The jazz studies major prepares students for careers in jazz performance, composition and jazz education. The major also focuses on helping students understand what is needed to maintain a career in the jazz-related field and develop a broad-based cultural experience. All music students enroll in the music core courses which include music theory, ear training and history. These and additional jazz courses such as jazz pedagogy, arranging and improvisation, conducting and jazz piano help students to achieve a broad experience in music study and support the primary focus of applied jazz study. Jazz students take a weekly lesson with their applied teacher each semester that they are in residence. This one-on-one training is essential to the development of the jazz performer. Students are expected to practice several hours each day in preparation for their weekly lessons. This commitment of time is essential if a student wishes to be successful in performance careers.