Overview

This program strives to identify, recruit, and retain high quality students who are seeking to develop jazz performance expertise beyond that developed in the bachelor's degree. We maintain, present, and develop performance and outreach programs that enable the jazz department to serve as a cultural resource in South Florida. We strive to provide a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment that respects tradition, reflects current professional trends, fosters innovation, and stimulates growth among students and faculty alike.

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the Frost School must submit the following items:

·       An online application

·       Application fee

·       Resume

·       Three letters of recommendation

·       Official transcripts from every post-secondary school attended

This graduate degree program also requires submission of certain supplemental materials, including:

·       Prescreen/Performance

·       Live audition (preferred)

·       Writing sample

·       TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable

For more detailed information, please visit our Graduate Admission website.

Curriculum Requirements

Major Area
Applied Lessons8
Jazz Ensembles 14
Jazz Improvisation (Choose from)6
Advanced Improvisation I
Advanced Improvisation II
Advanced Jazz Improvisation Theory
MSJ 812Master's Recital1
Jazz Composition/Arranging (Choose from)3
Jazz Composition Seminar I
Jazz Composition Seminar II
Advanced Modern Arranging I
Advanced Modern Arranging II
Other Studies in Music (Choose from)3
Jazz Pedagogy and Administration
Analysis of Jazz Styles
Artist Development
Choose one of the following:3
The Teaching Artist
Arts Leadership
World of the Working Musician
Media Creation
Peak Performance Strategies for Musicians
Communication, Marketing, and Publicity for the Musical Artist
Electives
Approved Electives (Choose from)8
Large Jazz Ensemble Conducting and Repertoire
Preliminary Masters Recital
Jazz Piano Class I
Jazz Piano Class II
Jazz Percussion Techniques
Jazz Ensemble
Applied Jazz Instruction Jazz I
Applied Jazz Instruction II
Additional course(s) in MCY, MED, MIN, MIP, MSJ, MSP, MTC, MTY, MUE, MUS
Comprehensive Masters Jury
Total Credit Hours36
1

 Total Ensemble credits for degree may not exceed 8 credits. Student must participate in at least one assigned ensemble each semester. 

Sample Plan of Study 

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
MSJ XX6 Applied Lessons 2
Choose from: 3
Advanced Improvisation I  
Advanced Improvisation II  
Advanced Jazz Improvisation Theory  
Choose from: 3
Advanced Modern Arranging I  
Jazz Pedagogy and Administration  
Jazz Composition Seminar I  
Jazz Ensemble 1
Approved Elective 1
 Credit Hours10
Spring
MSJ XX6 Applied Lessons 2
Choose from: 3
Advanced Improvisation I  
Advanced Improvisation II  
Advanced Jazz Improvisation Theory  
Choose from: 3
Analysis of Jazz Styles  
Advanced Modern Arranging II  
Jazz Composition Seminar II  
Jazz Ensemble 1
Approved Elective 1
 Credit Hours10
Year Two
Fall
MSJ XX6 Applied Lessons 2
Artist Development Course 3
Jazz Ensemble 1
Approved Elective(s) 3
 Credit Hours9
Spring
MSJ XX6 Applied Lessons 2
Jazz Ensemble 1
MSJ 812 Master's Recital 1
Approved Elective(s) 3
Comprehensive Masters Jury  
 Credit Hours7
 Total Credit Hours36

* This is a suggested Plan of Study.  Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings.  Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Music Degree program in Studio Music and Jazz Performance is to prepare jazz musicians to enter the music profession and/or pursue doctoral studies. The Master of Music Program in Jazz Performance provides students with opportunities for advanced instrumental or vocal study, jazz improvisation and interaction development, and both small and large group ensemble experience. Our principle focus is on the development of high-level performance skills that will enable a student to pursue a career as a professional studio/jazz musician. 

Goals

The specific objectives are:

  • Provide students with advanced jazz performance expertise beyond that developed in the bachelor's degree;
  • To prepare students to meet the challenges facing professional musicians today;
  • Provide students with an understanding of jazz tradition, current professional trends and an ability to innovate.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate instrumental performance skills and academic understanding of the historical, theoretical, and performance practice necessary to be competitive in jazz and contemporary music professions.
  • Students will develop proficiency in ensemble performance skills necessary for participation and functionality in the jazz and contemporary music professions.
  • Students will develop proficiency in improvisation, composition, arranging, and interaction skills necessary for successful performance within the jazz idiom and a variety of styles appropriate to the jazz and contemporary music profession.