The Jazz Studies program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis has experienced tremendous growth during the past eight years under the leadership of Jim Widner, Director of Jazz Studies and leader of the University Jazz Ensemble.  The Jazz Lab Band is directed by Gary Brandes, Director of Bands at UMSL.  The Jazz Combo/Improvisation Program is under the direction of jazz pianist Ken Kehner and trumpeter Allen Beeson.

As part of a student’s comprehensive jazz education, in addition to the above mentioned ensembles, students can participate in Improvisation Lab or study privately with St. Louis’ finest jazz performers and teachers who are adjunct faculty members of the Music Department.

The Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival has been host to internationally known music personalities including: Bassist Ron Carter, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra,  Clark Terry, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band,  Mulgrew Miller, Bobby Watson, Peter Erskine, John Pizzarelli, Steve Wiest, Jon Faddis, Lou Marini, Wayne Bergeron, and Shelly Berg.  Also appearing at past festivals:  Marilyn Maye, Conrad Herwig, Clay Jenkins, Chris Vadala, Tim Ries, Mike Metheny, Jamey Aebersold, and others. The 2012 GSL Jazz Festival will feature The Christian McBride Big Band and Pancho Sanchez with Terrance Blanchard as well as Stefon Harris and Sean Jones. The four-day Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival combines two days of jazz combos at Jazz At The Bistro followed by two days for big bands at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The goal of the four-day festival is to encourage the musical education and growth of participating students by interaction with these internationally acclaimed artists.