Music Schools Worldwide
Compare0

Subject · 426 verified programs

Jazz Studies: degrees, diplomas and programs

Programs focused on improvisation, ensemble playing and the history and language of jazz and related traditions.

Also called: Jazz Performance, Jazz and Improvised Music, Jazz and Contemporary Music, Jazz Composition, Jazzstudium, Jazz e musica improvvisata, Jazz et musiques improvisées.

139 BM / BMus · 75 MM / MMus · 53 BA / BA (Hons) · 41 Other bachelor’s award · 35 Other master’s award · 32 MA · 19 Certificate · 13 DMA · 5 BFA · 4 BS / BSc · 3 Other practice doctorate · 2 Graduate / postgraduate certificate · 2 Artist Diploma · 1 MFA · 1 PhD · 1 Graduate Diploma · 217 dedicated degree, 99 named major, 90 official concentration, 20 documented pathway

426 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About jazz studies study

Jazz studies is the academic and practical study of jazz, with improvisation at its center. Students learn to play and build solos over chord progressions, to comp and support other players, and to perform within small groups and big bands. Much of the learning happens by ear, through transcribing recordings, and through repeated live playing, with formal classes providing structure around that work.

Programs typically combine instrumental or vocal lessons, combo and large ensemble participation, jazz harmony and arranging classes, and listening and history courses covering the development of the style and its sub-genres. Rhythm section players and horn players, singers and composers often follow somewhat different course patterns within the same department.

Jazz studies is distinct from classical performance because it treats improvisation, swing and group interaction as core skills, and from popular music because of its repertoire and approach. Some programs extend into related traditions such as Latin jazz, blues or contemporary improvised music, and approaches differ between countries and schools.

What study typically involves

  • Improvisation over standard and original repertoire
  • Jazz harmony, theory and ear training
  • Small combo and big band playing
  • Transcription and listening to recorded jazz
  • Arranging and composing for jazz ensembles
  • Rhythm section skills such as comping, walking bass and time feel
  • Jazz history and stylistic development
  • Performance, bandleading and rehearsal skills

Award titles. Jazz study is commonly recognized through the BM or BMus in jazz studies, jazz performance or jazz composition, sometimes a BA, and at postgraduate level the MM or MMus. Some institutions offer postgraduate diplomas or artist diplomas, and practice doctorates such as the DMA exist in some countries. Titles and structure vary by country, and awards are not treated as equivalent here.

A program is listed under Jazz Studies only when it is a dedicated jazz degree, a named jazz major, an official jazz concentration or a documented jazz pathway. A single jazz ensemble taken for credit does not count. Instruments such as saxophone, drum set and bass guitar are tracked separately.

Auditions and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program and instrument. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Jazz auditions usually require prepared pieces that show contrasting styles or tempos, such as a ballad, a swing tune and sometimes a Latin or modern piece. Applicants are typically expected to improvise, and panels may ask for scales, chord tones or playing along with a rhythm section. Rhythm section players may demonstrate comping and time-keeping, and singers usually perform standards.

Many programs also test ear and theory, and some include sight-reading or a play-along section where the applicant responds to chord changes they have not prepared. Written statements or short interviews may be part of the process, and recordings can be accepted for first rounds.

Specific tunes, formats and expectations vary between institutions and countries. Check the official admissions page and do not rely on a single list. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also the guide to preparing for auditions.

Funding and costs

Funding may include audition-based scholarships, section or ensemble awards, tuition waivers and assistantships. Some institutions offer awards linked to big band or ensemble needs, and external foundations or competitions support jazz students in some regions.

Terms vary widely by institution and country, and many students receive partial support or none. Check directly with each program and funding body.

Costs beyond tuition. Possible costs include an instrument and amplifier or other gear, reeds and strings, printed or digital chart books, travel to audition, recording of audition material, and fees for gigs or sessions to build experience.