The Jazz Education in Stavanger is located on Bjergsted Campus in the heart of Bjergsted Culture Park.
The Jazz Education in Stavanger is characterized by a strong and multifaceted professional environment that has a focus on ear-based learning traditions.
This section is organized under the Department for jazz, dance PPU and music production, which is led by Ville Langfeldt.
Application deadline is: 15 December and 15 March.
Application deadline for on-campus studies in music performance studies: 15 December.
Application deadline for digital- and session based studies: 15 March.
Who is teaching what at the Jazz section?
Here is a list of all the employees at the Jazz department.
Tor Yttredal is the acacemic leader of the department.
- Dominique Brackeva - main instrument trombone
- Wayne Brasel – main instrument guitar, ensemble
- Stein Inge Brækhus – main instrument percussion, ensemble, supporting instrument
- Petter Frost Fadnes – theory subjects, master’s project
- Hildegunn Gjedrem – main instrument vocals, vocal ensemble (substitute)
- Simen Kiil Halvorsen – main instrument trumpet, one-year programme in jazz improvisation, DigJazz, Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble
- Svein Olav Herstad – main instrument piano, ensemble, theory subjects
- Anita Kaasbøll – main instrument vocals, vocal ensemble (research leave)
- Theodor Barsnes Onarheim – theory subjects, ensemble
- Petru Popa – main instrument piano, ensemble, supporting instrument
- Thomas Eide Torstrup – ensemble, DigJazz, theory subjects
- Tor Yttredal – main instrument saxophone, theory subjects
- Per Zanussi – main instrument bass, ensemble
Employees - jazz section
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
Department for Jazz, Dance, PPU and Music Production
We want our students to develop a solid instrumental understanding of the relationship between tradition and innovation. On behalf of the jazz programme, the faculty has established close collaborations with external partners at the local, regional, and international levels. Stavanger Jazz Forum, Stavanger Concert Hall and Tou Scene are all examples of institutions that contribute to creating a unique and creative learning environment for our jazz students.
Our programmes
The jazz programme in Stavanger is characterised by a strong and multifaceted academic community with an emphasis on aural-based learning traditions. The department offers studies at all levels within performance music with jazz as the field of study. The latest additions to our programme portfolio are DigJazz, Chord-Playing Competence, and Big Band Instruction.
On-campus performance studies
In jazz, we offer on-campus performance studies at all levels; one-year study programmes, bachelor’s degrees, extension study, master’s programmes, and PDM.
The one-year study programme is aimed at applicants in their final year of upper secondary school in music, dance and drama, or folk high school, as well as others interested in an introduction to performance studies with jazz as their field. The four-year bachelor’s programme in performance music is designed for young musicians who aim to develop their artistic and instrumental skills. The extension study programme offers opportunities for further study and specialisation following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. In the master’s programme, we want you to develop and express your individual artistic profile and refine your insight and skills to a professional level. PDM, the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance, like the extension study programme, provides opportunities for further study and specialisation following the completion of a master’s degree in performance.
Digjazz
DigJazz provides an introduction to imitation based methodology and is suitable for those who wish to further develop as educators and musicians. The programme is session based and therefore adapted for applicants who work full-time and live outside the region. DigJazz is offered at three levels: an introductory, a core, and an advanced module.
DigJazz Intro (15 ECTS) is a preparatory module for DigJazz I and is particularly intended for applicants with little or no experience playing by ear. The module prepares students to work with imitation based methods and also provides an introduction to basic jazz theory. DigJazz Intro consists of two weekend sessions (2–3 days each) during the autumn semester, running parallel to DigJazz I. In addition to the sessions, students receive individual supervision, digital learning resources, and practical assignments.
DigJazz I (30 ECTS) is the core module of the DigJazz programme and is suited to educators and musicians who want an introduction to imitation based methodology. The study has a practical focus, and ensemble playing is a key part of the sessions. Basic jazz theory and improvisation are also included. DigJazz I comprises four weekend sessions (2–3 days each), two in the autumn and two in the spring, along with individual supervision, digital learning resources, and practical assignments.
DigJazz II (15 ECTS) is aimed at those who have previously completed DigJazz I. DigJazz II offers academic enrichment and opportunities to further develop skills in teaching and applying imitation based methodology. The module consists of two weekend sessions (2–3 days each) during the spring semester. Students also receive individual supervision, digital learning resources, and practical assignments. The sessions run parallel to DigJazz I.
Practical Chord Notation for Pianists
Practical Chord Notation for Pianists (15 ECTS) is primarily relevant for pianists and organists who wish to strengthen their skills in chord based accompaniment. It is also suitable for teachers who need to accompany students in their teaching. The module provides a solid introduction to chord playing, with emphasis on its use both in teaching situations and in musical ensemble playing. The module runs over a full academic year, is both digital and session based, and can be combined with DigJazz Intro.
Big Band Instruction
Big Band Instruction (15 ECTS) introduces students to methodological tools related to directing and musically leading big bands and similar ensembles in community music settings. The module aims to support competence development for those who already conduct or play in big bands or similar ensembles, and to contribute to renewal and development in the field. It may also be relevant for those who wish to start their own ensembles. The module runs over a full academic year and is session based only.
Blå Trå and Bjergsted jazz ensemble are arenas where students are given the opportunity to work with both national and international jazz stars
Bjergsted Culture Park
The jazz education in Stavanger is located in Bjergsted culture park, which consists of a number of cultural institutions that work closely with the faculty in general and jazz education in particular. In Bjergsted there is a cultural school, the department of music and dance at the Stavanger Cathedral School and the Stavanger Concert Hall where the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra is housed. Stavanger Jazz Forum and Mai Jazz are the education's most important partners. In the eastern part of town is Tou Scene, which also contributes to a creative study environment for our jazz students.
Your musical voice
Depending on your progress in your studies, UiS emphasizes that you must develop your personal musical voice with us. The year of study and bachelor's lays the foundation for a lifelong development in performing music. In further education, master's and PDM, there will increasingly be a focus on developing specialized knowledge aimed at a flexible labor market.
Interaction
Interaction and concert activities are a fully integrated part of everyday study at UiS. You will participate in ensembles of different composition. Blå Trå and Bjergsted jazz ensemble are arenas where students are given the opportunity to work with both national and international jazz stars. You will also be challenged to contribute to the organization of productions during the course of your studies.
