Emory University News Release

Release date: March 28, 2003
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or dhammac@emory.edu

Students Get All That Jazz and More From Music Class

While music classes may not be a requirement for most college students, one course on the history of jazz has become nearly a necessity for students of all majors at Emory.

The introductory course "Jazz – Its Evolution and Essence" is one of the most in-demand classes. Even with 80 slots available, there is a waiting list each semester it's offered. And, the entertaining and enriching elective packs them in, despite an 8:30 a.m. start time.

The spark attracting students is professor Dwight Andrews, a renowned teacher, composer and musician who recently served as music director of the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." His passion for jazz is translated to students who at first may not be able to separate swing from bebop, or Miles Davis from Thelonius Monk.

"The course is an eye-opener for students, who are amazed at how much they can learn about music. I push them to become more than just consumers, and to listen to music with an understanding of the forces that shaped it," says Andrews, an associate professor of music at Emory.

"Dr. Andrews' love of jazz is expressed in every word that comes out of his mouth. His excitement is contagious," says senior Anna Overman, a Russian and political science major. "I knew nothing about jazz when I took the course, but he's instilled me with what will be a life-long appreciation."

The course surveys the history of jazz and its traditions while incorporating the social and cultural history that set the stage for the twists and turns of the genre, Andrews says. Listening, both in class and at concerts, as well as readings and discussion are all integrated into the learning process.

"The educational experience should help people unfold and develop a better sense of self and the world," Andrews says. "My hope is that students take away with them not only an appreciation of jazz as an art form, but a deeper sense of how art is created and shaped, and how it influences —and is influenced by —the culture around it."