DePaul's jazz saxophone studio consists of 10-12 students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, and emphasizes the skills needed to become successful jazz performers, educators, and to become life-long, effective self-teachers. A variety of jazz-related topics are explored with the aim of establishing creative musicians and complete musicianship. Students receive ample individual attention, and private lessons are tailored to each student's needs and abilities. The studio fosters a supportive, challenging and creative environment in which students explore and ultimately further the jazz saxophone tradition.
Faculty
Private lessons in the jazz saxophone studio are 60 minutes in length, either weekly (4 credits) or bi-weekly (2 credits). Instrumental technique is taught from a dual perspective of establishing proper technique regardless of style or genre, in addition to techniques associated with the jazz idiom. Students will explore jazz music through intensive study of a variety of topics, including concepts of harmony and rhythm, building jazz vocabulary, elements of style, ear-training, transcription and analysis, repertoire learning and retention, and more. Our chief aim is to produce creative musicians that can successfully share the stage with actively performing jazz professionals in Chicago and beyond, in a variety of performing situations.
Ensemble Opportunities
Large jazz ensemble opportunities include Jazz Workshop, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra. DePaul's small jazz groups (Jazz Combo) consists of small ensembles of various sizes and instrumentations.
Instrument Doubling
Proficiency on all members of the saxophone family is encouraged through a variety of ensemble performance opportunities. Saxophonists in the jazz studio are also encouraged to establish basic proficiency on flute and clarinet.
Performance Opportunities
Chicago has a vibrant and abundant live music scene. Students will have opportunities to perform in local clubs, festivals, performing arts concert settings, private events, along with numerous cultural and educational opportunities.
Recent Alumni Accomplishments
- Numerous Luminarts Fellows
- Bradley University Faculty Positions
- Alto Saxophone of the Year for Downbeat Magazine
- Guggenheim Fellowship
- Doris Duke Performing Artists Award
- Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra