BA - The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Jazz Studies encourages students to think globally about the capacity of jazz to transform the musical and political worlds it engages, while building upon UCLA’s strong jazz studies and world music foundation. Designed for students seeking careers as jazz performers, producers, teachers, and/or jazz scholars, coursework includes scholarly courses on the history and culture of jazz, studio instruction, participation in jazz and world music ensembles, and courses in music theory, musical structure and instrumentation, improvisation, expression, composition, and arranging. The major is interdisciplinary, drawing from various areas across the school of music as well as UCLA’s African American Studies department.

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Join us on Saturday, July 30 🗓 as Arturo ...

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Join us on Saturday, July 30 🗓 as Arturo O’Farrill (@pianitis) – professor of Global Jazz Studies and GRAMMY winner – headlines the Summer SoundWaves concert series at The Music Center’s (@musiccenterla) Jerry Moss Plaza📍Arturo will share the stage with the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble (@afrolatinjazz) and Cuban rapper, musician and spoken word artist Telmary (@_telmary_). 🎶 @UCLAAlpert students🐻 and alumni💙 are offered a special Bruin discounted rate of $5 per ticket with promo code the UCLA5! Check out the link in our bio to get your tickets and enjoy a night of those Summer SoundWaves. 🔉 #ThisisUCLAMusic #LAEvents #LosAngeles #DTLA #GlobalJazz

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Cornel West (@brothercornelwest) and Arturo ...

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Cornel West (@brothercornelwest) and Arturo O’Farrill (@pianitis) will perform Grammy-winning album "Four Questions" with the UCLA Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and the UCLA Philharmonia under the direction of Neal Stulberg on Friday, May 13 at 8:00 p.m. at Royce Hall. The concert features an extensive playbill, including the legendary Mariachi Los Camperos (@mlcamperos) , directed by Jesús Guzmán, as well as a performance of Miguel Bernal Jiménez’s Concertino para Órgano y Orquesta featuring UCLA organist Christoph Bull.
“The concert will be an embarrassment of riches,” said Steven Loza, director of the Center for Latino Arts, chair of Global Jazz Studies and professor of ethnomusicology at @UCLAalpert. “Four Questions” was initially commissioned by the @ApolloTheater and premiered there in 2016. It became the title track of O’Farrill’s album Four Questions, which won the Grammy Award for the Best Latin Jazz Album in 2021. Although the album dropped in 2020, this will be the first live performance of the complete album. Tickets for the performance are free but must be reserved in advance. Donations received with event RSVPs will support the UCLA Center for Latino Arts. Click the link in our bio to RSVP and learn more! ⬆️ #ThisisUCLAMusic #AfroLatinJazz #GlobalJazz #laconcert

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As the School of Music’s associate dean for ...

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At @UCLAalpert’s 2021 virtual commencement ...

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@UCLAalpert congratulates Silva as this year’s ...

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In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we are ...

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In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we are thrilled to spotlight fourth year Global Jazz Studies Major and double Music Industry and Ethnomusicology minor, Michael Alvarado. A composer, drummer, and percussionist 🥁 , Alvarado participates in several @UCLAalpert ensembles including the UCLA Jazz Orchestra and the UCLA Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra among others. At 50 years old, Alvarado decided to return to school to finish what he started. “The significance of returning to school is immeasurable and I realize I have something new and different to contribute to the field of Global Jazz Studies," he said. Alvarado is eager to share his talent and creativity at the School of Music and to participate in the ongoing conversation of jazz today. A native Angeleno, Alvarado began performing professionally at age 16. His extensive background in different styles of music ranging from African drumming, Latin percussion, punk rock, and thrash-metal to funk, jazz-fusion and big band, has prepared him for the Global Jazz Studies program at @ucla. In addition to his professors, mentors, and advisors at the School of Music, Alvarado finds inspiration in Billy Cobham (@billycobhamofficial), describing his music as the bridge that guided him from thrash metal to jazz-fusion, while identifying with his powerful drumming, elaborate drum kit, and solos. Alvarado advises those interested in a career in jazz to obtain a solid education in music theory, composition and to perform live as much as possible. “Jazz is a fearless endeavor, so get ready.” His senior recital will livestream on our website 💻 on Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m. and include a program of five-original pieces showcasing Latin jazz, jazz-fusion, and avant-garde. #ThisisUCLAMusic #GlobalJazz #MusicIndustry #Ethnomusicology

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Join The Friends of Jazz at UCLA on Friday, April ...

