Program Information


Admission to the University
All students must meet the admission requirements to the University of Arkansas at Monticello before they may enroll in graduate classes. Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance to a specific graduate degree program.

Regular Admission
Requirements for unconditional admission to bc365游戏 are:

  • a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution;
  • a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better;
  • proof of required immunization; and
  • additional documents may be required for international students.

Admission to the Master of Music in Jazz Studies Program

  1. Bachelors of Music Degree or at least 18 credit hours in one of the following areas:

      a.   Performance
      b.   Education
      c.   Jazz

  1.  Competency on at least one of the following instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and voice (Will be determined at the discretion of the instructing faculty)
  2.  A one-page cover letter
  3. Professional resume/CV
  4. Audition video

Audition Videos
Audition videos must contain one selection from each of the following:
Selection 1: 100-200 BPM

  • All the Things You Are
  • Alone Together
  • Have You Met Miss Jones
  • I Love You
  • I Should Care
  • I'll Remember April
  • Just Friends
  • Night and Day
  • The Days of Wine and Roses
  • There is No Greater Love
  • There Will Never Be Another You
  • What is this Thing Called Love

Selection 2: 50-90 BPM

  • Autumn in New York
  • Body and Soul
  • Blue in Green
  • Darn that Dream
  • Here's that Rainy Day
  • In a Sentimental Mood
  • My Funny Valentine
  • My Romance
  • 'Round Midnight
  • Stardust
  • Unforgettable
  • What's New

Selection 3: Contrasting Selection

  • Funk
  • Bossa Nova
  • Samba
  • Salsa
  • Odd Time Signatures

Scales*: 100-200 BPM· (in Concert key)

  • F Dorian
  • A Mixolydian
  • E Lydian

Drummers must demonstrate the following: 

  • Time playing 4/4 swing 100-200BPM 
  • Ballad 50-90 BPM
  • A funk, Latin, or odd times groove of your choice


Graduate Assistantships

The University of Arkansas at Monticello Division of Music has graduate assistantships within the Master of Music Program. Available graduate assistantships will be posted and updated as needed by February 1st of each academic year. Student inquiries regarding specific graduate assistantships should be directed to the Director of Graduate Jazz Studies.

The GA appointment process is as follows:

1.) The applicant must submit a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and name and contact information for 3 professional references for graduate assistantships no later than March 15th of each academic year. A list of eligible applicants will be forwarded by the Director of Graduate Jazz Studies to the selections committee. Some applicants may require additional interviewing and/or review of credentials to evaluate possible selections.

2.) The applicant must have completed the requirements for the baccalaureate degree prior to enrolling in the first graduate class and have gained admission to the Graduate School at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Graduate Assistant Handbook

Please note that the G.R.E. exam is NOT required for admission into the program.

*Prerequisites for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies Program are subject to change at the discretion of the administration and the educational system of the University of Arkansas.

Please wait to apply to the bc365游戏 Graduate Program until after you have received an acceptance into the program.


Graduate Instructors

Justin T. Anders, D.M.A.
Chair of Music
Associate Professor of Music
Office: Music Building 116
Phone: 460 - 1860
anders@zzsghm.com

Kevin Bryson, D.M.A.
Director of Jazz Studies
Assistant Professor of Music
Trombone / Jazz One
Office: Music Building 215
Phone: 460 - 1660
bryson@zzsghm.com

Lester Pack, M.M.
Professor of Music
Theory/Guitar
Office: Visual and Performing Arts 115
Phone: 460 - 1461
pack@zzsghm.com

Ricky Sweum, M.M
Graduate Adjunct
Saxophone
sweum@zzsghm.com

Benjamin Patterson, BM
Graduate Adjunct 
Trombone
pattersonb@zzsghm.com

Christopher "Todd" Harrison
Graduate Adjunct
Percussion 
harrisonc@zzsghm.com

David Kane, M.M
Graduate Adjunct 
Piano
kane@zzsghm.com

Steve Holley, M.M
Graduate Adjunct 
Bass Guitar 
holley@zzsghm.com

Tim Leahey, M.M
Graduate Adjunct
Trumpet
leahey@zzsghm.com