Conservatory training within a major university
The Jazz Studies Program at WMU has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to jazz education. The program attracts undergraduate and graduate students from throughout the United States and worldwide. Graduates of the program are among today’s leaders in jazz and pop performance, Broadway, recording studio production, writing, arranging, singing and music education.
Introducing the Center for Contemporary Music, Improvisation and eXperimentation
A hub for the creation and presentation of contemporary music at Western Michigan University. CMIX presents a broad range of activities and guests who focus on the creation, production, presentation and study of sonic arts, including jazz, popular music, contemporary concert music, and multimedia.
WMU Jazz partners with the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization
WMU Jazz and the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music has been awarded a multi-year grant from the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization to support and enhance its Invitational Jazz Festival. The festival will now be known as the “Western Michigan University John Stites Jazz Festival.”
Western's jazz program captures four 2024 DownBeat magazine Student Music Awards
Two recent alumni and two small jazz groups secured awards in what’s considered the most prestigious competition in jazz education.
Adjunct jazz professor Duane Davis wins prestigious Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Educator of the Year Award
Duane Davis, who has been part of the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music for over 30 years, was lauded for his immense contributions to jazz education.