The Jazz Studies program at Illinois State University is designed to help dedicated students develop their abilities as jazz performers, composers, and arrangers. The curriculum includes private instruction, ensembles, and numerous classes on topics such as improvisation, theory, arranging, and history. Students must adopt a focused, deliberate approach to developing creativity and originality while drawing extensively on well established jazz traditions. Jazz is a highly developed and sophisticated art form that offers a great freedom for individual and group expression to those who delve deep into the learning process. If you love the idea of working hard to grow as a jazz improviser, composer, and arranger, a jazz studies major may be right for you. To be considered for admittance into the jazz studies program at Illinois State, students must have a strong background in jazz and classical music, and must complete auditions in both styles.