Undergraduate Jazz programs are broad, encompassing jazz performance, theory, history, composition/arranging, ensemble playing/singing, and improvisation.
Bachelor of Music in Jazz & African American Music Studies
The BM in Jazz & African American Music Studies is an intensive, professionally oriented degree, requiring eight semesters of study.
Bachelor of Arts in Jazz & African American Music Studies
The BA in Jazz & African American Music Studies is designed as part of liberal arts education experience, which may facilitate double-majoring in music and another subject. It is less musically intensive than the BM. Requirements may be completed in a minimum of six semesters.
Minor in Music Performance (Jazz)
The Jazz Minor is an option for focused music study while majoring in another subject. Requirements may be completed in a minimum of four semesters.
Graduate Jazz Programs include:
Master of Music in Jazz Composition/Arranging
The MM Jazz Composition/Arranging is intended for musicians who desire to pursue graduate study in the field of jazz studies in order to enhance their own artistry and prepare for professional careers in the jazz field.
Candidates for the MM Jazz Composition/Arranging may study one of the traditional jazz instruments: saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion/drums, bass, piano, voice, or guitar, as well as play in jazz ensembles.
Master of Music in Performance (Jazz Track)
The MM Performance (Jazz) is intended for students who desire to pursue graduate study in the field of performance in order to continue the development of their creative skills and their preparation for a career as a professional performer or studio teacher. The primary curricular emphasis is on the applied study of improvisation and performance.
Graduate certificates offer additional options for matriculated MM students studying other music disciplines at UMass.
Graduate Certificate in Jazz Composition/Arranging
A Graduate Certificate in Jazz Composition prepares post-baccalaureate performers, educators, theorists, historians, composers, and other musicians to compose and arrange in the
field of Jazz studies. Non-matriculating students will usually complete a certificate within one academic year (two semesters). Matriculating master’s students will usually distribute the certificate’s required courses (12 credits) over two years of study.
Prerequisites: Matriculated and non-matriculated students must have a baccalaureate degree with a music concentration before beginning coursework. Students must also submit a small portfolio of 1 to 3 pieces to the Jazz faculty and pass the Jazz Theory Diagnostic Exam to begin the certificate.
GPA Requirement: A grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course is counted toward a certificate.
Graduate Certificate in Jazz Performance
A Graduate Certificate in Jazz Performance prepares post-baccalaureate performers, educators, theorists, historians, composers, and other musicians to perform Jazz in a variety of settings. These credentials certify that students have acquired professional skills necessary to perform on their instrument or sing, making them more competitive on the job market. Matriculating master’s students will usually distribute a certificate’s required courses (11 credits) over two
years of study.
Prerequisites: Matriculated students must have a baccalaureate degree with a music concentration before beginning coursework. Students must also pass an audition to be accepted into a studio.
GPA Requirement: A grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course counted toward a certificate.
