Jazz Studies at Elon

Welcome to the homepage of Jazz Studies at Elon University. Directed by trombonist/composer Dr. Alex Heitlinger, the Elon Jazz Studies program supports a thriving creative community of student musicians and scholars majoring in music and a wide range of other fields. Our students regularly perform on and off campus, including rehearsals with our jazz ensembles, concerts, campus events, and jazz jam sessions at a local coffee house. They receive personalized mentorship and engage in coursework taught by our outstanding music faculty, with opportunities to collaborate on recording projects at our top-notch recording studios, and spearhead their own projects through the Jazz Collective of Elon, a newly-established student organization. Students also have the opportunity to learn from, and perform alongside nationally-recognized guest artists who visit campus each year for masterclasses and concerts

Students often choose to complete the Minor in Jazz Studies, which includes courses in jazz history, jazz harmony, improvisation, and private lessons. With a small number of credits and flexible scheduling, it is easy to pair the Jazz Studies minor with any music degree or other course of study.

Learn How to Join a Jazz Ensemble!Attend an Elon Jazz Event

Mission Statement

Elon’s Jazz Studies program empowers creative, versatile musicians through mentorship, performance, and real-world opportunities in a collaborative, forward-thinking community. Jazz teaches students to balance individuality and collaboration, building creativity, adaptability, and empathy through improvisation and group interplay while acknowledging the artistic contributions and musical traditions of great musicians past and present.