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Join The Friends of Jazz at UCLA on Friday, April 30 at 7:30 PM PT for a virtual concert honoring Herbie Hancock (@herbiehancock) in celebration of International Jazz Day on its 10th anniversary. Enjoy performances by GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, Freda Payne; American Jazz singer, Barbara Morrison; Pianists Paul Cornish (@modernpaulitics), Stuart Elster and Elder Gindroz; Bassist Michael Saucier, and Drummer Peter Buck (@bucksvibe). The concert will also feature Global Jazz Studies Vocal students, Arya Hora (@arya_htp) and Lauren Brewster (@brewtal1).⠀
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Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Barbara Morrison Jazz Scholarship Fund, supporting Global Jazz students at @UCLAalpert.⠀
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To RSVP, click the link in our bio ⬆️.⠀
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#ThisisUCLAMusic #GlobalJazz #JazzAppreciation

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In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we are ...

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In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, we are thrilled to spotlight first year Global Jazz Studies major and saxophonist 🎷Jordan Casciato (@jordansjazz), who is a member of the Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, the UCLA Marching Band (@uclaband), as well as a Jazz combo led by Clayton Cameron (@cbrushman8753). Initially, she chose to attend @UCLAAlpert because she knew the program would give her the necessary tools and experience to help her become a successful musician. Soon after, she realized many other benefits that the School of Music provided. “After being part of the Global Jazz Studies community for almost a year,” said Casciato. “I can say that the best part is actually how the faculty cultivates every individual's creativity, and how the community promotes personal and musical growth.” Casciato finds inspiration from saxophonist Leo Pellegrino (@leopfollowme) who once said, “‘If you only practice what people teach you, you’ll only learn what they know.’" One of the key take-aways she wants to share with others is, “The most important thing to do is to not lose your voice. Only you can tell your story the way you tell it. If you apply this to your performance, you'll be golden.” 💛 We couldn’t agree more. Casciato is currently working on new music that she will post on her SoundCloud via soundcloud.com/jordancasciato soon. #ThisisUCLAMusic #GlobalJazz #Saxophone #JazzAppreciationMonth

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To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month in April, we ...

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To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month this April, ...

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Join us tonight, 3/19 at 7 p.m. for the “End of ...

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Join us tonight, 3/19 at 7 p.m. for the “End of the Quarter Showcase” organized by the Alpert Student Advisory Board! ⠀
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Tonight’s concert features performers from all departments at the School of Music, including the UCLA Percussion Ensemble, the Music of China Ensemble, Irina Bazik, Kelsey Ma (@melseyka), Valerie Stern, Professor Inna Faliks, and original works from Kian Ravaei (@kianraveei), Robby Good (@robbygood702), Shirunyu Li among many more. ⠀
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To watch the concert, click the link in our bio ⬆️. ⠀
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#ThisisUCLAMusic #music #Ethnomusicology #GlobalJazz

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Shana Redmond, Global Jazz Studies and Musicology ...

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March is Women’s History Month and to kick off ...

