About Our Program

The University of Oregon is home to one of the most exciting, innovative jazz studies programs in the country.   Students studying jazz at Oregon receive instruction vital for a complete education in music and for success in all facets of the music business.  Our comprehensive curriculum in jazz includes courses in jazz theory, performance practice (labs I-III), jazz improvisation (I & II), functional jazz piano (I & II), beginning to advanced repertoire study (I – VI), beginning to advanced jazz arranging/composition (I-VI), jazz history, pedagogy, and program planning/development as well as studio (private) instruction.  In the jazz area alone, the School of Music boasts outstanding performing ensembles that include three big bands, ten combos, a guitar ensemble, and Latin jazz ensemble.

While U.O. jazz faculty and ensembles have garnered numerous honors and awards, the focal point of the Oregon Jazz Studies program continues to be our students and their achievements.   Our goal is to create an environment for learning that stimulates, recognizes, and rewards creativity and outstanding achievement in performance, composition, arranging, research, and education.  To this end, we are committed to providing our students with not only the most thorough education available in jazz, but with opportunities for personal growth and successes in the field that are second to none. Although the majority of our students are music majors, all of our jazz ensembles and most of our jazz courses are open to music majors and non-majors alike.   Regardless of your reason for interest, we invite you to become a part of the School of Music and see why our Jazz Studies Program has emerged as one of the finest in the nation.

Recent Honors and Awards

The Oregon Jazz Ensemble

2018 European Tour w/ invitations to and performances at:
.          Vienne Jazz Festival – Vienne, France
.          Montreux Jazz Festival – Montreux, Switzerland
.          Turin, Italy
.          Siena, Italy
.          Umbria Jazz Festival – Perugia, Italy

2016 Downbeat Magazine Award “Graduate College Outstanding Performance”

2016 Western International Band Conference, Seattle, WA

2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 Outstanding College Jazz Ensemble, Reno International Jazz Festival, Reno, NV

2014 European Tour w/ invitations to and performances at:
.          Vienne Jazz Festival – Vienne, France
.          Montreux Jazz Festival – Montreux, Switzerland
.          La Spezia Jazz Festival – La Spezia, Italy
.          Umbria Jazz Festival – Perugia, Italy

2008 Downbeat Magazine Award “College Outstanding Performance”

2005 International Association of Jazz Educator’s Convention, Long Beach, CA

2003, 1997 Northwest Music Educator’s Conference, Portland, OR

2016, 2015, 2014, 2009, 2008, 2002,1998 Oregon Music Educator’s Association Conference, Eugene, OR

2002 Western International Band Conference, Seattle, WA

Tony Glausi
2017 International Trumpet Guild – Jazz Trumpet Competition Winner
2016 Downbeat Magazine Award, “Graduate Outstanding Jazz Composition”
2015 Outstanding College Trumpeter, Reno Jazz Festival
2014 National Trumpet Competition Winner – Yamaha Trumpet Division
2013 National Trumpet Competition Finalist – Yamaha Trumpet Division
2013 Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, “Best Jazz Trumpet Soloist”
2013 Outstanding College Musician, Reno Jazz Festival
2013 Outstanding College Trumpeter, Reno Jazz Festival

Josh Hettwer
2017 Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, “Jazz Arrangement”
2014 North American Saxophone Alliance – Jazz Competition, Finalist

Matt Hettwer
2015 International Trombone Association Carl Fontana Jazz Competition Winner

Ken Mastrogiovanni
2015 Outstanding College Musician, Reno Jazz Festival

Devin Wright
2016 Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, “Graduate Jazz Soloist”
2014 Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, “Jazz Arrangement”
2013 Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, “Original Composition”
2013 Outstanding College Saxophonist, Reno Jazz Festival

Jessika Smith
2013 Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra International Composition Competition Winner

Sean Nobel-Flannery
2011 Outstanding College Saxophonist, Reno Jazz Festival

Paul Krueger
2012 Downbeat Magazine Award Winner, “Jazz Arrangement”
2011 Outstanding College Trumpeter, Reno Jazz Festival

Paul Owen
2011 Outstanding College Rhythm Section Performer, Reno Jazz Festival
2008 Outstanding College Drummer, Reno Jazz Festival

Andrew Rowan
2010 Downbeat Magazine Award College Winner, “Jazz Arrangement”

Josh Deutsch
2008 Downbeat Magazine Award College Winner, “Jazz Trumpet Soloist “
2009, 2008 Outstanding College Trumpeter, Reno Jazz Festival

Merlin Showalter
2009 Outstanding College Drummer, Reno Jazz Festival

David Swigart
2008 Downbeat Magazine Award College Winner, “Jazz Arrangment”

Bill Marsh
2008 Outstanding College Guitarist, Reno Jazz Festival

Doug Detrick
2007 Downbeat Magazine Award College Winner, “Jazz Arrangment”

Tim Leopold
2006 Outstanding College Trumpet, Reno International Jazz Festival

Jason Palmer
2004 Outstanding College Musician, Reno International Jazz Festival

Matt Moresi
2003 Outstanding College Musician, Reno International Jazz Festival

Devin Sanders
2002 Downbeat Magazine Award College Winner, “Jazz Arrangement”

Todd DelGuidice
2002 Outstanding College Musician, Reno International Jazz Festival

Greg Goebel
2002 Downbeat Magazine Award College Winner in Jazz Composition
2002 Outstanding College Pianist, Reno International Jazz Festival
2001 Outstanding College Musician, Reno International Jazz Festival
2000 Outstanding College Musician, Reno International Jazz Festival

Andrea Niemiec
2001 Outstanding College Bassist, Reno International Jazz Festival

Randy Rollofson
2001 Outstanding College Drummer, Reno International Jazz Festival

Eric Warren
1999 Outstanding College Rhythm Section Performer, Reno International Jazz Festival