Best Universities offering graduate programs in Jazz/Jazz Studies

Ideally situated near the jazz capital of Chicago, Northwestern Jazz Studies program provides the ideal environment for jazz musicians.

The jazz studies program offers the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees.

Graduates of the jazz studies program can be found in a variety of important performance and university settings throughout the United States and abroad.

The Jazz Studies Program is supported in part by a grant from The Owen L. Coon Foundation.

Lecturer, Jazz Studies (Ensembles and Composition and Arranging).

Master of Music in Instrumental Performance with a Focus on Jazz Studies.

As a graduate student, you'll build technical instrumental skills, learn fluently speak the language of jazz, and develop your own individual musical voice and expression. You'll have intensive rehearsal and performance opportunities, both on and off campus, through our 40+ jazz ensembles through interaction with our Film Scoring, Music Technology, and Music Business programs and at some of the world greatest jazz venues, like Birdland and the Blue Note.

The program of study consists of core courses such as private instruction, ensemble, jazz arranging orchestration, and other jazz courses, as well as electives. With half of the degree credits available as elective study, you can tailor your curriculum toward your specific interests, musical goals, and career objectives in areas such as music technology, film scoring, music history, jazz music studies, and music business.

You may design a course of private study that includes two private lessons per semester, focusing on your declared area of study, as well as a secondary lesson selected from within the music department.

You will achieve a level of performance excellence that makes it possible for you to enter the professional field of jazz performance.

I studied with an inspiring roster of high-level professional artists. The program provided a great opportunity to network, which eventually led to auditioning and landing a job playing keyboards in the SNL band.

Not only did I improve my composition and arranging skills by studying with some of the best composers in the field, but getting my degree also led to securing a number of college teaching jobs later in my career.

Students not only learn basic techniques required to play jazz but also become familiar with the theory, grammar, and lexicon of the jazz language. Offered spring only.

Jazz Improvisation 1Develops skills in jazz improvisation through practical application of chord scale relationship, transcription, repertoire and analysis. Open to all instruments. Prereq., MUSC 3081. Offered fall only.

Acquaints the student with the language of jazz improvisation and various jazz styles. the ear, is developed through an in depth analytical study of the jazz masters through harmonic dictation identification Prereq., MUSC 2101. Offered spring only.

Students gain insights into performance and rehearsal techniques for the instrumental jazz ensemble. Explores approaches for teaching jazz theory, improvisation, and selecting literature for young students. Own instrument required for certain classes. Prereqs., MUSC 1111 and 2103. Offered spring only.

Topics include curriculum, program philosophy, teaching techniques, funding, teacher training, and evaluation. MUSC 3253 or equivalent. Offered fall only.

Students present results of reasearch on individually chosen topics or aspectws of a topic central to the class. Requires class presentations and a major paper or project. Prereq., Masters degree, MUSC 5091, MUSC Spring only. Offered every other year.

School of Music announces first chamber music residency.

Major Areaa) Jazz composition studies (8 credits of MUSC 716)b) Non jazz composition studies (2 credits of MUSC 516 or 716)c) Jazz studies (9 credits from MUSC 524, 713, 714, 786)d) Composition recital (1 credit of MUSC 790).

Ensemble requirement: Minimum of two semesters in an appropriate jazz ensemble (MUSC 734).

Major Areaa) Applied studies (8 credits of MUSC 711Z)b) Jazz studies (9 credits from MUSC 524, 713, 714, 786)c) Recital (1 credit of MUSC 796)d) Jazz Combo (2 credits of MUSC 735).

Prerequisites: Bachelor degree in jazz performance (or the equivalent), including keyboard skills.

The master degree in Jazz Studies consists of advanced training in Jazz Performance and support academic areas vital to the field. Studio and ensemble experiences are combined with rigorous coursework to provide comprehensive training in performance and scholarship. Intensive studio training and the proper blend of supportive academic coursework are designed to prompt students to enhance technical expertise while further honing a unique creative artistic vision.

Full-Time Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full or part-time basis.

Accreditation: This degree program has been submitted for Plan Approval by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Areas of Specialization: Study focuses on performance of the major instrument in both solo and ensemble settings combined with academic support areas in music. Students must select a concentration from among these major instruments:.

Job Prospects: The program prepares musicians for either professional activity or doctoral study.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may enroll in select courses in music with permission, but may not take applied lessons until they have been fully admitted and matriculated.

Financing Opportunities: Boyer College of Music and Dance offers a number of assistantships and academic internships to matriculated graduate students. Full awards carry a cash stipend plus full tuition remission for the Fall and Spring terms. Duties for assistantships and internships vary, but typically include teaching, tutoring, classroom assistance, research, artistic performance and or direct service related to academic programs. Assistantship and internship awards are made only in the Fall term for up to two terms: Fall and Spring. Awards may be renewed on an annual basis (typically up to one additional year for master students and up to three years for doctoral students) based on departmental needs as well as satisfactory academic and musical progress by the recipient.

