University of North Florida School of Music


The University of North Florida School of Music is the music department of the University of North Florida, and one of the institution's flagship programs. Part of UNF's College of Arts and Sciences, it offers seven programs of study, the most noted of which is the jazz studies program, founded by the jazz euphonium player Rich Matteson in 1987. The department boasts several award-winning ensembles, including the Jazz Ensemble 1, which has performed at jazz festivals across the United States and internationally and has won several awards and been recognized in Down Beat Magazine, Cadence, and the Jazz Times.

Fine Arts Center

The UNF School of Music is housed in the Fine Arts Center on campus. It was opened in 2001 at a cost of $22 million. The complex comprises the 1,400 seat Lazzara Performance Hall, a 200-seat recital hall, 44 individual practice rooms, and 4 large rehearsal rooms. The Lazzara Performance Hall hosts performances throughout the year from national and international acts.

Faculty

Throughout the year, UNF hosts world-famous jazz artists in a concert series known as the Great American Jazz Series. Typically, the visiting artists will spend the week leading up to the concert in residence at the school, giving several clinics and master classes throughout the week.
Some past GAJS artists include Wynton Marsalis, Pat Martino, Eddie Gómez, Jimmy Cobb, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Arturo Sandoval, Pat Metheny, Yellowjackets, Dave Holland, Kevin Mahogany, Jimmy Heath, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and many others.