Jazz

The Cornell University Jazz program provides those who are sincerely interested in the art of improvisation the opportunity to explore history, composition, arranging, and craft through performance and scholarship.

Sign up for an audition

CU Jazz audition packet

Trumpets and trombones
Sunday, August 24, 2:30-3:30 pm Lincoln Hall B20

All saxophones:
Sunday, August 24, 4:00-5:30 pm Lincoln Hall B20

Piano, guitar, bass, drumset, and vibes:
Sunday, August 24, 5:30-7:30 pm Lincoln Hall B20

Vocalists
Upload a recording of a jazz standard on or before Sunday, August 24. Submit the video here. 

Call backs are with a live band the second week of classes.

Other instrumentalists (flute, violin, harp, tabla) or students who require a one-on-one appointment because of a conflict, contact Paul Merrill.

Audition requirements for individual instruction & lessons  are identical to the ensemble audition. If you are interested in studying with a faculty member one-on-one, please attend the ensemble audition or contact contact Paul Merrill.

Jazz Ensemble

The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire spanning classic, modern, and contemporary large ensemble jazz literature. It has commissioned original works from esteemed composers such as Jim McNeely, Rufus Reid, and Paul Smoker, and has shared the stage with legendary jazz artists including the late Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson, Barry Harris, and James Moody. Recent guest artist collaborations have featured leading voices in contemporary and traditional jazz, such as Sara Gazarek, Gerald Clayton, Camille Thurman, Maria Schneider, Joshua Redman, and Wynton Marsalis.

With a curriculum grounded in the development of musicianship, improvisational skill, advanced sight reading, and collaborative ensemble performance, the ensemble also places strong emphasis on the cultural and historical contexts of the music and musicians studied. Participation by audition.

Jazz Combos

Repertoire is selected to align with the artistic interests and pedagogical development of the enrolled musicians. Combo sections may center their studies on seminal figures such as Joni Mitchell, Horace Silver, John Coltrane, Art Blakey, and Weather Report or focus on specific stylistic traditions or aesthetic approaches. In each configuration, students actively shape the curriculum by composing original work, transcribing, and selecting repertoire for study.

Material is learned aurally from recordings and the use of written music or chord sheets/apps are discouraged. This approach fosters deep listening skills and expands musical memory in a highly collaborative rehearsal environment. Guided by weekly faculty coachings. Participation by audition.

Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble performs a diverse repertoire spanning classic, modern, and contemporary large ensemble jazz literature. It has commissioned original works from esteemed composers such as Jim McNeely and Paul Smoker, and has shared the stage and classrooms with legendary jazz artists from the late Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson, to Joshua Redman.

Members develop, improvisational skill, advanced sight reading, and collaborative ensemble performance, while diving deep into the cultural and historical contexts of the music and musicians studied. 

Lean more about the Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combos are actively shaped to align with the artistic interests and pedagogical development of the enrolled musicians. Combo sections may center their studies on seminal figures such as Joni Mitchell, Horace Silver, and Weather Report or focus on specific stylistic traditions or aesthetic approaches. Students shape the curriculum by composing original work, transcribing, and selecting repertoire for study.

Material is learned aurally from recordings and the use of written music or chord sheets, fostering deep listening skills and expanding musical memory in a collaborative rehearsal environment. 

Learn more about Jazz Combos

The Original Cornell Syncopators

Founded by Colin Hancock ('19) in 2016, the Original Cornell Syncopators were formed to explore the music of the Original Dixieland Jass Band for a concert celebrating the 100th-year anniversary of their first recording. It has since grown into a larger ensemble, one that performs both sweet and hot music from the late 1910s to the mid-1930s. The group's adviser, Professor Robbert van Renesse  as an original member and continues to play banjo. The Syncopators are a professionally motivated student-run ensemble that has performed in San Diego, Rochester, Philadelphia, and New York and hosted master classes with Wynton Marsalis, the Hot Toddies Jazz Band, and Mike Davis. Their recordings, "Live at the Triad," "Wild Jazz" and "Collegiate" are available on all major streaming platforms. Membership by audition.

Neo-Soul Ensemble

The Neo-Soul Ensemble is a pop, R&B, and Neo-soul band that plays originals and covers from a wide variety of artists. Originally founded in 2009 by Tony Craddock Jr. ('10) and Clayton Henry ('12) as a smooth jazz group, the ensemble has evolved through several genres with a focus on staying at the forefront of modern music while consistently drawing influence from jazz. The artistic goals of the band often shift to best serve the personal tastes and backgrounds of the talented rotation of members. The student-led Neo-Soul Ensemble has enjoyed a wide range of performance experiences, from intimate, jam-packed performances around Ithaca to opening Cornell's Slope Day. Recently, they won recognition for outstanding performance in the Blues/Pop/Rock Group category of the Downbeat Student Music Awards. Advised by Paul Merrill. Membership by audition.

Jazz +

Jazz+ is a student organization dedicated to the appreciation and performance of jazz music and more. While many members of the club participate in department jazz ensembles, Jazz+ is open to everyone. Officers coordinate a weekly jam session at Bethe House, social events, masterclasses, and performances by guest artists. The org manages a gig referral service for student ensembles. By watching a video and completing a quiz on reservation and borrowing policies, members can gain access to the jazz equipment closet for gigs, rehearsals and personal practice.

Keep an eye on the jazz events calendar for upcoming Jazz+ events

Questions? Contact jazzplus@cornell.edu

The jazz program is supported entirely by donations from friends and alumni. Please consider doing your part to support the jazz mission at Cornell University. 

Paul Merrill - Director

pm75@cornell.edu

235 Lincoln
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853

Department of Music

Jazz+

jazzplus@cornell.edu