The purpose of this study was to determine what differences distinguish "quality jazz programs" from "other" programs and what might be learned from a comparison of the two groups that would be meaningful to jazz education. The study answered the questions: (1) is there a consensus among a group of jazz authorities regarding the ten "most effective" jazz programs in colleges and universities; and (2) are there characteristics of jazz programs considered outstanding by the profession that are not present in randomly selected college jazz programs? A panel of "experts" identified the top thirteen college jazz studies programs. A random group was selected from a list provided by the International Association of Jazz Educators. The "outstanding" population (n = 13) and the random population (n = 34) were sent identical survey instruments. The analysis of data identified significant differences between groups: (1) in the number of staff at every level (full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, and teaching assistants); (2) in the number of big bands, combos, and jazz choirs; and (3) in the number of undergraduate and graduate music majors in the institution. There was a significant difference between groups in the number of jazz combos and within the outstanding population between big bands and combos. Also, outstanding schools were more likely than the "other" schools to: (1) employ full-time jazz faculty; (2) have a vocal jazz program; (3) have an organized plan for recruiting and award jazz scholarships; (4) be located in larger urban areas with more opportunities for students to hear jazz; (5) offer a jazz studies degree; (6) offer a greater variety of jazz courses; (7) have a recording studio on campus; and (8) have a jazz requirement for music education students. Enrollments in jazz courses were increasing in both populations.
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