Welcome to Jazz Studies at UGA
The UGA Jazz Studies Program was established in the 1970's when Roger Dancz added a performing organization (the UGA Jazz Ensemble) and a jazz improvisation course to the School of Music curriculum. Although not offered as a degree program, jazz and the ability to improvise in a variety of styles is seen as an important element of a well rounded musical and artistic education. Steve Dancz has directed the UGA Jazz Studies Program since 1992, and in 2006 was a co-founder of the interdisciplinary Music Business Program with UGA's Terry College of Business. As it is essential for professional musicians to understand the business aspects of the industry in which they are working, the information brought to UGA students by the MBUS Program is an important addition to the enrichment already provided by the Jazz Studies curriculum.
The UGA Jazz Ensemble is the University's premier instrumental jazz group. The group performs concerts locally and at national and international festivals, conferences and conventions. The UGA Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Steve Dancz, has performed by invitation at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, and the Vienne Jazz Festival in Vienne, France.
In 2008 Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue requested the band accompany him and the official state delegation during the Georgia Trade Mission to China where the Jazz Ensemble performed for Chinese and American industry leaders in Beijing. A film documenting the trip may be viewed here.
The Jazz Ensemble has welcomed many guest artists and clinicians to UGA, including Wynton Marsalis, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Joe Lovano, Reggie Workman, Dave Brubeck, Marcus Roberts, Rufus Reid, Allen Vizzutti, Jamey Aebersold, Bobby Shew, Chris Vadala, Akira Tana, the Heath Brothers, Marvin Stamm, Willie Thomas, Andy Martin, Mimi Fox, Eric Reed and Brad Leali.
A new Jazz Study Abroad course, offered in Italy every Maymester, was created by Mr. Dancz in 2009.
The video at the top features our Director, Steve Dancz discussing the history of Jazz at UGA. While you're here please take a moment to check out our current courses and performing ensembles. We also offer streaming video and audio of some of our more recent performances on our multimedia page.
Featured Audio
Neither can we!
Until then, check out some select tracks from our 2009-2010 production of Flying Home: a Tribute to Lionel Hampton featuring Dr. Thomas McCutchen on vibes.
