
Building on the general understanding of western music provided through the department’s core studies, the Jazz Studies concentration at Westfield State University provides opportunities for the study of jazz history, theory and improvisation through practice and performance in the private studio, in large and small jazz ensembles and in the classroom. The study of jazz music can help to provide a foundation for careers involving music in a variety of styles in addition to those firmly in the jazz tradition. For this reason courses in jazz studies are available to all qualified students.