Mel Graves
Mel Graves

Photograph by Nicholas Chase.

Jazz

Sonoma State University offers a B.A. degree program in the field of jazz and has done so since 1982.  Our curriculum includes the following classes: two levels of jazz theory, three levels of jazz improvisation, two levels of jazz piano, jazz history, jazz composition, small band arranging, jazz melodic sight reading, big band, many small ensembles (4-8 pieces) including one that features Latin jazz and special classes from time to time that concentrate on the music of jazz giants like Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

In addition to our many classes we have several concert and workshop guests throughout the year.  Recent guests include the Bad Plus, Enrico Pieranunzi, Kenny Werner, Dave Liebman, Bill Watrous, Art Lande, Denny Zeitlin, Carl Allen, Steve Smith, Mimi Fox, Kenny Wheeler, Bobby Shew, Hermeto Pascoal, Fred Hersh, Wesla Whitfield and Mose Allison.  Our graduates are performing around the world.  Many are active in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Europe and Japan.  There are also private lessons available for all instruments and voice.  Our faculty, many of whom have been here for more than a decade, are what we describe as “doers”.  Not only are they great teachers, they are actively performing, recording and composing around the San Francisco area and beyond.  There is also a jazz minor concentration.

Sonoma State University offers a cutting edge jazz program with small class sizes and world-class teachers and guests.