The University of Chicago is home to world renowned scholars in ethnomusicology, as well as in music history, theory, and composition. To complement the academic and research activities of the ethnomusicology faculty, the Department of Music sponsors Early, Middle East, and South Asian Music Ensembles plus a Jazz X-tet and Jazz Combo, all led by experts in their fields. Membership in the Early and World Music Ensembles is open to all students, regardless of prior experience or knowledge of the genre, but some previous music experience is recommended and the ability to read music is required and some musical background is helpful. Membership in the Jazz ensembles is by competitive audition.