M.M. in Studio Jazz Writing

Overview

The Master of Music program in Studio/Jazz Writing provides students with opportunities for advanced study in jazz and studio arranging, composition and orchestration. The overriding goal is to help students develop a high-level skill set that will enable him or her to pursue a career as a professional arranger/composer, orchestrator, film and media composer and educator. Students encounter a creative, challenging and nurturing educational experience that respects tradition, reflects current professional trends, fosters innovation and stimulates growth among students and faculty alike.

Studio/Jazz Writing is a unique and intense two-year course of study that includes writing for large and small jazz ensembles, symphonic orchestra, large and small jazz vocal ensembles and writing for film and media. In addition, studio/jazz writing majors learn “hands on” how to run a recording studio. Students gain experience recording, mixing and mastering their own writing projects. All SJW (Studio/Jazz Writing) majors receive training in Pro Tools Digital recording and have access to the jazz departments 24 channel Pro Tools HD2 Recording Studio and a Pro Tools 8 channel studio/mixing lab. Additional course work also includes Virtual Orchestration: creating mock-ups of orchestral scores with our extensive sample library. SJW students writing projects are recorded by award winning ensembles including the Frost School of Music: Concert Jazz Band, HMI Studio Orchestra, Studio Jazz Band, Jazz Vocal 1 and Frost Symphony Orchestra. 

Alumni from this program are working throughout the music industry as: film and game composers, feature film orchestrators, trailer and library music composers, concert music composers, music producers, music directors, studio session players and educators (public school, colleges and universities).

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:

·       Portfolio

·       Writing sample

·       TOEFL/IELTS score, as applicable

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

Curriculum Requirements

¹

Students in this degree program take MSJ 775 four times, at 1 credit each for a total of 4 credits

Sample Plan of Study

* 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 program in Studio Jazz Writing is to prepare composers/arrangers to enter the music profession and to provide students with opportunities for advanced study in jazz and studio arranging, composition and orchestration with an emphasis on the development of high-level skills that will enable him or her to pursue a career as a professional arranger/composer. We aim to develop student jazz writing skills beyond those developed during the Bachelor's degree.

The program objectives are:

• Identify, recruit, and retain high quality students who are seeking to develop their jazz and studio writing skills beyond that developed in their undergraduate programs;
• Evaluate, revise, and develop curricular offerings to continue to meet the challenges facing professional musicians today;
• Maintain, present, and develop performance and outreach programs that will enable the jazz department to serve as a cultural resource in South Florida;
• Provide a creative, challenging, and nurturing educational experience that respects jazz tradition, reflects current professional trends, fosters innovation, and stimulates growth among students and faculty alike.

Goals

• Provide students with opportunities for advanced study in jazz and studio arranging.
• Provide students with opportunities for advanced study in orchestration.
• Provide students with opportunities for advanced study in composition.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to write an arrangement for large jazz ensemble (Big Band).
• Students will demonstrate an appropriate level of skill in adapting (orchestrating) music for a symphony orchestra with attention to idiomatic writing for the four choirs of the orchestral strings, winds, brass and percussion.
• Students will demonstrate musical composition/arranging, audio production, and academic skills necessary for successful participation in professional musical environments.