Graduate Degrees and Curriculum

Master of Music in Jazz Studies

For the advanced jazz student or the professional jazz artist wishing further study in performance, arranging, composition, and research. The M.M. in Jazz Studies also provides the academic credentials required for college teaching. The curriculum focuses on advanced concepts in improvisation, styles and analysis, jazz pedagogy, composing and arranging, and jazz history. There are weekly private lessons with a jazz artist/teacher as well as extensive combo, big band, and large jazz orchestra experience. Other studies are elective and emphasize areas of particular interest to jazz musicians, such as sound reinforcement, digital recording and editing, electronic music 20th Century music theory and history, and ethnic and world music.

Each entering student must take a diagnostic examination in Jazz History, Jazz Theory and Arranging, and Functional Jazz Piano. If test results show that additional study is needed in these areas, the student will take courses in these subjects without degree credit. If the student passes all diagnostic examinations, it is possible to complete the M.M. requirements in one school year (three quarters - fall, winter, spring) plus one summer quarter. However, most students choose to take two school years to complete the degree.

Each student presents a public recital with works representing a variety of historical and contemporary jazz styles and at least one original composition and arrangement. This performance is in addition to the numerous collaborative combo and big band concerts given by all students during each year of study.

MM Jazz Studies Curriculum   

Required Courses

Private Lessons (16 cr.)

Advanced Jazz Improvisation (9 cr.)

Jazz Styles and Analysis (9 cr.) 

Seminar in Jazz Pedagogy (3 cr.)

Graduate Research and Writing (3 cr.)

Composing and Arranging Electives (6cr.)selected from the following:


Jazz Composing/Arranging for Large Ensemble I
Jazz Composing/Arranging for Large Ensemble II
Advanced Jazz Composing/Arranging
Independent Study in Jazz Composition
Composition Elective

Music History or Music Theory Electives (6 cr.)-Suggested electives include:


World Music Lab (African)
World Music Lab (Afro-Cuban)
Analysis of 20th Century Music
Advanced Orchestration
16th Century Counterpoint
18th Century Counterpoint

 Electronic Music,Recording, Technology, and Business of Music Electives (6cr.)-Suggested Electives include

Suggested electives include:
Sound Reinforcement and Recording
Digital Recording and Editing
Introduction to Electronic Music I, II, III,
Theater Sound Technology
Digital Audio Systems
The Business of Music

Ensembles and Combos (6cr.)
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Total Quarter Credits-64

Additional Requirements

1. Each entering student must take the following diagnostic examinations. The classical Theory, Music History, and Piano diagnostic examinations are not required for MM Jazz Studies majors.

Diagnostic Examination in Jazz History. If test results are unsatisfactory, the student will be required to take one or more quarters of Jazz History (16-JZST-544,5,6) without degree credit.

Diagnostic Examination in Jazz Theory and Arranging. If test results are unsatisfactory, the student will be required to take one or more of the following: Jazz Theory I (16-JZST-514), Jazz Theory II (16-JZST-515), Jazz Arranging for Small Ensemble (16-JZST-516) without degree credit.

Diagnostic Examination in Functional Jazz Piano. If test results are unsatisfactory, the student will be required to take one or more quarters of Jazz Keyboard Skills (16-JZST-511,2,3) without degree credit.

2. Students are assigned by the faculty to at least two or three performing groups (big bands and/or combos) each quarter depending on the musical abilities of the student, the musical needs of the performing groups, and the amount of rehearsal and performance commitment involved in each group. This ensemble requirement during residency is an additional requirement beyond the minimum of 6 credits which are required for graduation.

3. Each student must perform a diagnostic board upon entering the program. The student must then complete two additional board appearances before members of the jazz faculty with a grade of “Satisfactory.”

4. Each student must perform one complete public recital program with a passing grade awarded by members of the jazz faculty. The program repertoire must be approved by the faculty prior to the recital.

5. Each student must successfully complete a one-hour oral examination before three members of the jazz faculty. Primary emphasis will be given to jazz history, jazz theory, jazz pedagogy, and the history and literature of the student’s instrument.

6. Students specializing in Lead Trumpet will be admitted with a somewhat reduced requirement for jazz improvisation skills. Their board requirements, recital program, private applied study, and improvisation class work will be adjusted for this emphasis.

Other Graduate Degrees

Many of the Master of Music Degrees and Doctoral Degrees at CCM offer the possibility of a Cognate (minor) in Jazz Studies. Other degrees may offer the possibility of electives in the jazz area. Please contact the Department Chair of the individual graduate programs or contact the Director of Jazz Studies for more information.

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