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Department of Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation

about

Art forms evolve through the interplay of two contrasting, yet complementary forces--the ongoing quest for new possibilities, and the continual inquiry into past forms and practices. When this present-past interplay is centered at the heart of artistic training, students not only gain optimal mastery of skills and concepts within their field, they also experience their field as a vehicle for a broader, cross-disciplinary exploration.

The Department of Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation has harnessed these principles and emerged as a leading new educational voice. Combining the finest in traditional jazz training with systematic study of jazz's eclectic offshoots, along with innovative, interdisciplinary options which are at the cutting edge of pedagogical thought, the department offers students a variety of educational pathways few schools can match.

faculty

Ellen H. Rowe (Chair, piano)

Geri Allen (piano)

Andrew Bishop (saxophone)

Michael Gould (drums/percussion)

 

Associated Faculty

Sean Dobbins (drums)

Marion Hayden (bass)

Ingrid Jensen (trumpet)

Mark Kirschenmann (Creative Arts Orchestra)

Robert Hurst (bass)

Edward W. Sarath (flugelhorn)

Dennis Wilson (trombone)

 

 

 

 

William Lucas (trumpet)

Frank Portolese (guitar)

Martha Travers

news

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Robert Hurst, associate professor of jazz and contemporary improvisation, was featured in a Q&A article in AnnArbor.com on the occasion of the release of his new CD, BOB: a palindrome.

image for Jazz Professor Receives Teaching Innovation Prize
Jazz Professor Receives Teaching Innovation Prize

Michael Gould, associate professor jazz and contemporary improvisation, was one of five U-M faculty members to be named a winner of the fifth annual Provost's Teaching Innovation Prize. more

See more department news

SMTD logo for newsJazz Student Wins Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition

Alekos Syropoulos, a senior saxophonist in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation, was named one of 11 winners in the Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) in 2013. more

 

Jazz Ensemble's Rhythm Section
Professor Ellen Rowe directs the Jazz Ensemble Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation Masters Student Colin Campbell  Undergraduate jazz trumpeter Joshua MizruchiReed & Brass Section of the Jazz EnsembleUndergraduate Jazz drummer Quentin Joseph
"One of the most positive aspects of my time at U-M was the encouragement from both faculty and peers to bring one’s own musical interests and passion to their studies. This helped to broaden my musical sensibilities and added to my understanding and love for the exploratory tradition in creative and improvised music."
Chad Hochberg, BFA Jazz Studies, 2006

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Photography Credits:

U-M Photo Services

Joe Welsh

Peter Smith

David Smith

Glen Behring

Tom Bower

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