Applications are processed as they arrive. Late applications may be considered for admission.

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators who can provide insight into an applicant abilities, talents and aptitude for graduate study.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate Bachelor of Music degree at Temple University, which is based on a curriculum of 124 to 135 hours.

Bachelor Degree in Discipline Related Discipline: A degree in Music is expected.

Statement of Goals: Share your special interests within the discipline and expectations for the program.

The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Other: Due to the large number of applications for admission and the competitive nature of its music programs, the College admits only a portion of its applicants. In addition to the general admissions credentials required of all Temple University graduate applicants, specialized admission criteria (i.e., auditions, portfolios, interviews, recommendations, departmental term papers, and standardized examinations) are very heavily weighted in admission decisions of the Boyer College of Music and Dance.

General Program Requirements:Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30.

Select from Music, Music Education, Music Studies, or other graduate departments. At least 3 credits must be in academic, non-performance coursework.

All degree credits are to be earned at Temple University.

Diagnostic Examinations: All entering Master of Music students in Jazz Studies are required to take Diagnostic Examinations in Jazz Theory and Jazz Styles and Analysis prior to the first term of graduate study. Depending on the examination results, students may be required to take one or remedial courses. In these instances, the remedial courses will be graded on a Credit No Credit basis and the official university transcript will indicate CR (for Credit, meaning that the deficiency has been satisfied) or NC (for No Credit, meaning that the deficiency has not been satisfied). Students must have a B or better average in any remedial course or section thereof to earn the grade of Credit and to satisfy the requirement.

Students may take the test only once, and if they do not pass the test or any portion thereof, they must enroll in the remedial course(s) during their first term of study. Depending on which section(s) of the examination are failed, the examiners will stipulate which sections of remedial coursework the student must take. The courses are:.

The requirement to take the Diagnostic Examination in any area is waived only for graduates of the Boyer College of Music and Dance who.

Professional Development Policy: In addition to taking the required subjects for their degrees, all students in the Boyer College of Music and Dance are obligated to serve in a number of capacities in order to enrich their academic and musical expertise. Boyer College of Music and Dance believes that such experiences give impetus to successful professional careers. Among the duties that may be required are conducting laboratory classes tutoring teaching private lessons coaching participating in the distribution and inventory control of Temple University-owned musical instruments and instructional materials participating in ensembles accompanying performing at admissions and open house events supervising performance classes and engaging in other academic activities.

Approval is granted only after the student has presented a detailed description of the intended independent study project. Approval of independent study projects is granted only for students whose academic and musical record provides substantial support for the benefits of this type of study. In no case may than 20% of a graduate student curriculum be taken as independent study. Private lessons beyond those required in the curriculum are not an appropriate form of independent study.

Acceptable English: All students, including those for whom English is not the native language, are expected to present all written work in acceptable English. No double standard exists to differentiate students on the basis of proficiency in the use of the English language. Students are also responsible for becoming familiar with the College statement on plagiarism and academic honesty.

Graduate Private Lesson Policy: Weekly one-hour private lessons are provided for all matriculated master and doctoral performance majors in good standing, provided at least three additional credits of programmatically required graduate-level study are taken simultaneously. A $250 per term lesson fee (subject to change without notice) is charged for all private lessons. Tuition remission may not be used to cover the private lesson fee.

Recital Extension: Students withdrawing from the recital requirement during the recital term receive an Incomplete and must register for extended study for non-degree credit (MUSC 5000 Recital Extension for 2 credits). Recital Extension must be taken each term until the recital has been presented. This course is offered on a Credit No Credit basis only. Upon satisfactory completion of the recital, the Incomplete for the recital course is replaced by a letter grade and MUSC 5000 Recital Extension is issued a grade of CR. Credit derived from Recital Extension is not counted toward degree requirements.

Recital Extension Fees: Tuition for these additional terms of private study is the cost of 2 graduate credits plus a $500 Recital Extension fee. Graduate assistantships and other forms of University-sponsored financial aid do not cover the Recital Extension fee.

Students who register for Recital Extension during the Summer may perform their recitals during the first three weeks of the Fall term. However, any student who does not take Recital Extension during the Summer may not present the recital in the Fall term, regardless of the date, without also registering for the Fall term of Recital Extension.

Inability to present the recital after one term of Recital Extension may be grounds for dismissal from the degree program for failing to maintain reasonable academic progress.

Incompletes: All incomplete grades and keyboard proficiencies must be fulfilled by the first day of the month in which the student expects to graduate.

Culminating Events:Comprehensive Final Project: Embedded in MUST 8184 Jazz Major (Recital), the final project is based on the total studio experience and the final recital, the program of which demonstrates completed research, composition and arranging.

