Jazz

The jazz area provides performance opportunities in both small groups and large ensembles, private jazz instruction and classes in history, theory, improvisation and composition. The program values the diversity of its students, whether you’re interested in performance, composition, education or scholarship.

Learn about the recent Jazz Organ Summit 

Our program of study requires applied study on one of the following instruments:

• Bass
• Guitar
• Organ
• Piano
• Percussion
• Saxophone
• Trombone
• Trumpet
• Voice

Graduates of the jazz studies program are routinely accepted to and offered assistantships to top jazz graduate schools, including:

• University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
• Indiana University
• University of Oregon
• Western Michigan University
• University of South Florida

Head of Jazz Area

• Gabe Southard

Applied Lessons

• Saxophone – Tom Lockwood
• Piano and composition – Steve Talaga
• Bass – Michael Hovnanian
• Guitar
• Drumset – Jeff Shoup
• Voice
• Organ – Tony Monaco
• Trumpet – Jordan VanHemert
• Jazz Studies – Nate Roberts

Guest Artists

Each year the program brings in numerous world-famous guest artists who give clinics, work with students and perform with student and faculty groups.

Recent Visiting Artists

• Julian Lage Trio
• Chucho Valdes and Irakere
• Aaron Diehl Trio
• The David Liebman Group
• Donny McCaslin Quartet
• Ester Rada
• Fred Hersch Trio
• Chuck Owen
• New Orleans Hot 8 Brass Band
• Dave Holland Quartet
• Maynard Ferguson

Jazz Residency

The Jerry and Jacquie Hurtgen Residency in Jazz Studies was established to support the mission of the Hope College jazz studies area, which is to teach and promote jazz, musical creativity and improvisation. 

The Hope College Department of Music faculty welcomed Jazz Organist Tony Monaco as the first artist-in-residence. Read more about Tony Monaco