Directed by Professor Chris Washburne, the Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program offers both undergraduate and graduate students jazz performance opportunities and private lessons. There are a variety of jazz ensembles, both large and small, instrumental and vocal, that cover a wide range of musical styles. All ensembles perform at an intermediate level or higher and require some past jazz experience. To learn more about Jazz programs at Columbia University, please visit the Jazz at Columbia page. The jazz ensembles include:
Big Band
Small Groups
Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Latin Jazz
Jazz Instrumental Auditions will take place during the first week of fall semester only.
Jazz Vocal Auditions will take place during the first week of fall semester only.
Audition Requirements:
Instrumentalists should prepare two jazz standards (a rhythm section will be provided to accompany auditions). Only one selection may be requested. You will also be asked to demonstrate your sight reading abilities.
Jazz Vocal Audition Requirements:
1. Please prepare two selections to show interpretative (improvisation optional) abilities. Please provide a clear lead sheet to the accompanist (a pianist is provided). Only one selection may be requested at the audition.
2. A brief ear training assessment may be done for placement purposes only, including interval recognition, chord recognition, and repetition of melodic phrases and rhythmic patterns.
* Please note: you must participate in a jazz ensemble in order to be considered for private lessons. Do not register for lessons or ensembles until you have received confirmation of placement.
Jazz Performance Faculty (for bio information please visit our FACULTY page):
Paul Bollenback (guitar)
Christine Correa (voice, ensembles)
David Gibson (trombone)
Brad Jones (bass)
Victor Lin (piano, ensembles)
Ole Mathisen (saxophone, ensembles)
Tony Moreno (drums)
Adriano Santos (Brazilian ensemble)
Don Sickler (trumpet, composition and arranging, ensembles)
Leo Traversa (electric bass)
Ben Waltzer (piano, ensembles)