The Jazz and Commercial music division at Towson offers a BM degree in performance and composition. Students gain experience in a variety of styles and techniques that will guide them to discover their own niche in the world of music. Instrumentalists, vocalists and composers are equipped with the tools and skills that allow them to be both flexible and professional while developing a personal understanding of the creative process. Current enrollment of 40 students provides individual access to professors and constant contact with fellow Jazz/Commercial majors.

The dedicated and inspired faculty is comprised of internationally recognized jazz performers and educators. Many of the faculty travel throughout the US and the world performing concerts and instructing students of all levels of ability in the art of creating music. A list of luminaries with whom our faculty members have appeared reads like a "who's who" of the jazz world.

Each semester the Jazz and Commercial music division presents guest artists that inspire our students and bring to our campus the latest developments in the field. These guests have included: Wadada Leo Smith, Donny McCaslin, John O'Gallagher, Tom Rainey, Mark Helias, Angelica Sanchez, Jim Snidero, Tony Malaby, Tim Berne, Ralph Allessi, Craig Taborn, John Lindberg, Gene Bertoncini, Tim Miller, Take Toriyama, Vardan Ovsepian, Ron Thomas and Michael Formanek.

Our graduates have created distinctive careers of their own. Bassist Drew Gress, saxophonist Ellery Eskelin, guitarist Shea Welsh and saxophonist Glenn Cashman are but a few of Towson's alumni.