UCLA School of Music / Global Jazz

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.

We would like to extend our warmest welcome to Joy H. Calico, Jenny Olivia Johnson, and Salim Washington, our new faculty members for the 2023-24 school year! Joy Calico and Jenny Johnson are joining our Musicology department and Salim Washington joins the Global Jazz Studies department. We are excited and thrilled to have you with us!
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#ucla #music #thisisUCLAmusic #uclaalpert #globaljazz #musicology #faculty
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
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
As the School of Music’s associate dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and co-chair of @UCLAalpert’s Anti-Racism Action Committee (ARAC), Global jazz studies professor Arturo O’Farrill (@pianitis) works constantly to diversify music education and bring safe spaces to the music realm – both at UCLA and in the U.S.⠀
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In a recent Daily Bruin (@dailybruin) article, O’Farrill was spotlighted for his work in creating an inclusive community at UCLA through music. For O’Farrill, one of his overarching motivations is to dismantle elitism within the music world. ⠀
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“Art is service,” O’Farrill said. “Art … should be seen as part of life. … It should not be seen as a separate and elite structure.”⠀
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To act on marginalization in music, O’Farrill has worked to build spaces like ARAC and his non profit organization, the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (@afrolatinjazz), where musicians can collaborate, learn, perform and practice – all to help musicians connect to their community. 🎹⠀
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To learn more about O’Farrill and his work in community building, click the link in our bio ⬆️.⠀
#ThisisUCLAMusic #CreatingMusicalCommunity #Diversity #Music #GlobalJazz
At @UCLAalpert’s 2021 virtual commencement celebration 🎉 students from the departments of music, ethnomusicology and global jazz studies joined forces for a breathtaking performance of “I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free” by Nina Simone and “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder.

We hope you enjoy this inspiring rendition of both tracks by our School of Music students. 

#ThisisUCLAMusic #Ethnomusicology #GlobalJazz #Music #MusicIndustry #Musicology #Graduation2021
@UCLAalpert congratulates Silva as this year’s winner of UCLA’s annual Spring Sing competition (@uclaspringsing)!

Global Jazz Studies student and lead vocalist Emily Silva described the group as “a Ragtag team of friends and Jazz musicians from UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music who love jamming out together, getting the crowd on their feet and making lots of noise.“

The show featured a video of their performance of “Dance in Your Love,” which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and YouTube.

Congratulations to all participating Bruins on their incredible performances! 💙🎉

To watch the full performance, click the link in our bio ⬆️.

Participants: 
Voice: Emily Silva @emilyysilvaa
Piano: Anna Bettendorf @anna.bettendorf
Bass: Isabel Dobrev @balkan.bass.baby
Guitar: Von Bush @achaobush
Drum Kit: Liam Wallace @liamw2626
Congas: Alex Nunez  @gordotravels88
Timbale: Lorenzo Siciliano @lorenzosiciliano__
Alto Saxophone SOLO: Steve Murillo @stevemurillo_
Trombone: Brendan Kersey-Wilson @bkaydub
Trombone: Marc Perez @m.a.perez1
Trumpet: Jules Gilliam @julesgilliam
Trumpet: Ethan Brandt  @ethanbrandt7
Tenor Saxophone: Zane St. Andre Jackson @saxonthestreet
Flute: Zev-Marx-Kahn @zev_mk
Dancers: 
Scarlett Leon @thescarlettlion
Natalie Bernal @natt.bernal
Antonio Morgan @imjustdifferent100

