Jazz

Established in 1985 The UofL Jazz Studies Program is recognized throughout the nation and world for its commitment to quality and innovative programs. Formerly know as the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program from 2000 to 2022. Additionally, the School of Music hosted the Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops from1977 to 2019. 

The program features extended residencies by leading jazz artists, as well as a continuation of the exciting annual Jazz Fest every February, which features a multi-day celebration of jazz with concerts, workshops, and clinics. Founded in 1992 as Jazz Week, Jazz Fest is an event that regularly features some of the biggest names in the jazz world.  Jazz masters who have performed and presented master classes include Dave Brubeck, Winton Marsalis, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Marian McPartland, Paquito D'Rivera, Michael Brecker, Christian McBride, Clark Terry, The Heath Brothers, Ahmad Jamal, John Hendricks, Toot Thielemans, Lou Donaldson, Slide Hampton and many more.

The UofL Jazz Studies Program is active in international exchanges with leading institutions from around the world. Student and faculty groups, from a duo to more than forty, have toured and performed in numerous foreign countries:  Argentina and Australia; Brazil and Belize; Ecuador, Estonia and England; Colombia and China; Peru, Finland, Republic of Georgia, Russia are just a few.

Recognized as leading educator/performers, the prestigious faculty frequently presents clinics, master classes and performances at schools, universities, civic organizations and conventions throughout the United States. Please feel free to explore our web site for additional information on our students and faculty, classes and ensembles, degrees and residencies, national and international outreach.