Jazz Studies

Students performing with jazz instruments on stage.

About the Program

The Jazz Program at San José State University's School of Music and Dance offers a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies. For students interested in pursuing a career in jazz performance or composition, this degree provides opportunities to learn from some of the most outstanding jazz educators and performers in California.

A low teacher-to-student ratio means students receive a large amount of personal time to interact with faculty. The numerous ensembles offered by the School of Music and Dance provide students with ample opportunity to grow as improvising musicians.

Because of its centralized location in downtown San José – the nation's tenth largest city – jazz studies students have almost limitless opportunities to secure performances outside of the School in any of the Bay Area's numerous night spots. San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Cruz are easily accessible via public transportation and are less than one hour away.

Degrees Offered

Faculty

Dr. Aaron LingtonDr. Aaron Lington
Jazz Studies Area Coordinator; Jazz Orchestra; Jazz Saxophone
408-924-4636
aaron.lington@sjsu.edu
MUS 109

SJSU Spartan LogoDahveed Behroozi
Jazz Piano
dahveedbehroozi@gmail.com

Jason LewisJason Lewis
Jazz Studies; Jazz Drumset; Jazz Combo
408-924-4660
jason.lewis@sjsu.edu
MUS 159

Jeffrey LewisJeffrey Lewis
Jazz Trumpet; Jazz Combo; Latin Jazz Ensemble
408-924-4680
jeffrey.lewis@sjsu.edu
MUS 187

Dan RobbinsDan Robbins
Jazz Bass
408-924-4668
daniel.robbins@sjsu.edu

Rick VandivierRick Vandivier
Jazz Guitar
408-924-4680
richard.vandivier@sjsu.edu
MUS 187

SJSU Spartan LogoAbi Ramirez Romero
Music in Latin America; Jazz Studies
408-924-3407
abigail.romero@sjsu.edu

Tom LanganTom Langan
Jazz Studies, Music Theory, General Studies
408-924-4678
thomas.langan@sjsu.edu

Jon DrydenJon Dryden
Jazz Piano
408-924-4679
jondryden@yahoo.com

Audition Information

Visit our Audition page.

Frequently Asked Questions