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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Area | ||
| Applied Lessons | 8 | |
| Jazz Ensembles 1 | 4 | |
| Jazz Improvisation (Choose from) | 6 | |
| Advanced Improvisation I | ||
| Advanced Improvisation II | ||
| Advanced Jazz Improvisation Theory | ||
| MSJ 812 | Master's Recital | 1 |
| 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 MSJ, MCY, MIP, MED, MMI, MTC, MUS | ||
| Comprehensive Masters Jury | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 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
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit 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 Hours | 10 | |
| 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 Hours | 10 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSJ XX6 Applied Lessons | 2 | |
| Artist Development Course | 3 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | 1 | |
| Approved Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSJ XX6 Applied Lessons | 2 | |
| Jazz Ensemble | 1 | |
| MSJ 812 | Master's Recital | 1 |
| Approved Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Comprehensive Masters Jury | ||
| Credit Hours | 7 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
* 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.
