Jazz Studies, Major

Major Jazz Studies

A Bachelor of Music (BM) in jazz studies will help you take your musical talent to a higher level. You'll train like a professional with acclaimed faculty. And you'll have the opportunity to dazzle audiences in venues, big and small, on campus and across the state's center of arts and culture.

Learn how jazz studies is the right fit for you.

Request Info Start Your Application

Applied learning at Wichita State

At Wichita State, applied learning is everything. In fact, every degree we offer has a guaranteed applied learning or research experience built right into it equipping you with the relevant skills and experience to make you workforce ready before graduation.

Learn about our innovative approach

Admission to the program

To be admitted to the School of Music, you must first be admitted to Wichita State. Once you're admitted to WSU, you'll need to schedule an audition through the School of Music.

For WSU's admission requirements, and to apply, click the link below.

Admission requirements

Inside the Program

David Hunsicker is a trumpet professor who invented a device to make it easier to play the trumpet.

Playing the trumpet is easier with WSU invention

David Hunsicker is not only a longtime musician. The associate professor of trumpet is also an inventor and business owner.

Hunsicker partnered with WSU's National Institute for Aviation Research and WSU Ventures to create the Gapper, a flexible plastic device that allows musicians to control the third valve slide.

Hunsicker says the ring on the third valve slide tends to too big for musicians with smaller hands. The gap between the finger and the ring causes a delay in moving the slide, which results in a missed note. The Gapper fixes that problem.

“That's why we call it the Gapper. It fills the gap between the finger and the ring.”

Curriculum

The BM degree combines courses in performance, musical development and WSU's general education requirements. Graduates are well prepared to pursue an advanced degree in music—and for successful performance careers.

View the curriculum

Degree Maps

BM in Music - Jazz Studies emphasis (’26-’27)BM in Music - Jazz Studies emphasis (’25-’26)

Careers

Thanks to WSU's extensive network of employer connections, students in every major have opportunities to gain real-world experience—helping them build a resume, make professional connections and land their dream jobs.

Learn more about careers in this field