Graduate Certificates in Jazz Performance and Jazz Composition/Arranging

Graduate Certificate in Jazz Performance

Description: The 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: Earn a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course used toward a certificate.

Two core courses (8 credits): MusicApp 618 (Applied Lessons)

Two ensembles (2 credits) (To be selected from among the following courses):
MUSIC  570 University Jazz Ensemble
MUSIC  575 Chamber Jazz Ensemble
MUSIC  579 Vocal Jazz Ensemble

One Capstone Project that could consist of a half recital, lecture recital, or other creative project (to be determined in consultation with the main applied professor) (1 credit):
Either
Music 692N (S-Non-Degree Graduate Recital)
Or
Music 696 (Independent Study)

Preliminary permission to perform a graduate recital must be granted by way of a jury. These juries take place in December and May. All graduate recitals must pass a Pre-Recital Hearing, to be held approximately three weeks in advance of the scheduled recital.

 

Graduate Certificate in Jazz Composition/Arranging

Description: 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.

Prerequisite: Matriculated and nonmatriculated 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: Earn a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course used toward a certificate.

Course Requirements:
Four core courses (12 credits):
MUS 659: Composition Lessons (two semesters, 6 credits)
MUS 697G: Jazz Analysis I (3 credits)
MUS 595J: Jazz History (3 credits)

 

Link to printable PDFs with Description and Requirements (also stated on this page): 
Jazz Performance
Jazz Composition/Arranging

 

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAMS:

There is no formal application for these Certificate programs. Eligible students who have completed the prerequisites and course/project requirements will automatically be awarded the Certificate upon completion or graduation.

Please fill out the Certificate Eligibility Form on the Graduate School website, have it signed by the Graduate Program Director (Prof. Erinn Knyt), and submit to the Graduate Student Service Center, 534 Goodell, by the appropriate deadline listed on the form.