In 2001, thanks to the initiative and energy of Professor Aleksander Mazur, with the support of the university authorities, the Department of Jazz Music was established. Today's Chair of Jazz Music continues these proud traditions and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2021. It organises the teaching process, conducts lively artistic activities, organises seminars and performance workshops led by outstanding artists (Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Gary Peacock, Bob Mintzer, Billy Childs, Ernie Watts, Larry Koonse), and cooperates with other universities in Poland and abroad. Our lecturers perform all over the world, and our students win awards at numerous Polish and European competitions.
In 2001, thanks to the initiative and energy of Professor Aleksander Mazur, with the support of the university authorities, the Jazz Music Section was established. The Jazz Music Chair has been operating since 2018 and is currently the only chair at the Jazz Music Department. Our staff consists of 17 teachers and 5 collaborating lecturers who share their knowledge and experience. We offer first and second cycle studies in several fields. Our students can choose between instrumental, vocal and composition/arrangement studies.
The programme focuses on practice, giving students the opportunity to develop their skills in singing and playing an instrument, improvisation and teamwork. Instrumental, vocal and big band ensembles operate as part of the classes. Theoretical classes include, among others, the history of jazz music, ear training with harmony, music production, as well as a wide range of individually selected electives.
The Chair is located in building D of the Academy of Music campus, where most of the classes are held. We have 7 multifunctional rooms at our disposal, equipped with grand pianos, upright pianos, drums, Hammond organs, amplifiers and sound equipment necessary for teaching and band rehearsals. Students also have access to the Audiovisual Technology Studio with a modern recording studio, where they gain practical skills, knowledge and experience in the field of recording.
As part of our scientific and artistic activities, we organise seminars and workshops led by outstanding artists. In recent years, classes have been taught by Ron Carter, Gary Peacock, Bob Mintzer, Billy Childs, Ernie Watts, Larry Koonse, and others. We are constantly developing cooperation with academic centres in Poland and abroad, offering short- and long-term mobility for our students as part of the Erasmus+ programme and other forms of academic exchange. Our lecturers perform all over the world, and our students win awards at numerous Polish and European competitions.