Students that have established a prowess for jazz writing may be allowed to change their status to become a jazz major with an emphasis in arranging. This decision must be determined no later than the completion of the sophomore level of study. Before doing so, the student should realize that this track requires significantly more time than the typical performance major since most of the requirements for instrumental performance still apply (including the successful completion of the jazz improvisation exams.

A formal written application must be filled out and approved via signatures from the student’s applied performance professor, the Professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging, and the Chair of the Division of Jazz Studies.

In preparation for this transition, the student must present a portfolio of compositions and arrangements that show substantial potential beyond the limited writing production of a typical jazz performance major. It should include one complete arrangement for big band. The portfolio will then be evaluated by the Professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging. The student must also demonstrate a reasonable facility at the keyboard by performing Stella by Starlight from memory (contact the Professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging for an appointment).

Upon acceptance, the student must take the following advanced courses:

• Advanced Jazz Arranging (MUJS 4610 and 4620)
• Counterpoint (MUTH 3410)
• Classical Composition (MUCP 3080)
• Conducting (MUAG 3800)

The student will also change his/her applied area of instruction from performance to arranging; a minimum of three semesters of private study is required in order to present a satisfactory senior recital in this area. The first two semesters are dedicated to the bulk of the writing; at least two pieces (one large, one small) are to be written in each semester. The final semester is dedicated to one more piece and preparation for the recital.

The senior recital will consist of the following minimum:

• Two pieces for big band (contrasting moods or styles)
• Three pieces for various chamber groups – a 3-horn arr, a 4-horn arr, a 5-horn arr.

The five pieces must total at least 25 minutes of performed music and improvisation cannot constitute more than 40% of the written music. There must be a comprehensive representation of styles: swing, be-bop, modal, ballad, Latin, Brazilian, original (modern day).