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Texas State School of Music
Jazz Studies

Jazz Studies

About the Jazz Studies Department

  • An intensive yet supportive educational environment
  • Emphasis on student-faculty interaction, including world-class faculty Joel Frahm and Harry Connick, Jr. drummer Arthur Latin II
  • An impressive roster of guest artists and clinicians each year
  • Proximity to both Austin and San Antonio for external performance opportunities

The Texas State University Jazz Studies program prides itself on providing an intensive, nurturing environment that emphasizes student-faculty interaction and encourages its diverse student population to find their own voices as performers.​

With four big bands, several combos, Latin Music ensembles, the Firestation Recording Studio, and several world-class guest artists each year, the Texas State University Jazz Studies program offers a rich variety of educational experiences distinct from other universities in the state and nation. Guest artists in the last few years have included John Riley, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Joel Frahm, Conrad Herwig, Bobby Shew, Peter Erskine, Dick Oatts, Rufus Reid, and many others.

Our proximity to both Austin and San Antonio enables students to pursue external performance opportunities that enhance their education. The jazz faculty is comprised of the first-call players who help students network as they transition into a full-time careers in performance, composition, and education.

Texas State Jazz graduates maintain busy performing and teaching schedules throughout the state, region, nation, and world.