Major: Jazz Studies
From swing to bebop to free jazz, jazz music has a rich history. If you enjoy playing, hearing, composing, and studying jazz music, you might consider majoring in jazz studies.
At the heart of any jazz program are music theory courses that break down this musical genre into its technical parts and look at how jazz music moves between keys, chords, and modes. You’ll also study the history of jazz and its influence on other American musical traditions, such as the blues.
Students of jazz studies prepare for professional careers as jazz musicians and composers. Classes cover such topics as the history of jazz, music theory, and improvisation.
Did You Know?
Most jazz programs require students to play piano.
Are You Ready To...?
- Read and write about the history of jazz
- Listen to a lot of recorded and live music
- Develop your own style through improvisation
- Spend long hours practicing
- Attend rehearsals for one or more performance groups
- Perform solo recitals in front of a jury of professors
It Helps to Be...
A music lover who is self-disciplined and able to take criticism well. As a professional musician, you’ll also need to be comfortable performing in front of a crowd.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music?
- Is an audition required for admission?
- What is the background of the department’s faculty? Do professors perform regularly?
- Visiting campus? Is there enough room for everyone to practice and rehearse? Are there good acoustics?
- How many and what kinds of opportunities will you have to perform?
- What kinds of internships or summer programs will be open to you?
- Does the music library have plenty of jazz recordings for you to check out?
Did You Know?
Some of the greatest jazz performers are also well known as jazz scholars.
Course Spotlight
Improvisation is an essential skill for any jazz musician. A jazz composition often consists of chord progressions, which are just the framework of the song. The music relies upon the skill of the musicians to interpret and improvise based on the chord changes they see on the page. That’s why jazz students usually take a long series of courses on how to improve their improvisation skills.