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March is Women’s History Month and to kick off International Women’s Day we are proud to spotlight Haley Benedict (@haleyybenedict), a first year Global Jazz Studies major, member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority (@uclagammaphi), and the first flutist in the Global Jazz Studies program at @UCLAAlpert.⠀
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“I am so grateful to be the first flutist in the Global Jazz Studies program,” said Benedict. “While I was applying to college, I was scared schools would not allow me to apply since my main instrument isn’t exactly traditional in jazz. UCLA welcomed me with open arms! I definitely feel very valued in the School of Music.” ⠀
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For Benedict, music started as a required course in grade school, but as the years went by she fell in love with it and joined her middle and high school jazz bands playing the flute. Knowing she had to pursue her passion, she was drawn to the Global Jazz Studies program because of how diverse it is, especially the ability to explore Latin jazz at the School of Music. ⠀
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Although being a woman in a male dominated profession can be intimidating, Benedict expressed it can also be very empowering. ⠀
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“I hope other women wanting to pursue music do not allow anything to hold them back. I look to many great women such as Ella Fitzgerald and Alice Coltrane for my inspiration. I hope to be as talented as them someday, so I don’t have time for any setbacks. I pave my own way!”⠀
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Her inspiration also comes from her mom who supported her to pursue what makes her happy, and her grandmother who inspired her to connect with her Cuban roots and culture through music. ⠀
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“I am so thankful I have the chance to study at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. I feel so at home in this community. I have never felt more welcomed or wanted. The School of Music at UCLA has provided me with a safe place to learn and grow, as well as make some pretty groovy music.”⠀
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Benedict is currently working on a project with fellow School of Music students for the upcoming Winter Quarter Showcase. We can’t wait to see her beautiful performance. 💙 ⠀
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#ThisisUCLAMusic #WomenInMusic #InternationalWomensDay #WomensHistoryMonth #GlobalJazz

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Join us for the first ever “End of Quarter ...

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We can’t wait for the upcoming Fowler Out Loud ...

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We can’t wait for the upcoming Fowler Out Loud holiday concert this Friday at 6pm, with UCLA’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by renowned Jazz musician Arturo O’Farrill (@pianitis)! We hope you’ll share the evening and some much-needed holiday cheer with @fowlermuseum and @uclaalpert. RSVP at link in bio! #jazz #music #holidayconcert #afrolatinjazzorchestra #freeprogram #fridaynight #thisfriday #holiday #concert
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#Repost @fowlermuseum #GlobalJazz

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Join us for a night of Latin Jazz as The UCLA Afro...

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Join us for a night of Latin Jazz as The UCLA Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, led by renowned jazz musician Arturo O’Farrill, celebrates the holidays with the music of Tito Puente, Graciela, Machito, and the great creators of Afro Latin Jazz, as part of the Fowler’s “Fowler Out Loud” concert series. Get ready to dance with the @FowlerMuseum and RSVP for the virtual event, happening Friday, 12/11 at 6 PM PST.⠀
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To RSVP, click the link in our bio ⬆️. ⠀
#ThisisUCLAMusic #UCLA #Holidays #GlobalJazz

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@UCLAAlpert congratulates our talented faculty and...

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Join us for a virtual panel discussion with Arturo...

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Join us for a virtual panel discussion with Arturo O'Farrill, Global Jazz Studies Professor and the Founder of the GRAMMY Award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, and the filmmakers behind the @HBO documentary “Fandango at the Wall.” O’Farrill will be joined by the film’s Director, Varda Bar-Kar, Grammy-winning music producer, Kabir Sehgal, and the Founder of the music festival Fandango Fronterizo, Jorge Francisco Castillo.⠀
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The documentary follows O’Farrill and Sehgal as they prepare to record a live album at the U.S.-Mexico border wall inspired by the Fandango Fronterizo music festival, which unites people in son jarocho's song and dance on both sides of the Tijuana-San Diego border.⠀
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To learn more and register, click the link in our bio ⬆️. ⠀
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#ThisIsUCLAMusic #FandangoAtTheWall #sonjarocho #GlobalJazz

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In celebration of National Saxophone Day, students...

