Jazz Studies at Western Illinois University is a comprehensive degree option at the undergraduate level and as a minor as well. Graduate options include both performance and composition. Our students who graduate have been accepted into some of the most elite jazz programs in the country, doctoral programs, after finishing an MM in Jazz, and some are teaching at the university level. The program is highly visible and our students perform approximately 50 performances per semester. The jazz area produces and participates in three festivals annually and brings many internationally renowned guest artists each year to work with our talented students. Recent guests have included Jim McNeely, Duffy Jackson, Rob Parton, Jon Faddis, Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram, Chris Vadala, Rick Simerly, Gunnar Mossblad, Chris Collins, Bob Mintzer, John Clayton, Jeff Halsey, The Eddie Gomez Trio, The Jeff Hamilton Trio, The Harold Danko Trio, John Fedchock, Matt Wilson, Tom Garling, Johnny Trudell, Jack Grassel, Jill Jensen, Leroy Jones, Ashlin Parker, Andy Martin, Mike Vax, and Brian Coyle.