Lehigh Jazz is where world-class mentorship meets student passion. Under the leadership of acclaimed composer and trumpeter Bill Warfield, our program thrives on a unique energy fueled by our proximity to the jazz capital of the world.

Our faculty aren't just teachers; they are active performers in the New York City jazz scene, playing in legendary clubs, recording for top labels, and performing in the pits of Broadway’s biggest shows. They bring that "real-world" professional intensity directly from the city to the bandstand here in Bethlehem.

Find Your Groove: Ensemble Options

Whether you love the wall of sound of a big band or the improvisational freedom of a small group, we have a place for you.

LU Jazz Ensemble (MUS 024) & Jazz Orchestra (MUS 027)

Our large jazz ensembles explore the rich history of the Big Band, from the swing era and the Great American Songbook to modern, avant-garde compositions.

• Experience the Power: Work on ensemble blend, section playing, and the specific stylistic nuances of jazz phrasing.
• Collaboration: These groups often perform new arrangements by our faculty and guest artists, giving students the chance to premiere fresh music.

Jazz Combos (MUS 049)

For those who want to dive deep into the art of the "small group," our jazz combos provide an intimate laboratory for creative exploration.

• Focused Interaction: With only 3–7 players per group, you’ll learn the conversational language of jazz—listening, responding, and taking the lead.
• Improvisational Growth: Combos are the primary space for developing your soloing skills and learning how to navigate complex harmonies.

All Experience Levels Welcome

You don't need to be a seasoned jazzer to get involved. While our premier ensembles are audition-based, we are a program that values growth and curiosity.

• Interested but New? If you have the technical facility on your instrument but are new to the world of "swing" or "blue notes," we welcome you! Our faculty are experts at helping classical or pop musicians translate their skills into the jazz idiom.
• The Creative Edge: Like all Lehigh music programs, our jazz musicians are future engineers, business leaders, and scientists who find that the "creative problem-solving" of improvisation perfectly complements their academic rigors.

Performance and Professionalism

Jazz at Lehigh isn't confined to the practice room. Our students perform in the Zoellner Arts Center and at various campus events, often sharing the stage with our NYC-based faculty. These performances prepare you to play with confidence in any musical setting.

Join the Scene

Ready to start swinging? We make it easy to find your place in the program.

Audition Information

Registration: Look for Jazz Ensemble (MUS 024), LU Jazz Ensemble (MUS 027), or Jazz Combo (MUS 049) in the course catalog.