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Jazz Studies - Columbus State University

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The Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music

Jazz Studies

Explore Jazz at CSU – Where Tradition Meets Innovation

At Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, the Jazz Studies Program offers students a dynamic blend of high-level performance and deep exploration of the jazz tradition. Designed for both performers and future educators, our curriculum bridges classic foundations with today’s creative edge.

Students dive into a comprehensive lineup of jazz courses, including:

  • Schwob Jazz Orchestra
  • Combos
  • Four levels of Jazz Theory & Improvisation
  • Jazz History
  • Jazz Pedagogy
  • Independent Study in special topics

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your performance chops or prepare to teach jazz in your community, we’ve built a program to meet your goals. Interested in taking it further? We offer a Jazz Studies Certificate and Minor, perfect for students seeking focused, individualized training and advanced academic work.

Real-World Performance. Real-World Impact.

Our students perform in the Schwob Jazz Orchestra and multiple small-group jazz combos. These ensembles have taken the stage at high-profile events for:

  • First Lady Rosalynn Carter
  • President George W. Bush & First Lady Laura Bush
  • Mercedes Ellington
  • Steve Wozniak
  • Tom Brokaw
  • Peyton Manning
  • Octavia Spencer
  • Ann Reinking
  • Gabrielle Giffords

Where Our Alumni Are Now

Graduates of our program are making waves globally, landing professional gigs with:

  • The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra (U.S., Canada, Japan)
  • The B.B. King All-Star Band with Holland America Line (Australia, New Zealand)
  • Azamara Club Cruises (Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Turkey)
  • The U.S. Marine Corps Band (Japan, California)
  • The Army Infantry Band (Kansas)
  • The Navy Fleet Band (Italy, Washington)

Want to learn more about what jazz at CSU can offer you?

Contact:
Dr. Luca Lombardi
Director of Jazz Studies, Schwob School of Music
lombardi_luca@columbusstate.edu

Dr. Luca Lombardi - Director of Jazz Studies; Director, Schwob Jazz Orchestra; Jazz Bass

Dr. Paul Vaillancourt - Jazz Drum Set / Vibes

Mr. Ben Weatherford - Jazz Guitar

Schwob Jazz Orchestra Logo

Big Band Sound. World-Class Vision.

The Schwob Jazz Orchestra is the premier large jazz ensemble at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music. Led by Dr. Luca Lombardi, this powerhouse 18-piece big band brings iconic and innovative jazz to life through unforgettable performances.

From the legendary libraries of Thad Jones, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, and Duke Ellington to today’s cutting-edge jazz composers, the SJO delivers a bold mix of tradition and modernity.

Small Groups. Big Creativity.

The Schwob Jazz Combos are intimate, small-group ensembles designed to help students hone their improvisation skills and develop their own musical voice in a collaborative setting.

Combos typically feature a mix of horns and rhythm section, but instrumentation varies to match the creative direction of each group. Students explore jazz improvisation in a real-time “lab” environment and are encouraged to:

  • Compose original music
  • Arrange existing works
  • Shape the group’s unique sound

Auditions are required for placement in jazz combos.

Ready to Learn More?

Contact Dr. Luca Lombardi
Director of Jazz Studies, Schwob School of Music
lombardi_luca@columbusstate.edu