Jazz
The University of Arkansas offers a variety of jazz-related ensembles. From the UA Jazz Orchestra to the World Music Ensemble, the jazz area incorporates numerous styles and teaching to deliver a unique approach to jazz performance.
UA Jazz Orchestra
The Jazz Orchestra is the oldest jazz ensemble on the U of A campus. As a big band, the Jazz Orchestra performs standards in the genre and pushes the boundaries of jazz music with new compositions and arrangements, many by the faculty.
Jazz Combos
The Jazz Area offers a number of jazz combos that work with faculty members and student colleagues. Combos are formed based on need and performance is student-driven.
Latin American Ensemble
The Latin American Ensemble performs music from Afro-Caribbean and Latin American traditions. This ensemble explores the music of one of the most culturally diverse regions in the world.
World Music Ensemble
The World Music Ensemble uses improvisation to explore many cultures of the world. A unique feature in the jazz program, the ensemble uses folk and Western instruments in performing music from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Songwriter's Ensemble
The Songwriter's Ensemble brings musicians and lyricists together to create new songs in contemporary music genres. The ensemble meets only in the fall semesters.
Voices Ensemble
A vocal jazz ensemble singing music from the jazz repertoire, contemporary music, and a capella music.
Arkansas Soul Band
The Arkansas Soul Band performs standards from soul, R&B, funk, and the blues. Vocalists and instramentalists partner in this ensemble to perform many of the favorites in contemporary music.
NWA Jazz Workshops
The Community Music School offers an enesemble-based learning space in the NWA Jazz Workshops. TheAdult Jazz Workshophas a section for beginner jazz musicians and an advanced section for more experienced musicians. TheYouth Jazz Workshopis for young musicians aged 11-18.
Advising & Handbooks
Auditions
Quick Facts
Degrees Conferred
- Bachelor of Music in Performance with Concentration in Jazz Studies (B.M.)
Jazz Faculty
- Claudia Burson
- Lauren N. Clare
- Jake Hertzog
- Joon Park
- Nikola Radan
- Rick Salonen
- Fernando Valencia
- Susumu Watanabe
Area Coordinator
Dr. Jake Hertzog
Senior Instructor of Guitar
jhertzog@uark.edu
Go to the catalog of studies for complete information about requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree requirements.