Located in what’s been called “the entertainment capitol of the world”, we focus on the University of Nevada Las Vegas. UNLV’s Jazz Studies program is in the Department of Music of the College of Fine Arts. It‘s directed by Dave Loeb, who also is in charge of Jazz Ensembles and teaches Jazz Piano.
Nevada Las Vegas offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Jazz Performance and Jazz Composition. You can specialize in jazz instrumental or vocal performance or in jazz composition and arranging.
The UNLV big band known as Jazz Ensemble One received the DownBeat Magazine Student Music award for large jazz ensembles and has toured Europe, Japan, South America and Morocco. UNLV students earned top honors in the College Combo Division at the Reno Jazz Festival. Jazz Ensemble One is one of three auditioned large ensembles – and all jazz majors are placed in small combos, including specialized contemporary and guitar ensembles.
In the financial aid area, Nevada Las Vegas has scholarships and graduate assistantships available.
If you’re interested in a thorough preparation for a life in jazz, contact the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Their website is: music.unlv.edu or you can reach the director of jazz studies Dave Loeb at: dave.loeb@unlv.edu