Bachelor of Fine Arts in
Jazz and Contemplative Studies
Improvisation, Creativity and Consciousness at The University of Michigan School of Music.
The jazz tradition in steeped in the exploration of the spiritual dimensions of the creative process. In addition to jazz's roots in spirituals and church music, leading jazz artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Don Cherry, John McLaughlin, Joanne Brackeen, Paul Horn, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter have been intensely involved in spiritual practices from a trans-cultural standpoint.
In keeping with this essential aspect of jazz, the BFA in Jazz and Contemplative Studies at The University of Michigan has been designed to promote this exploration of creativity and consciousness in a university setting. This groundbreaking program, which has been called the first curriculum with that a significant transpersonal component to be implemented at a major public institution, combines a solid grounding in jazz and contemporary improvised music with a wide variety of offerings that involve meditation practice, and corresponding theoretical, historical and cultural studies. A rich continuum of experiences connects the deep silence of meditation with the inherent flow of the improvisation process, and provides a solid basis for wide-ranging musical and extra-musical exploration.
Unique courses in the BFA in Jazz and Contemplative Studies curriculum include:
- courses such as Creativity and Consciousness, Contemplative Practice Seminar, Psychology and Spiritual Experience, Psychology of the Creative Process.
- the Creative Arts Orchestra, one of the few large ensembles in the world that is committed to open, eclectic improvised music.
- a full contingent of mainstream and eclectic jazz offerings, with ample opportunity for original composition, arranging, and exposure to global musical elements.
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Also feel free to contact:
Ed Sarath, Professor of Music and Chair,
Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation
The University of Michigan School of Music
sarahara@umich.edu
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web site created and maintained by Monte Fowler