Columbus State University

• State: Georgia
• State School (public)
• School Website
• Map Link

Jacqueline Pickett, bass faculty

• Email Jacqueline
• Jacqueline’s Website

General Statistics

• US News Ranking: #105 (tie) in Regional Universities Souths
• US News Overall Score (out of 100): 34
• In-State Tuition & Fees 2016-17: $7,076
• Out-of-State Tuition & Fees 2016-17: $20,294
• Room & Board 2016-17: $10,198
• Total Enrollment: 8,440
• Acceptance Rate (from 2015): 56%
• Student – Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• 4 year graduation rate: 12%
• % of undergrads receiving Financial aid: 72%
• Average Financial Aid: $4,904

Double Bass Statistics

• Average number of undergraduate bass students: 4
• Average number of graduate bass students: 2
• Studio Class, Bass Ensembles, Scales Class and Orchestra Rep Class to launch Spring 2018

What Alumni Are Doing

• My one and only grad so far is David I. Baker (CSU ’15). David is a Grad Assistant at Northern Colorado University in Greeley, Colorado.

Perspectives from Students and Alumni

Q: What are some favorite memories about studying at this school?

A: I just completed my first year of my undergrad. I got all of my first paid gigs through the school and faculty, all of which were great experiences. My favorite memory was my first one, playing in the pit for the Nutcracker Cracker ballet!

A: Having the opportunity to explore every facet of bass playing.

Q: How did this school help prepare you for your future endeavors?

A: The faculty at this school really look out for the students and want them to succeed. If you need help, whether it is musical help or with your studies, there are so many people, faculty and students, who are happy to help. The music school also provides so many playing opportunities for their students.

A: I was given a wide breadth of skills to add to my foundation.

Q: What advice would you offer others thinking about studying at this school?

A: If you’re majoring in any of the arts, this is a great school for your degree! This school cares so much about the arts and takes a lot of pride in these programs. There are so many opportunities to grow as an artist and get the experience you need for your degree.

A: Explore opportunities. Get out in the scene. Talk to your professors.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about this school?

A: Learn everything you can.

Erin W, David B

Perspectives from the Bass Faculty

Q: What are some of your favorite experiences teaching at your school?

A: I started working at CSU in August, 2014. The Schwob School of Music is truly a great place to prepare for a career in music. The faculty are superb musicians as well as outstanding teachers who really care about their students. I get to perform a lot of Chamber Music and this year CSU started live streaming student and faculty concerts live on You Tube. The student body is very supportive of each other. Great environment. Can’t say enough good things about this place.

Students who are interested in studying bass at CSU are seeking a well-rounded career path…they are interested in all aspects of music, performance, education, theory, history and composition…but in addition, they are budding entrepreneurs.They are learning how to create job situations for themselves by developing an “eye for opportunity.” I am very careful to select students who have outstanding character as well as good self-management potential in addition to musical talent. We have just started a music minor program, so we also attract students who want music to be an important part of their life and they also want to study another field as well.

About The Bass Faculty

Dr. Jacqueline Pickett is Instructor of Double Bass at Columbus State University where she teaches both classical and jazz applied double bass lessons and coordinates the double bass studio. She currently serves as Principal Bass with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Dr. Pickett has performed and recorded with the Ritz Chamber Players, Nashville Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra Nashville), Pauline Oliveros’ New Circle Five, and Terry Riley’s Khayal. She has given solo double bass recitals in Johannesburg, South Africa and universities throughout the United States. She continues to present solo double bass recitals themed on current social issues.

Dr. Pickett is the founder of Torch Academy, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization promoting formal music instruction and social empowerment for under served/at-risk youth, and the Metro Atlanta Women’s Jazz Society, an organization that offers big band and chamber ensembles dedicated to featuring women jazz artists. Dr. Pickett holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Double Bass Performance from University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music degree from West Virginia University.