The UNC Charlotte Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of Dr. Will Campbell, has enjoyed significant growth in recent years. UNC Charlotte offers courses in Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz History, Jazz Pedagogy, and Jazz Ensemble Techniques. The Jazz Ensemble has performed a wide variety of music, including pieces by influential artists such as Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, Bob Mintzer, Maria Schneider, Bill Holman, and Sammy Nestico. The Jazz Combos focus on the art of improvisation and creation of arrangements of standard repertoire for the ensemble. Jazz Studies students have performed with guest artists and/or participated in clinics with Marvin Stamm, Rich Perry, Branford Marsalis, Derrick Gardner, Mike Steinel, Ed Thigpen, Jon Metzger, Clay Jenkins, Marcus Printup, Gene Jackson, Charles McPherson, Tim Armacost, Dick Oatts, Harold Danko, John Fedchock, Brad Leali, Paul McKee, Vincent Gardner, David Berkman, Jim Riggs, Scott Wendholt, Jeff Coffin, Terell Stafford, Rick Simerly, Bert Ligon, U. S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, and Jerry Coker. The UNC Charlotte Jazz Ensemble has been invited to perform at the North Carolina Music Educators’ Annual Conference five times since 2004. Each spring, UNC Charlotte hosts the 49er Jazz Ensemble for an exciting day of performance and clinics.

UNC Charlotte now offers a degree as well as a certificate in Jazz Studies.

For more information about the UNC Charlotte Jazz Studies Program, please contact Will Campbell at will.campbell@uncc.edu.