Jazz at the Beach
A Letter From The Area Director
Greetings prospective students,
Thank you for your interest in the Jazz Studies program at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. We hope to welcome you to "Jazz at the Beach"—a prestigious collegiate jazz program with a long and proud history. In 1975, California State University, Long Beach became the first four-year college in California to offer a B.M. in Jazz Studies; we were one of only fifteen institutions of higher learning in the United States to include Jazz Studies in their degree offerings. In 1993 the M.M. in Jazz Studies was established at CSULB. More than three decades later, our program has evolved into one of the finest programs anywhere. Our close proximity to Southern California’s numerous recording studios, sound stages, and performance venues makes "Jazz At The Beach" a great place to complete your jazz education, and for a very affordable cost.
"Our #1 priority is to help you develop into a versatile, credentialed, and gainfully employed music professional."
Bob Cole Conservatory Jazz Studies alumni that have made significant contributions to the music industry include John Patitucci (bass), Mark Turner (saxophone), Tom Kubis (saxophone/composer), Richard and Karen Carpenter (The Carpenters), Chad Wackerman (drums), Andy Martin (trombone), Luther Hughes (bass), Vince Johnson (The Four Freshmen), Stan Martin (trumpet), Bill Liston (saxophone), Jay Mason (saxophone), Sal Lozano (saxophone), Basil Poledouris (film composer), Jay Anderson (bass), and Jeff Kashiwa (saxophone).
What We Can Do For You
Our #1 priority is to help you develop into a versatile, credentialed, and gainfully employed music professional. We teach you, advise you, and perform with you in classes and rehearsals. Since the workplace is extremely competitive for even the finest musicians, we have created an environment similar to your upcoming professional career that will help you develop good work habits, such as dependability, preparedness, punctuality, and a professional image. Those who join our jazz community develop a lifelong habit of curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and humility. If you are ambitious and open to multiple points of view, you are positioned to realize the true essence of jazz music, which is to venture beyond the written page—to create.
Sincerely,

Jeff Jarvis
Area Director, Jazz Studies
Bob Cole Conservatory of Music