Jazz Trombonin’ Sparty
Jazz Studies at Michigan State University is committed to the highest level of performance, mentoring, education, and community outreach, providing numerous opportunities with world-renowned faculty.
All faculty in the jazz studies area at MSU have performed with top recording and performing artists in the jazz music industry and are devoted to the tradition of mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians.
Engagement at the Highest Level
The MSU jazz studies area offers a unique learning environment focused on developing the next generation of jazz musicians. We are committed to jazz tradition and foster artistic expression, innovation, and the exploration of blues-based improvisation, bebop, swing, and soul music. Courses are intertwined with master classes, private studies, and studio classes. Students participate in residencies and conduct workshops, concerts, and classes in public schools and academies as part of our intense focus on outreach, engagement, and the mentoring tradition in jazz.
Each student takes private lessons with an applied studies professor while also enjoying a wide range of performance opportunities. Ensembles include 12 jazz combos, four octets and three big bands. Some of the world's leading jazz musicians make regular visits to the College of Music to give master classes and performances. Students also work, perform, and network with legendary jazz artists through the College’s MSU Federal Credit Union Jazz Artist in Residence program.
Michael Dease serves as Full Time Professor of Jazz Trombone at the Michigan State University College of Music. Professor Dease is a direct mentor, supervisor and instructor to every jazz trombone major and music-ed jazz emphasis student at MSU. Degrees are offered at the B.Mus and M. Mus level. Doctoral degree offerings in Jazz Studies are not currently offered at MSU.
Below is a sample curriculum of a MSU jazz trombone student
Weekly 2-hr Studio Class * Weekly Hour Lesson * Jazz Trombone Ensemble * Small Combo/Big Band
Professional Development * Versatility in All Styles * Doubling on Tenor/Bass Trombone/Tuba/Euph/
Semester Juries * Statewide Tours * Recording Opportunities * Leading Guest Artists in the Jazz world
Recent MSU Jazz Trombone Guest Artists
Steve Davis - Conrad Herwig - Jennifer Wharton - Robin Eubanks - Gina Benalcazar - Jim Pugh - Sara Jacovino Tom “Bones” Malone - Weston Sprott - Phil Ranelin - Paul Brewer - Chris Glassman - Michael Davis - Dick Griffin Megumi Kanda - Marshall Gilkes - Andy Hunter - Nick Finzer - Roland Barber -
Current MSU Jazz Trombone Students
Wyatt Forhan - Joshua Guenther - Justin Mason - Emily Malak - Caleb McMahon - Leah Racine - DJ Rice - Henry Smith-Hunt - Jack Trathen -Joe Vanable