Global Jazz Studies BA

Capstone Major

The Global Jazz Studies major is a designated capstone major. The capstone project, usually done in the senior year, is tailored to each student and includes a seminar class (course 186A) and a capstone presentation such as a recital, lecture-demonstration, or lecture-recital (186B). The capstone experience provides an appropriate vehicle … For more content click the Read More button below.

The Global Jazz Studies major is a designated capstone major. The capstone project, usually done in the senior year, is tailored to each student and includes a seminar class (course 186A) and a capstone presentation such as a recital, lecture-demonstration, or lecture-recital (186B). The capstone experience provides an appropriate vehicle for the faculty to assess the students’ accomplishments during their tenure in the program.

Learning Outcomes

Advanced-level performance of multiple jazz styles across historical periods and contemporary jazz performance practices

Demonstrated proficiency in styles representative of Africa, the African diaspora, and at least one other world musical culture

Demonstrated advanced skill and understanding in improvisation, musical structure and instrumentation, composition, arranging, timbre, and expression

Demonstrated basic proficiency in areas of programming, recording, and/or post-production

Demonstrated interdisciplinary knowledge of global jazz as text and method

Interrogation of the concerns of jazz as a comprehensive practice, including its capacity to transform the musical, political, and socioeconomic world it engages

Entry to the Major

Admission

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Global Jazz Studies major with 90 or more units must complete as many of the following introductory courses as possible prior to admission to UCLA: one to two years of jazz studio instruction (equivalent to Global Jazz Studies 71A through 71I) and one year of musicianship (equivalent to Ethnomusicology M6A, M6B, M6C).

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major

Complete a total of 41 units as follows:

Musical Cultures of the World

Music and Dance of Ghana and African American Music Ensemble

World Music Specializations and Performance Organizations

African American Musical Heritage

Jazz Performance

Musicianship

The Major

Complete 72 units as follows:

Performance (24 units)

Students must enroll in a studio class and at least one combo or ensemble each quarter.

Studio Coursework

Small Jazz Combo

Large Jazz Ensemble

Musicianship and Theory (24 units)

Complete 24 units from:

Scholarly Foundations (20 units)

Complete Global Jazz Studies 101, 125 and one course (at least 4 units) from each subject area listed, for a total of 20 units.

African American Studies

Global Jazz Studies

Music Industry

Capstone Seminar and Project (4 units)

Policies

Preparation for the Major Policies

All entering first years are required to take the Music Theory Assessment Examination either during New Student Sessions or during zero week of fall quarter. The examination score is used to determine eligibility and placement in first-year music core courses (Music 3, M6A, M6B, M6C). Examination results may require enrollment in Music 3 as a requisite to course M6A. Entering transfer students with fewer than 15 units of prior music theory must take the Music Theory Assessment Examination.

Each course must be completed with a grade of C or better.

General Catalog 2024-25