#ThisisUCLAMusic #GlobalJazz
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
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
To celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month this April, @UCLAalpert is proud to share the recent Spring Concert from the UCLA Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, co-presented by the @FowlerMuseum.⠀
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Led by GRAMMY Award-winning artist and the School of Music’s Professor of Global Jazz Studies Arturo O’Farrill (@pianitis), musicians gathered virtually, playing compositions by Miguel Blanco, Adam O'Farrill, Guillermo Klein, Jason Lindner, as well as music from @HBOMax’s original documentary movie “Fandango at the Wall.” Special guests include DJ Logic (@thedjlogic), spoken word artist Christopher 'Chilo' Cajigas (@therealchilo), pianist and composer Andrew Andron, and more.⠀
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To watch the full concert, click the link in our bio ⬆️.⠀
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#ThisisUCLAMusic #AfroLatinJazz #GlobalJazz
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
Shana Redmond, Global Jazz Studies and Musicology Professor at @uclaalpert lent her voice in the @epix series titled “By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of ‘Godfather of Harlem,’” a companion piece to the critically acclaimed EPIX streaming series “Godfather of Harlem” starring Forest Whitaker (@forestwhitaker). The four-part documentary series was recently nominated for a 2021 NAACP Image Award, for outstanding directing by Keith McQuirter (@keithmcquirter), who called upon Redmond for her perspective and insight to help tell the dramatic true story. ⠀
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The docuseries brings to life the true story of Harlem and its music during the 1960s, and connects that history to our present moment. ⠀
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“The title of the documentary is a play on the famed 1964 statement by minister and radical human rights activist Malcolm X, in which he argued that Black people would fight for their humanity ‘by any means necessary,’” said Redmond. ⠀
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Combining personal stories with powerful music and rare archival footage, the series goes beyond the black-and-white historical images into the multicolored souls of musicians unafraid to use music as a weapon for change.⠀
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Congratulations to Professor Redmond on this well deserved nomination! 💙 The 52nd NAACP Image Awards will air on @bet and simulcast across ViacomCBS Networks on Saturday, 3/27. ⠀
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To read the full UCLA Newsroom article, click the link in our bio ⬆️.⠀
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#ThisUCLAMusic #GoBruins #NAACP #GlobalJazz #Musicology
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
Join us for the first ever “End of Quarter Showcase,” an event designed to bring together students from disciplines at @UCLAAlpert. This concert aims to bring the School of Music community together across departments.⠀
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Organized by the Alpert Student Advisory Board, the “End of Quarter Showcase” features performances from the UCLA Percussion Ensemble, Trio SynThesis (@triosynthesis), the UCLA Chorale, the Charles Mingus Ensemble, Caden Potter, Yerry Wright, Christian Gonzales, Jillian Lopez, Cole McQuinn (@cole.mcquinn) and Dalton Mumphrey (@mumph_music), Joel Bickel (@joelbickel) and Taylor Lee (@tarope555), along with original compositions by Kian Raveli (@kianravaei), Allie Schulz, Kenedea Lee (@kenedea_music), and Angela Rey (@angela_rey_). ⠀
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Tune in at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 18, to hear from performers from across the School of Music and to celebrate the end of the quarter!⠀
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To watch the concert, click the link in our bio ⬆️.⠀
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#ThisisUCLAMusic #UCLA #Music #GlobalJazz
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
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
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
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.

 

 

Herbie-Hancock Herbie-Hancock Herbie Hancock | 2018
Freedom First to Feature Student Composition
On Friday, October 6, Schoenberg Hall will witness a special event. A concert for Keith LaMar will feature legendary jazz musicians Salim Washington and multi-Grammy Award winner Arturo O’Farrill. The concert benefits LaMar, currently on death row in Ohio, having been falsely convicted of murder in the aftermath of the 1993 Lucasville Prison uprising. *
Mexican Music's regional roots go from 'invisible' to 'invincible'
ABC News recently covered explosion of Mexican genres in American popular music. To understand the music’s regional roots, they turned to Steven Loza, professor of Global Jazz Studies at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
Student Spotlight, Summer 2023
Bruins at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music have had a busy summer. Check out what they've been up to!
Remembering the Incomparable Barbara Morrison
Everyone has a story about Barbara Morrison. The L.A. legend was a force unto herself—a powerhouse interpreter of the blues, a jazz singer equal parts suave and sonorous, a scintillating performer who held audiences in thrall.  On Saturday, April 29, at 7:00 p.m. The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music will play host to Vocal Night:
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.
Apr 1 Mon
3:00pm
Free
jazz
Patrice Rushen in Dialogue and Performance
This event will feature award-winning musician and composer Patrice Rushen in a dialogue with highly acclaimed jazz violinist Regina Carter. The event will culminate in a solo piano performance by Patrice Rushen.
Ostin 110A
May 20 Mon
7:00pm
Free
jazz
UCLA Jazz Combos and Ensembles Concert 1
UCLA student combos and ensembles directed by world-class jazz artists will be performing well-known jazz standards, contemporary works, and pop songs, as well as compositions by the faculty directors and the students.
Schoenberg Hall
May 21 Tue
7:00pm
Free
jazz
UCLA Jazz Combos and Ensembles Concert 2
UCLA student combos and ensembles directed by world-class jazz artists will be performing well-known jazz standards, contemporary works, and pop songs, as well as compositions by the faculty directors and the students.
Schoenberg Hall

Explore Our Degrees

Conducting
Graduate study and training in choral, orchestral, or wind conducting
Ethnomusicology
The study of global musical traditions through performance training, research, and field work
Global Jazz Studies
Jazz performance and musicianship courses are paired with African American Studies
BA
Music Composition
Mentorship in the creation and realization of music for concerts, opera, and visual media
Music Education
Preparation for music educators leading to a BA and teaching credential in just four years
BA
Music Industry
A leadership-focused professional degree which prepares students to transform the creative, entrepreneurial, and executive structures of the music industry
Musicology
The scholarly study of the histories, cultures, and critical interpretations of music and music-making
Music Performance
Study and training towards professional performance careers in Western classical music