One of our most distinguished alumni, Dave Brubeck ’42, put University of the Pacific on the map with his excellence in jazz, and we continue this tradition. With coursework in improvisation, theory and applied performance, Jazz Studies will provide you with real-life skills needed for a career in jazz.

Faculty

Sean Britt

Sean Britt, guitar

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Jamie Dubberly, trombone

Jamie Dubberly, trombone

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Melissa Fulkerson

Melissa Fulkerson, vocals

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Aaron Garner, jazz piano

Aaron Garner, piano

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Brian Kendrick

Brian Kendrick, percussion

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Patrick Langham, saxophone

Patrick Langham, saxophone

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Joseph Mazzaferro

Joseph Mazzaferro, trumpet

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Andrew Mell

Andrew Mell, bass

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How to apply and audition

Pacific Jazz Ambassadors performing with Joel Ross (Brubeck Fellow 2013-15) at Dizzy's Club in NYC.

Performance Track

If you want to focus on a career in jazz performance. You will learn skills needed for work in recording studios, on cruise ships, in armed forces ensembles, or as a leader/sideman in a live band. This track may lead to a graduate degree.

Composition Track

If you are interested in writing and composing jazz music. Performance education is still a large element of this track. You will be exposed to a wide range of musical styles from which you can develop your own compositional voice.

Accelerated Three-Year Honors

A unique degree designed for students with a high level of jazz performance skills enabling you to go directly into higher division courses. Usually one summer session is advised.

Minor in Jazz Studies

This path is for you if you have an interest in jazz but want to major in another area. Typically, a candidate played in a high school jazz ensemble and would like to continue personal musical development and exploration. Comprising 20 units, the jazz studies minor still gives you the opportunity for applied lessons and participation in ensembles.

Vocal jazz ensemble
Former Brubeck Fellow Joel Ross in vibes
Our alumni play in top jazz clubs

Pacific’s Jazz Studies alumni play around the world in top jazz clubs including Dizzy's Club in NYC, the Monterey Jazz Festival, Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, CA, or The Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan. They receive jazz assistantships at top graduate schools and serve in military bands all over the country.

Pictured: Joel Ross, vibraphone, in Blue Note, Tokyo 2019

Community Engagement

The Jazz Studies Department is actively engaged in the community. Pacific Jazz Ambassadors perform nationally and locally. Take 5 Jazz Club features weekly jazz sessions during academic year. In summer, we invite pre-college jazz musicians to learn and play music with the Conservatory faculty and students at Pacific Summer Jazz Colony. Pacific Jazz Festival is our annual two-day jazz event featuring live performances and master classes with conservatory faculty and renowned guest artists.

Contact Us

Faye Spanos Concert Hall
Conservatory of Music
209.946.2418

Conservatory of Music
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211