MSU Jazz Studies students perform at the 2026 National Jazz Collegiate Championship at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Photo courtesy MSU College of Music.
Michigan State University's Jazz Studies program finished second at the 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship in New York City earlier this month, its fourth appearance and top-three placement at the competition.
Along with netting a $7,500 prize for the Jazz Studies program, 20 students received individual honors across a dozen categories, including physics junior Kevin Eisenberg, who was recognized for Outstanding Piano for his solo in the orchestra’s performance of "Two-Three's Adventure."
Eisenberg, whose performance was his first at a jazz competition, said the recognition marked a "kind of full circle moment" since he first heard about the university's Jazz Studies program when it won first place at the 2022 National Collegiate Jazz Championship, formerly known as the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship.
"When I heard them play, I said I was going to MSU to play in the band and bring them a first place," Eisenberg said in an interview. "A dream in the making."
Eisenberg said he feels more resilient after competing, recalling a rigorous schedule that included late-night rehearsals and early call times on competition day, in addition to their regular tour schedule across Michigan.
Students at a Big Ten university might default to thinking of fierce competition in the context of intercollegiate sports, but student musicians, like student athletes, take their role in the competitions seriously.
"When there is a job to do, you have to prioritize the job," said Eli Rachlin, a jazz studies senior and 2026 award winner for Outstanding Trumpet Solo. "I am exhibiting discipline ... We’re in a different location, but that doesn’t make it a vacation."
Mason Reinhardt, another jazz studies senior, agrees. He also said shining a light on student musicians is important.
"I don’t feel like a normal college student," said Reinhardt, who was recognized for Outstanding Solo for Alto Saxophone at the competition. "Being a jazz studies major means you have to be one of the most flexible people on campus. We live, sleep, eat and play with all the same people. It feels like you're in your own world."
Reinhardt, Rachlin and Eisenberg each noted how the relationships shared between the musicians is baked into the formula of MSU Jazz Studies, despite the intensity of their endeavor. They recalled fond moments amongst a tight-knit music community of musicians both inside of MSU and in the greater community.
"While we did not get first, we got to celebrate with each other," Reinhardt said. "MSU's Jazz Studies program is like a family and a village."
MSU’s Jazz Orchestra I and Jazz Nonet I — two ensembles, with the Nonet only having nine instruments— were led by Rodney Whitaker, university distinguished frofessor of jazz bass; Randy Napoleon, associate director of jazz studies and associate professor of jazz guitar; and associate professor of vocal jazz Carmen Bradford.
"Jazz is about growth, connection and dedication to the art form," Whitaker said following the awards ceremony. "Our students worked hard and represented MSU with skill, focus and professionalism on a national stage."