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In celebration of National Saxophone Day, students and faculty share why the 🎷is their favorite instrument. “I play the baritone saxophone because it feels right and like home in my hands, though I started on the smaller alto saxophone,” said Glynnis McNamara, fourth-year Global Jazz Studies major at @uclaalpert and member of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board. Jan Berry Baker, Associate Professor of Saxophone and Woodwind Area Head at the School of Music, reflected on the moment she embraced the saxophone once she was able to create a sound on it. “It was truly the only instrument I could get to work on ‘instrument try out day’ in sixth grade,” said Professor Baker. “Once I started learning, appreciating and loving this chameleon like instrument, I began to discover my own musical voice. The range of colors, emotions and timbres that the saxophone is capable of expressing brings me inspiration and appreciation every day.” Join Professor Baker today, 11/6 at 5 p.m. PST for a beautiful concert “From a Distance,” where she will be joined by the contemporary chamber music group @bentfrequency for its 2020-21 Season (Sustain) opener. Tune in via the link in our bio ⬆️. #ThisisUCLAMusic #Saxophone #GlobalJazz

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@uclaarts invites you to “10 Questions: ...

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@uclaarts invites you to “10 Questions: Reckoning - What Is Resilience?” on Monday, 11/9 at 7 p.m. PT. This engaging conversation will feature @UCLAalpert Global Jazz Studies lecturer, musician, orchestrator and arranger, Duane Benjamin @dben_jamin919, who will join molecular, cellular and developmental biologist Tracy Johnson, and architect, urban studies and climate justice scholar, Kian Goh. To learn more and to register, click the link in our bio ⬆️.
#GlobalJazz

Guest Artists Offer Students Unique Insights

The Global Jazz Studies program provides significant opportunities for students to engage with a wide range of distinguished jazz artists, including visiting artists and faculty brought by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA. By offering meaningful interactions with jazz greats, we help students master their instruments and prepare for professional performance careers. Recent opportunities to participate in masterclasses have included such esteemed artists as Jimmy Heath, Terri Lyne Carrington, Billy Childs, Steve Coleman, Benny Golson, Vijay Iyer, Nicole Mitchell, Danilo Pérez, and Jen Shyu.

More News

The 2023 Grammys Have Been Awarded, and UCLA Has Scored

It was another good year for America’s #1 public university, with School of Music faculty and alumni bringing home several 2023 Grammy Awards.

2023 Grammy Nominees from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music

The 2023 Grammy nominations have been announced, and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music faculty and alumni are well represented.

2022 Emmy Nomination for Terence Blanchard

Terence Blanchard’s original dramatic score for “They Call Me Magic” has been nominated for Outstanding Musical Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) for the 2022 Emmy Awards.

Duane Benjamin Collaborates With BTS for YouTube Livestream Hit “Proof”

The video “Proof” by K-Pop super band BTS garnered 12 million views in its first day and now (at least, as this article was finalizing) is approaching 20 million views.

Student musicians join Arturo O’Farrill, Cornel West and Mariachi Los Camperos on stage

The concert celebrated more than 30 years of intercultural musical partnership between UCLA and Mexico

National Endowment for The Arts Chair to address UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music graduates

Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, the 13th chair of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will deliver the keynote address at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music 2022 commencement celebration, which will be held in Dixon Court North on Friday, June 10 at 4 p.m. PT.

EXPLORE ALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC EVENTS

Apr 29 Sat

7:00pm
Free

jazz

Vocal Night: A Tribute to Los Angeles Jazz and Blues Legend, Barbara Morrison

Vocal Night: A tribute to Los Angeles Jazz and Blues Legend, Barbara Morrison, featuring UCLA Global Jazz Studies vocalists and special guests.

Lani Hall

Conducting

Graduate study and training in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting

MM/DMA

Ethnomusicology

The study of global musical traditions through performance training, research, and field work

BA MA / PhD

Global Jazz Studies

Jazz performance and musicianship courses are paired with African American Studies

Music Composition

Mentorship in the creation and realization of music for concerts, opera, and visual media

BA MA / PhD

Music Education

Preparation for music educators leading to a B.A. and teaching credential in just four years

Music History & Industry

Combining Musicology and the Music Industry minor for practical hands-on training with the study of music within the context of different societies, cultures, and theories

Music Industry

Industry professionals and UCLA faculty prepare students for music-related careers

Minor

Musicology

The scholarly study of the histories, cultures, and critical interpretations of music and music-making

BA MA / PhD Minor

Music Performance

Study and training towards professional performance careers in Western classical music

BM MM/DMA