Department of Popular Music and Jazz

The Department of Popular Music and Jazz was established in 2004 under the name “Variety and Popular Music.” Over the years, the department has brought together prominent figures of Azerbaijani music and performing arts, including People’s Artists Yalchin Rzazade, Javan Zeynalli, Gulnaz Ismayilova, composer Faig Sujaddinov, and Associate Professor Vagif Garayzade.

The department was headed by Associate Professor Vagif Garayzade (2004–2010) and Professor Yalchin Rzazade (2010–2016). Since 2016, the Head of Department has been Honoured Teacher, PhD in Art Studies, Professor Maryam Babayeva.

The department prepares a new generation of performers in popular and jazz music in accordance with contemporary artistic and educational standards. The curriculum combines theoretical and practical training in vocal performance, jazz, ensemble performance, improvisation, and music production.

Faculty members have authored a number of educational publications devoted to vocal performance and popular and jazz music. Among them are Maryam Babayeva’s Issues of Vocal Performance in Popular and Jazz Music, Vocalise, and The Artistry of Rashid Behbudov; Inara Babayeva’s Some Theoretical Aspects of Vocal Training; and Gulnaz Ismayilova’s Selected Arias for Soprano from Azerbaijani Operas, Musicals and Musical Comedies.

The department actively organizes concerts and creative projects in cooperation with leading cultural institutions in Azerbaijan. Students regularly perform at the International Mugham Center under the artistic direction of Professor Maryam Babayeva. Concert programs dedicated to prominent Azerbaijani composers, jazz music, and vocal art have become an important part of the department’s creative activity.

Students of the department have successfully participated in international competitions and festivals in countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, and North Macedonia, as well as in the Baku Autumn and Baku International Jazz Festival competitions, receiving laureate awards.