Jazz Music
Faculty of Music, Department of Performance & Composition, Jazz Music
Learn creative performance with leading professionals
In addition to learning the unique playing techniques of each major instrument as part of specialized jazz practice, students will also gain hands-on experience of complex rhythms and profound harmonies through classes such as rhythm training, jazz ensembles, and big bands. our unique method, based on classical music, will broaden your horizons as a performer. Students will gain direct instruction from leading instructors, and through practical training in staging and recording, they will develop an understanding of the broad world of jazz and become jazz musicians capable of creative performances.
Learning Features
- Professional lessons from top-notch instructors
- Teaching both theory and practice
- Incorporating classical lessons to broaden his horizons as a musician
Specialization
Class and Activity Introduction
Specialized Practice (Jazz) / Classical Basic Practice
Jazz lessons are taught by experienced instructors, and are tailored to each student's level and future goals. Students will learn the basic techniques and training methods required for playing an instrument through the study of classical music.
Big Band
Students will learn the basics of big band in their first and second years, and more advanced ensembles in their third and fourth years.
Style Analysis
Through practical experience, students will trace the stylistic structure of jazz and deepen their understanding of music from modern jazz onwards.
Jazz Ensemble
Through ensemble playing, students will learn the role of each instrument and develop a sense of rhythmic connection with fellow musicians. Students will also learn the relationship between rhythm, melody, and harmony while performing styles and pieces from various jazz eras.
Special lectures are sometimes held by visiting professor Makoto Ozone.
Workshop with Michigan State College
A workshop led by Rodney Whitaker of Michigan State College, deepening exchanges between students.
in Focus - Music College Battle Vol.2
The Gemstones Jazz Orchestra is a big band whose core members are Jazz Music and Jazz Course students at Kunio, and they perform live both on and off campus. In December 2024, they held a joint live concert with jazz bands from other College, "Music College Battle Vol. 2." This time, four schools -We, Showa University of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts, and Senzoku Gakuen College of Music - gathered in or Recital Hall. They delivered a passionate performance that was even more powerful than the previous year's Vol. 1.
Student's Voice
The performance skills you can acquire by listening to the sounds of other musicians.
You can improve your skills by working hard with your peers.
OHMI Taihei
Department of Performance & Composition, Jazz Music (Base) , 4th year
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music Senior High School, Tokyo
The appeal of Kunio's Jazz Music is being able to learn directly from those active at the forefront of jazz, who share the experience and knowledge they have cultivated in the field. In the "Jazz Ensemble" class, students improvise by responding to the phrases of other instruments or, conversely, by presenting their own phrases. I believe this has helped me develop the ability to pick up on the intentions of other musicians and perform, something that cannot be acquired by practicing alone. I was particularly impressed by the amazing improvement I saw after following Professor Ozone's advice about rhythmic timing: "Try playing with the image of someone standing firmly behind you." This is an environment where students, both senior and junior, can freely discuss performance and improve through friendly competition.
Faculty Message
Let's go on a musical adventure called jazz together.
SHIONOYA Satoru
Jazz Music
Specialty: Piano
Jazz is a type of music where there is no correct answer as to how it should be played. This requires courage to take a step forward, as it tests the musicality within each individual. In Jazz Music, all teachers are very attentive and provide detailed advice tailored to each student's experience and skills, so we hope you will jump in with confidence. Why not join us on this musical adventure?
Educational Goals
This major focuses on rhythm, the most important element in jazz music, and aims to develop students who can hone their performance skills, acquire musical knowledge, and be active in a variety of fields and settings.
Admissions Policy
We are looking for people who are serious about music, who are humble about music, and who aim to become the next generation of musicians who can create good music together with our teachers.
Curriculum Policy
Students will acquire flexible, applicable knowledge and practical skills that allow them to respond appropriately to ever-changing musical situations during a performance. To achieve this, they will constantly study theory and practice in parallel, cultivating the ability to improvise, so that what they learn will not remain merely knowledge. In the introductory course, students will learn the fundamentals of music from a broad perspective, not just jazz. They will also develop ensemble skills, placing importance on rhythm, the most important element of jazz. In the specialized course, students will delve deeper into the knowledge and skills acquired in the introductory course, deepening their knowledge of various styles and learning advanced composition and arranging techniques. They will also gain practical experience through off-campus recording and concert practice.
Diploma Policy
Acquire the ensemble skills, improvisation skills, and composition and arrangement skills required in the music field, and acquire the application skills and flexibility to make the most of them.
Acquire the ability to act cooperatively and appropriately in harmony with others