A Recital Permission Form indicating the private teacher approval for performance of the graduation recital must be signed by the private teacher and submitted six weeks prior to the recital. (If the recital is in the first five weeks of the Spring term, the form must be submitted two weeks before the end of the Fall term.) If required by the private teacher, a Recital Permission Jury must be scheduled at least four weeks prior to the recital. If the form is not submitted or a required jury is not scheduled, the department reserves the right to cancel or postpone the recital.

CCM graduates follow careers in every facet of the performing arts and entertainment industries. CCM alumni perform as soloists, pursue careers in chamber music and hold positions in ensembles around the globe, including those in major symphony orchestras, opera companies, military bands, jazz combos and much . Graduates are also equipped to pursue careers as private teachers or continue on to advanced study.

The requirements for entrance and graduation in all music programs are in accordance with the published regulations of NASM.

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

Study alongside peer musicians to deepen your knowledge of jazz compositions and performance, and learn from professional music educators to perfect your skills through one-on-one lessons.

Choose Webster for a Master of Music in Jazz Studies.

Because this graduate music degree requires private music lessons and participation in ensembles, it is only offered at the Webster Groves, Missouri campus, just 15 minutes outside of St. Louis.

Our Master of Music Jazz Studies graduates have gone on to manage private music studios, perform in St. Louis and across the world, release new music and recordings and tour with ensembles or other musicians professionally.

Jobs in the music field, especially those related to performance and composition, are expected to grow over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can feel confident knowing that earning your graduate music degree will be a worthwhile investment.

A graduate music degree can give you a career boost as a music educator, performer or composer.

Take the next step toward earning your Master of Music in Jazz Studies. We are here to help you get started.

One of the oldest jazz studies degree programs in the country, Wayne State Music offers a Bachelor of Music in jazz studies and a Master of Music in jazz performance. Students who audition are automatically qualified for talent-based scholarships.

There are many opportunities to perform with one of our jazz ensembles, regardless of if you are a jazz studies major or not.

Check out our a sample jazz studies audition video.

Jazz and Studio Music studies fuse performance, composition and arranging into a program that lets you express yourself musically. With an emphasis on practical skills, our NASM-accredited program will equip you to appreciate and play the wide variety of music demanded of professional musicians today.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studio Composition Arranging.

The Composition Arranging Concentration provides professional training for students pursuing careers as composers and arrangers. You receive intensive instruction in a core of technical studies that includes performance, composition and arranging into a program that lets you express yourself musically. The jazz composition major will develop skills sufficient to pursue a professional career as a jazz writer or to gain entry to graduate programs in jazz studies in preparation for an academic career in the fields of jazz theory, composition, and improvisation.

Jazz and Studio Composition students will master the knowledge of pedagogical methods to assist in the conceptual and technical development of students new to the jazz experience.

Jazz and Studio Composition students will possess technical and conceptual mastery of jazz phrasing in various historical jazz styles.

Jazz and Studio Composition students will achieve professional-level artistry and skills as composers through developing original material, technical mastery of their instruments, interpretive skills, and ensemble experience.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studio Performance.

The Performance Concentration provides professional training for career and leadership roles in jazz and related fields of contemporary music by promoting flexible musicianship and an understanding of the jazz tradition. You receive intensive instruction in jazz performance, composition, arranging, history, theory, aural skills and pedagogy. The jazz performance major will develop skills sufficient to pursue a professional career as a jazz musician or to gain entry to graduate programs in jazz studies in preparation for a career as a professional performer, music arranger or composer, or teacher.

Jazz and Studio Performance students will master the knowledge of pedagogical methods to assist in the conceptual and technical development of students new to the jazz experience.

Jazz and Studio Performance students will exhibit excellence through technical mastery of their instruments, superior listening ability and the development of a personal conceptual approach to improvisation and composition.

Jazz and Studio Performance students will achieve professional-level artistry and skills as performers through developing original material, technical mastery of their instruments, interpretive skills, and ensemble experience.

Master of Music in Jazz Studio Music.

The Master of Music degree program with a jazz studies specialization focuses on individual jazz instruction, improvisation, ensemble work, history and pedagogy. You will further develop professional-level skills with an emphasis on the art of jazz and the professional side of being a studio musician.

Graduate assistantships and scholarships are available but highly competitive.

Jazz and Studio Music students will master the ability to write musical arrangements for both jazz combos and big bands using current notational software.

Jazz and Studio Music students will possess critical and aesthetic judgment while improvising, composing or arranging that is informed by extensive listening to and analysis of the recorded legacy of jazz.

Jazz and Studio Music students will achieve professional-level artistry and skills as performers and composers through developing original material, technical mastery of their instruments, interpretive skills, and ensemble experience.

View the Master of Music in Jazz Studio Music sample degree plan.