Jazz Studies

Overview

Jazz studies programs include topics such as:

• History and roots of jazz music
• Cultural influences
• Influential musicians of jazz and blues
• Composing and arranging jazz music
• Music composition theory

Students usually study performance as well. This includes:

• Performing in an ensemble or band
• Learning to improvise musically and be spontaneous

Schools

A few schools offer associate degrees in jazz studies. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years to complete.

Many schools offer bachelor's and graduate degrees in jazz studies. They are usually part of a music or ethnomusicology department. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• African-American and Black Studies
• Keyboard Instruments
• Music Composition and Theory
• Music History
• Music Technology
• Music, General
• Musicology and Ethnomusicology
• Voice and Opera Performance

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Music Composers, Directors, and Arrangers
• Musicians
• Singers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Music Therapists

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Nearly all schools require you to audition before you can enter their music programs. Audition requirements vary. Some schools ask you to send in a tape of your performance (be it vocal or instrumental). Several schools do not allow you to declare the jazz studies major until your sophomore year, and ask you to perform live before a jury. In this case, you may also perform with a group.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Band
• Chorus
• Individual Technique, Instrumental Music
• Individual Technique, Vocal Music
• Instrumental Ensembles
• Music History and Appreciation
• Music Theory
• Orchestra
• Vocal Ensembles

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in music, good grades, good test scores, and strong performance skills.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Letters of recommendation
• Audition or portfolio of compositions
• Personal interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Jazz Arranging
• Jazz Composition
• Jazz History
• Jazz Theory
• Ensemble Performance
• Combo Performance

In addition, you receive instruction in your particular interest area. You may focus on vocal performance or a particular instrument.

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate course work tends to vary from program to program. However, the outline of a typical graduate curriculum looks like the following:

• Core courses
• Elective courses
• Performances
• Thesis and thesis defense (master's degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree only)

Things to Know

Most jazz studies programs require students to give performances. Many schools host jazz festivals.

Schools

East Side Area

Central Washington University

• Music--Jazz Studies

Walla Walla University

• Music Performance

Washington State University - Pullman

• Music Performance--Jazz Emphasis (Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Percussion, and Bass)

Whitman College

• Music--Jazz

King-Snohomish Area

Cornish College of the Arts

• Music

Seattle Pacific University

• Music--Performance Project

University of Washington - Seattle

• Music Education--Post Baccalaureate Certification (Vocal or Instrumental Emphasis)
• Music Performance--Jazz Studies

Spokane Area

Eastern Washington University

• Music--Jazz Performance
• Music--Jazz Studies

Gonzaga University

• Music Education
• Music--Performance

Whitworth University

• Music--Jazz Performance

Tacoma Area

Pacific Lutheran University

• Music--Instrumental Performance