JAZZ STUDIES AND ENSEMBLES

Faculty  / Staff

• Dr. Gordon Towell (Director of Jazz Studies)
• Mr. Danny Cecil (Electric Bass / Bass)
• Dr. Roosevelt Escalante (Jazz Vocal Ensemble)
• Prof. Glenn Ginn (Jazz Guitar / Bass
• Dr. Steven Snyder (Jazz Piano)

Morehead State University has one of the oldest and finest jazz degree programs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies, established in the 1970s to formally prepare musicians to work in the jazz and commercial fields, is one of the few offered in Kentucky. Graduates of this program are found throughout the country successfully working in jazz and commercial music.

In fact, MSU is one of only a few universities nationwide that hosts a resident faculty jazz ensemble. In addition to contributing to the musical life of the region, this ensemble serves as a role model for the student jazz groups, including two large jazz ensembles and a number of small combo groups. In addition to these rich performance experiences, students engage in further study with coursework in Jazz History, Pedagogy, Improvisation, and Arranging.

Related Links

• Jazz Clinic 
• More information about Jazz Clinic and Saxophone Day