<p>Can anyone tell me about UMich's Jazz and Contemplative Studies Major? </p>
<p>Seems pretty crazy! Very cool though. For those of you that don't know about it, here you go: "Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemplative Studies - combines a solid grounding in jazz and improvised music study with courses which involve meditative practices and other areas related to creative development." From their website.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Hi there. I know a tiny bit about it, insofar as one of my son’s friends auditioned unsuccessfully for it, which to my mind (knowing the applicant) means it’s pretty selective, which I am betting you already guessed. I also know the SOM uses the “BFA” degree in cases where the degree is a nice combo of practical/studio work with addl academic courses but the requirements might be just shy of the BM (eg. a few fewer musicology courses at upper level, I suspect, and perhaps shorter run of theory. Know that there is a nice, second year, full year “jazz theory” course that my s. is looking forward to taking.)
I am also pretty sure you can download the specific course outline (most of the BFA degrees at SOM are pretty specific) by visiting the “current student - resources” path. Here’s a link to download the pdf. I’ve also heard great things about the percussion studio from an accomplished composer and keyboardist. Hope this helps! I can ask my son for more info if you’d like – perhaps he knows someone in that degree.
[UM</a> School of Music, Theatre & Dance - Student Handbook](<a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/current_students/student_resources/StudentHandbook.htm]UM”>http://www.music.umich.edu/current_students/student_resources/StudentHandbook.htm)</p>
<p>Thanks so much kmccrindle! Anyone else know about this unique program?</p>