Department of Jazz
Head of the Department:
Prof. Artūras Anusauskas
E-mail: arturas.anusauskas@lmta.lt
Address:
Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Building 4
T. Kosciuškos 10, 01100 Vilnius, Lithuania
Room 207
Coordinator:
Asta Vaitkevičiūtė-Skliutė
E-mail: asta.vaitkeviciute@lmta.lt
Phone: +370 5 262 8537
LMTA Building 2, Vilniaus 6-2, 01110 Vilnius, Lithuania
Room 304
The artistic groups of the Department: LMTA Big Band and Jazz Choir.
History of the Jazz Department dates back to 2002, when the Jazz Section was established. In 2007, it became the Jazz Department, a unique place for the education and development of jazz performers. Studies at LMTA open up broad career opportunities both in Lithuania and internationally. The academy’s graduates are respected and valued artists who successfully establish themselves in the music industry, work in prestigious institutions and organizations, or create their own projects.
The Jazz Department offers two Music Performance study programmes that encompass both the practical and theoretical aspects of jazz performance:
- Bachelor’s (BA) in Jazz Performance, with specialisations in jazz piano, guitar, bass guitar, double bass, percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and vocals.
- Master’s (MA) in Jazz Performance, with specialisations in jazz piano, guitar, bass guitar, double bass, percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and vocals.
BACHELOR’S PROGRAMME
The four-year bachelor’s programme allows students to build a concert repertoire and gain performance experience, helping them take their first steps on the professional music scene. Students learn to critically assess their artistic activities and develop practical skills in playing and improvisation, essential for interpreting various music styles, artistic expression, musical text reading, and independent learning.
In addition to their main instrument, students acquire knowledge in jazz harmony, rhythm, arrangement, secondary instrument studies, composition, music notation, history, and sound recording. All students participate in ensemble, big band, and choir classes, actively engaging in interdepartmental projects.
MASTER’S PROGRAMME
The master’s program further refines students’ performance and creative skills, equipping them with the professional abilities necessary for independent artistic work. The application of jazz performance and improvisation skills, along with the ability to execute creative projects, ensures success in national and international music scenes.
DOCTORAL STUDIES
Upon completing the bachelor’s and master’s programmes, students can pursue doctoral studies in arts at LMTA. Doctoral studies focus on high-level artistic research projects led by renowned LMTA and international music specialists. Doctoral candidates develop methodologies and strategies for specialized music research. Their works are performed at contemporary music festivals, and they gain teaching experience by assisting faculty members. Successfully defending a doctoral project and obtaining a Doctor of Arts degree grants the right to teach at music and art academies in Lithuania and across Europe.
FACULTY
The Jazz Department’s faculty consists of 19 distinguished Lithuanian artists, all experts in their fields who ensure the highest quality of education while nurturing the creativity and talent of young jazz musicians. Currently, the faculty includes:
- 2 piano professors
- 2 saxophone professors
- 2 guitar professors
- 3 vocal professors
- 3 percussion professors
- 1 bass guitar professor
- 1 double bass professor
- 1 trombone professor
- Professors specialising in digital music notation, jazz composition, professional practice, sound recording techniques, and jazz history.
JAZZ CHOIR
The Jazz Choir includes students from all study years and specialisations, both as singers and accompanists. The choir actively performs in concerts and records music videos. The choir is led by lecturer Marija Monika Dičiūnė.
JAZZ BIG BAND
The best students in their specialization are given the opportunity to participate in the Jazz Big Band. This provides a unique chance to experience performing in a large ensemble. The concert program is designed so that selected students have the opportunity to perform solo with the orchestra, gaining invaluable stage experience and confidence. The big band is led by lecturer Tomas Dičiūnas.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The academy is rich in concerts, performances, and cultural events. Students are encouraged to participate in international projects, competitions, and festivals, which enhance their learning experience and broaden their horizons. Jazz Department faculty and students actively participate in Erasmus+ and Nordplus exchange programmes.
The department enriches its curriculum with annual masterclasses by guest lecturers, including renowned musicians such as: Terence Blanchard, Ricardo Regidor, Marco Tamburini, Steve Houghton, Victor Mendoza, Adam Makowicz, Richie Beirach, Anders Jormin, Steffen Schorn, Ronen Shmueli, Ernst Wiggo Sandbakk, Jeff Cascaro, Jasper Soffers, Jaak Sooaar, Filipe Raposo, Franck Amsallem, and many others.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Jazz Department perform in concerts in Lithuania and abroad, develop their artistic careers, and frequently participate in music festivals, competitions, and television projects. Many alumni teach jazz in music schools, conservatories, or music academies, form ensembles, compose, record, and perform their music, and release recordings in various formats.