Academic Programs Catalog

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Music, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies, an applicant must present a live performance audition before a committee of faculty in the jazz studies area, including the director of the jazz studies program and take the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination. For an applicant who has a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, the live performance audition may be waived at the discretion of the faculty in the jazz studies area. With the approval of the faculty in the jazz studies area, an applicant may be considered for admission to the program on the basis of a high-quality audio recording of a recent jazz performance. An applicant who submits an audio recording may be admitted only on provisional status pending the presentation of a live performance audition before the faculty in the jazz studies area and taking the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination. The live performance and the proficiency examination must be completed before the end of the first semester of enrollment in the program and must meet the requirements of the jazz studies area.

To be admitted to the Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, music performance, or music education from a recognized educational institution.
2. presented a live performance audition that demonstrates technical and improvisational skill equivalent to the level of Music 304 Advanced Jazz Musicianship IV.
3. demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge of jazz theory and jazz piano proficiency by passing the Jazz Musicianship Proficiency Examination with a grade of 3.5 or better.

Requirements for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies

The program is available only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 35 credits is required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. The student must meet the requirements specified below: