/Piano
slgregorich@eiu.edu
2620 Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-5946
Shellie Gregorich Message Shellie

Message Shellie

or email slgregorich@eiu.edu directly
Paul Johnston
Professor of Jazz Studies and Jazz Piano
prjohnston@eiu.edu
Doudna Fine Arts Center
217-581-2246
Paul Johnston Message Paul

Message Paul

or email prjohnston@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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