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Statement by Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery,
Northwestern University School of Music
on Jazz Studies Program
May 17, 2007

The School of Music is suspending admission to the undergraduate major in jazz studies. This decision was made following a thorough review of our jazz program, which included the engagement of two nationally recognized jazz educators as consultants, and discussion among members of the School of Music faculty. All current students majoring in jazz studies will be able to complete the requirements for their major. The School will continue to offer a minor in jazz studies. The master's degree program in jazz pedagogy, which has been inactive since 2005, will continue to be suspended.        

During the past two academic years, the School of Music has conducted a vigorous national search for a senior jazz educator to lead and build our program following the 2005 retirement of the former jazz coordinator. Despite excellent work by the jazz and classical music faculty members of the search committee, my close personal involvement, and the strong support of the University's administration, those searches have been unsuccessful in identifying and recruiting a person with the necessary background and qualifications.

In addition, since the undergraduate jazz studies major began in 1999, the program has attracted very few students. Most years only two or three new students have enrolled. None of the students who applied for next fall was successful in passing the required auditions. As a result, no new students were admitted for fall 2007. These enrollment trends clearly are not sustainable.

The decision to suspend the undergraduate major was made following discussion with the faculty who are involved in the admission process for jazz students and consultation with members of the School of Music's faculty executive committee and with the members of the jazz search committee. It was clear that our best course of action was to suspend admission to the major. The faculty and I are committed to renewed efforts to strengthening the jazz experience for all students in the School. In addition, we will continue to support the jazz ensemble, the jazz band and jazz combos in order to provide performance opportunities for our students.

I am keenly aware of the important position that jazz holds as an American art form and the leadership role of African Americans in its development, particularly in Chicago's rich jazz history. But as dean, I feel the responsibility to ensure that all of our programs meet the high standards for which our School is known. I have reluctantly concluded that — notwithstanding our vigorous efforts — we cannot at the present time find the senior leadership the jazz studies program requires if it is to have an undergraduate major worthy of our School. 

I very much appreciate the dedication of the faculty members who have been involved in the program, the enthusiasm and energy of our students, and the support of our alumni and other friends of jazz. The music faculty and I remain committed to providing the best music education and training possible, and jazz studies will continue as a component of that education.

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